8th Grade Literature-Composition
Ms. Simmons
bsimmons@areteprepacademy.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/areteprepacademy.org/briyannahsimmons
Course Description
The 8th Grade Literature and Composition class builds on the foundation of careful reading and writing set down in the 7th grade. This year, you will continue to analyze and discuss great literature, with particular emphasis on the questions: What does it mean to be brave?” And “How should we treat people?” Students will continue to develop, complicate, and sophisticate their writing as a result of this analysis and discussion. By the end of the year, you will be ready for the Humane Letters seminar, reading and writing requirements.
Texts
Beowulf (Q1)
The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare (Q1)
The Chosen, Potok (Q2)
The Lord of the Flies, Golding (Q3)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Q3)
To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee (Q4)
Grading
A successful student is one who shows eagerness to learn, asks thoughtful questions, contributes to class discussions, and works hard to make the material their own. This class is difficult, and it is so intentionally. Described below are the ways in which students are expected to engage in that difficulty in the interest of academic growth:
Participation – 30%
In Literature and Composition III, a participation grade is based on “Do Now” work, seminar, preparedness, and attitude in class. For more detailed information on what is expected for participation, please see the Participation Rubric.
Writing – 30%
We will spend copious amounts of time writing. Assignments which will be counted towards a student’s grade will be our weekly essays (every Thursday), larger essays at the end of texts, and the prewriting for these essays.
Reading – 15%
Reading is foundational to the work in this class. A student will really struggle if they do not keep up with the reading. As well, completion of reading assignments is required for seminar participation. Reading assignments include annotation checks and reading comprehension quizzes.
Grammar – 15%
Our language is governed by rules, grammar, and if we don’t observe and follow those rules, communication falls apart. As such, it is important that we make certain that students understand the rules of grammar and how to apply them in their writing. Grammar scores will come from completion of grammar worksheets and results from grammar tests.
Daily Write- 10%
For the first 5-8 minutes of class every day students will write a response to a prompt. The goal of this task is writing fluency. The expectation is that the pen/pencil remains on the paper, writing, for the whole duration of time. Grading will be based primarily, but not exclusively on writing fluency. Daily Writes is not a time to discuss absences or ask questions- it is a time to prepare for the class ahead.
Absence & Make-Up Work
Homework will be posted on the website at the beginning of each week. For this reason students will be expected to have their homework completed even when absent. If the absence is a serious illness and the student is not able to complete the reading he/she should bring a note (or parents may email me). This includes the night’s reading.
Required and Recommended Materials
Lined 2-subject Notebook*
Pencil
Current text we are reading
Folder (recommended)
Water bottle (recommended)
Personal dictionary (recommended)
*Students are expected to have a two-subject notebook. If they aren’t able to access a two-subject notebook, they may have a regular notebook which is divided into two sections: grammar/writing notes and seminar opening questions/notes.
Expectations and Respect in the Classroom
Students are expected to be respectful of their teacher, classmates, and the curriculum. This entails coming prepared every day, coming on-time to class, being in proper uniform attire, and maintaining an attitude of kindness and politeness during our discussions.
Tutoring and Extra Help
If you would like assistance in your understanding of concepts, completing your homework assignments, or assistance with your essays, you are encouraged to utilize my tutoring times:
Tues. during Lyceum in rm. 102
Thurs. afterschool in rm. 102
If you need other assistance or need to give me an update, also feel free to reach out to my email.