Palomino 8th Grade Language Arts Syllabus
Teacher: Ms. Isabella Sajdak
Contact Information: isajdak@dcsdk12.org
Classroom: Palomino, D-201
School Year: 2025-2026
Welcome to 8th Grade Language Arts!
Greetings! This year promises new challenges and a plethora of fun as we delve into the world of literature, writing, and effective communication. Below is an overview of what you can expect from this course and what is expected of you:
Course Overview:
In this course, you will enhance your reading, writing, and communication skills through a variety of engaging activities and assignments. The curriculum is designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of literature, improve your ability to express your ideas clearly and effectively, and develop crucial academic skills to succeed in 8th grade and prepare for high school. We will be using the StudySync curriculum as our primary resource, which will guide our exploration of key topics and themes.
Materials:
1 Standard Sized Spiral Notebook
Standard Ruled Paper (x1 pack)
Pens/Pencils
Highlighters
Folder (x1)
Free-reading book
Colored pencils/markers (helpful, but not required)
Key Areas of Focus:
- Literature Comprehension and Analysis: We will read and analyze a variety of texts, focusing on theme, character, plot, tone, author’s purpose/point of view, figurative language, and more!
- Poetry: You will explore different forms of poetry, learning its essential qualities and writing methods. You will additionally create your own poetry – all students are encouraged to submit their work to the Young American Poetry Digest and become a published poet!
- Creative Writing: This includes storytelling, descriptive writing, and narrative techniques.
- Argumentative/Informational Writing: You will learn to construct well-supported theses and write informative and argumentative essays.
- Speech and Debate: We will work on public speaking skills, including how to deliver persuasive speeches, participate in debates and socratic seminars, effectively use rhetoric, and identify logical fallacies.
- Academic Research: You will learn how to gather, evaluate, and cite reliable academic sources in your writing.
- Formal Style and Grammar Usage: Emphasis will be placed on writing with correct grammar, punctuation, and adherence to formal MLA writing conventions.
Novel Studies:
We will conduct in-depth studies of the following novels:
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
- Maus II: A Survivor’s Tale: And Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegelman
These texts will serve as the foundation for many of our discussions, essays, and projects throughout the year.
Resources:
- Workbooks: You will be provided with a workbook that aligns with the StudySync curriculum.
- StudySync Website: Access to StudySync will allow you to complete assignments, access reading materials, and engage with multimedia content.
- Google Classroom: All class materials, assignments, and updates will be posted on Google Classroom. If you are absent or need to catch up, please check the daily class slideshows to stay on track.
Expectations:
- Independence and Self-Advocacy: You are expected to take ownership of your learning. This includes keeping up with assignments, seeking help when needed, communicating with your teachers, and making up for any missed classwork. This course will provide you with the necessary tools to prepare for and succeed in 8th grade and prepare for high school.
- Diligence and Participation: Consistent participation in class discussions, activities, and assignments is crucial for your academic success. Students should take responsibility for their learning and show up prepared and willing to participate every day.
- Respect: You are a capable and valued individual! Please show respect for yourself, your classmates, and the classroom environment at all times.
Homework Policy:
Class time will be provided to complete assignments– students who utilize class time effectively will have little to no homework. However, any unfinished work must be completed at home. If you miss a due date, you will have 2 weeks to submit the assignment before receiving a permanent “0.”
Academic Integrity:
Cheating or plagiarism, including use of AI to complete any tests or assignments, will result in an automatic “0” for the task. We take academic honesty seriously and expect all students to uphold these standards.
Contact and Support:
If you have any questions, concerns, or need extra help, please feel free to reach out to me via email. I am available to help students before school and during Colts Community. Phone calls with parents/guardians may be scheduled during school hours via email.
Looking forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth! :)
– Ms. Isabella Sajdak, 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher
isajdak@dcsdk12.org