English Syllabus

Syllabus

8th Grade English

Instructor: Ms. Paget Thomas

Office Phone: 918-366-2201 ext.2758

Email: pthomas@bixbyps.org

Lesson Plans - Lesson plans will be available each week at my website through Bixby Public Schools; www.bixbyps.org (Middle School/Teacher & Staff Sites/English/Paget Thomas).

Journals – Students will write reflective pieces, responses to art.

Special Projects – Creativity is always encouraged and nurtured. If students initiate a special project, please assist students by helping with necessary supplies. I’m a big fan of using recycled materials and tools we already possess. Save the earth and money!

Goals, Impacts, Gratitude, and Reflections (Daily) – Students will practice skills reaching long-term goals, helping others, and remaining aware of positive aspects of life.

Socratic Research – The class will choose a weekly topic. Each student will research and document two facts including citations in MLA format. Students will lead a discussion every Thursday.

Quizzes (Thursdays) – Students will be quizzed over literary terms and topics discussed in class.

Supplies Needed:

  • 1 3-pronged folder with pockets or 3-ring binder with pockets (for English only)
  • 2 Composition Notebooks (one black pattern, one of your choice)
  • 1 Spiral Notebook (at least 70 count)
  • 1 100 count package of colored 3x5 index cards
  • 1 200 count package of white 3x5 index cards
  • 4 highlighters (different colors)
  • 1 red, 1 black, & 1 blue pen
  • Pencils/Paper

♦If you are unable to purchase these supplies for personal reasons, please contact me confidentially.♦

Curriculum: This year our learning focus will cover, but is not limited to, these essential elements:

Informational Texts: close analytical reading to include narrative, expository, descriptive, and argument essays; speeches, biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, and articles

Literature: close analytical reading of short stories, novels, and poetry

Writing: emphasis on diction, analytical responses connected to assigned readings, journals, multi-level paragraph development, poetry; paragraphs and essays to include: narrative, expository, descriptive, and argumentative

Presentation: well-developed oral interpretations of literature, constructive suggestions to improve conveyance of meaning, positive reinforcement of mastered skills

Literary Devices and Genres: extensive study of both

Research: MLA formatting, documentation, citation, presentation in various modes (digital, oral, visual)

The review of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling is integrated into all literature and writing instruction.

Classroom Procedures:

Make-up work: It is the student's responsibility to find out what they missed. Students have the same number of days they are absent to make up work.

Late-work: Assignments turned in late will receive 50% credit; students may earn up to 75% credit on late work by attending Zero hour or 7th hour (must be assigned by Ms. Thomas). Repeat offenders will be assigned Saturday School. Please contact me if you have had a family emergency.

Prearranged Absences: Any student who knows in advance that he/she will be absent (this includes study trips and athletic events) is required to collect work for the missed day(s) prior to being absent. The work is due the day the student returns.

Discipline: Disruptive behavior will first be handled between the student and myself. If the behavior continues, parental contact will be made. If the problem persists, the student will be sent to the office. Please refer to the Bixby Middle School student handbook for school rules and discipline guidelines.

Plagiarism - Plagiarism is cheating and will not be accepted. Students are given ample time and support to complete assignments. If a student plagiarizes, he/she will receive a zero. Students may have the option, at my discretion, to attend Saturday School to complete the assignment for half credit.

Cell Phones: All cell phones must be turned off and put away. If I see/hear them (without permission), they will be confiscated and turned into the office.

Grades: Daily Goals, Journals, Classwork/Homework, Quizzes, Tests, Written Reports/Papers, Projects. Formative Grades= 30% of total grade. Formative assignments are assignments in which students are learning and practicing concepts that are currently being taught. Summative Grades= 70% of total grade. Summative assignments evaluate what the student has mastered. Summative work includes tests, quizzes, writing assignments, and projects.