Eighth Grade Syllabus
Welcome to the eighth grade language arts program. This syllabus was created for two reasons. The
first is to share with you the goals we’ll strive to accomplish this year. The second is to give you an
overview of the work that will help us achieve these goals.
Goals -
1. Reinforce knowledge and use of grammar
2. Increase and incorporate vocabulary
3. Promote steady exposure to a wide range of literature
a. Recognize and respond to the use of literary devices
b. Reflect on author intent and personal reactions
c. Form and declare individual opinions through detailed analysis
4. Improve writing skills
a. Create original writings and summarize existing information
b. Apply NV writing formats
1. Majors and Minors
2. Research paper
5. Prepare for High school
a. Strategize and review for tests (including NJ ASK)
b. Sharpen decision making skills
c. Experience personal growth
Grammar-
Grammar concepts will be introduced each Tuesday. You will receive a relevant homework
assignment that will be due on Thursday. You will be tested after we have completed each unit of
study. Of course, grammar plays a crucial role throughout all of our studies, so it will be
incorporated whenever applicable.
Spelling -
On many occasions our spelling lessons will be linked to vocabulary and literature, however most of
the time they will be derived from comprehensive workbook lessons, which teach spelling skills
including identification of patterns and phonemic elements. These lessons will also provide
opportunities to apply various spelling strategies enabling you to use your knowledge in your
everyday writing.
Vocabulary –
We will approach vocabulary expansion in a couple of ways. Vocabulary words will be taken directly
from the literature we are reading and we will enhance and reinforce our skills by completing lessons
in our Vocabulary Workshop workbooks. Also, our goal to improve our vocabularies will be helped
along by various word games and analogy practice throughout the year.
Writing –
Writing will continue to be a major focus this year in a continuing effort to help you find and hone
your craft. We will spend a fair amount of time on essay and research paper formats as well as
revision and editing skills. Writing will also be embedded in our literature lessons. Some of the
assignments you will be responsible for are:
1. Five- paragraph summer reading analysis response paper
2. An original myth
3. At least three final draft of each type of essay
Persuasive
Expository
4. Book reports
Literary analysis
Oral report
Reading Workshop response journals
Personal Response Journals
5. A 4-5 page research project
6. Poetry
Literature –
During the year we will focus on learning solid reading strategies, choosing, responding and
recognizing aspects of various genres of literature, and becoming familiar with our individual
reading abilities including finding effective methods to improve our reading skills.
In order to do this we will employ a variety of techniques:
Whole Class Readings: Students will read specific stories, novels, poems, expository essays,
technical pieces and non-fiction.
Fiction: Night - Wiesel
To Kill A Mockingbird - Lee
The Lord of The Flies – Golding
Mythology Various Greek Myths
Modern re-telling
Shakespeare: Hamlet,
King Lear
Macbeth
Short Stories: Various Short Stories
Poetry: Classic and modern
Bronx Masquerade - Grimes
Literature Circles: Students get to choose from three or more possible titles and will work
together discussing and getting involved in reading.
Of Mice and Men – Steinbeck
Old Man and the Sea – Hemingway
Animal Farm – Orwell
Fahrenheit 451 - Bradbury
Reading Workshop: Students choose from classroom library, have mini-lessons on reading
techniques and reflect in writing about their reading, usually in journal format. (Reading workshop
will most likely be incorporated into our curriculum during the third and fourth marking periods.)