Mrs. Young
8th Grade Literature
Pre-AP 8th Grade Literature
Email: youngb@deercreek.k12.ok.us
Website: http://TeacherWeb.com/OK/DeerCreekMiddleSchool/BlairYoung
Phone: 348-4830 ext. 656 Homework Hotline: 348-4830 ext. 688
Course Objectives
Present traditional and contemporary literature for the student to read, comprehend, analyze,
interpret, and enjoy. Students will learn and employ literary elements to make meaning from a
wide variety of texts, including short stories, poetry, novels, plays, mythology and nonfiction.
Students will demonstrate knowledge by participating in class discussions, completing individual
and group assignments, and passing exams.
Monthly Novels
Each student must read at least one novel per month, except for August and December. Students
will be assessed with an AR test or a writing assignment; this will count as a test grade.
Students have a choice of reading an Accelerated Reader or non-Accelerated Reader novel.
Students who select a non-AR novel will need to see me each month to log their novel and get the
writing assignment (spelling, punctuation, and mechanics will count in their written grade).
Novels included in the course curriculum (see attached) will not count toward the student¡¦s
monthly requirement.
Monthly novel requirements will be completed by the last FRIDAY of each month (AR test or
writing assignment). IF NOT COMPLETED, THIS WILL RESULT IN A TEST SCORE OF ZERO.
Accelerated Reader
All students will have reading point goals set each nine weeks. Star tests will determine the
reasonable goal for each student. If a student reaches his/her goal then he/she will be awarded
with 50 bonus points at the end of each nine weeks. In other words, the student is not affected
if he/she does not reach his/her AR goal. The point of setting goals is not to overwhelm the
student, but to set a goal for them to attain. Accelerated Reader novels have points listed on
the cover page. Other novels will be worth 5 points each if the student earns an A or B on the
required individual assignment; a C will earn 2 points and any grade below a C will earn 0
points toward the reading point goal. Points for longer works will be taken into consideration.
Novel Day
Every Friday is designated as ¡§novel day¡¨. A novel is REQUIRED on this day. Students will
receive a 100% on this day for bringing a novel to class. If a student forgets to bring a novel,
a novel will be provided for him or her, and the student will NOT be given a grade. This does
not mean the student will receive a zero; rather, it means that a grade will not be recorded for
the assignment. If you see a missing grade in the grade book for ¡§novel day¡¨, this means your
child DID NOT bring a novel to class.
Grading
„Ï Exams ¡V 40%
„Ï Daily Work, Quizzes, and Homework ¡V 60%
„Ï Language (usage and mechanics: grammar, sentence structure, spelling) is an area of
concentration for the composition class. However, for grading writing assignment purposes, this
section will apply in literature class.
„Ï Semester exams are cumulative; semester grades are cumulative.
„Ï Late Assignments: Any assignment not turned in on the designated day and hour will be
considered late. 1 day late = minus 15 points (highest grade earned would be 85%) 2 days late =
minus 30 points (highest grade earned would be 70%) and 3 days late up to one week = graded on a
70% scale.
„Ï Make-up Assignments: The student is responsible for obtaining any make-up work after an
absence. Assignments will be posted on a green calendar and the class website. It is the
student¡¦s responsibility to get make-up work turned in within two days. If a student knows that
he/she will be absent in advance, he/she can ask for make-up work ahead of time. However, the
teacher is not required to give assignments weeks or months in advance. LONG ILLNESSES ARE AN
EXCEPTION.
Requirements
„Ï All daily work, homework, and exams will be completed in pencil unless the teacher tells
you differently. Firs offense is a warning; second offense will result in a ten point deduction
from the overall percent; third offense and following will result in a 50% deduction from the
overall percent.
„Ï All written and typed assignments will have a required heading in the upper right-hand
corner of the paper. Students who only write their name will have three points deducted from
their overall grade, and students with no heading at all will have five points deducted.
„Ï USE YOUR AGENDA! It will help you succeed and keep your parents informed. Remember, YOU
are responsible for all assignments. Your agenda will keep you on target.
„Ï Keep ALL handouts, notes etc. in your literature folder.
„Ï Talking during a test = zero.
„Ï Bring a novel to class EVERY DAY.
„Ï Keep this syllabus in your literature folder.
Daily Supplies
„Ï Spiral notebook (70 pages)
„Ï Loose leaf paper
„Ï Pocket folder
„Ï Red Ink Pen
„Ï Black or Blue ink pen
„Ï Highlighter
„Ï Agenda
Student Section
*I understand and agree to follow all the rules and procedures in Mrs. Young¡¦s class as well as
all of the school rules outlined in the student handbook.
____________________________
Student Name (Please Print)
____________________________ _________________
Student Signature Date
Parent Section
*I have read the rules and procedures for Mrs. Young¡¦s class as well as all of the school rules
outlined in my child¡¦s handbook.
___________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print)
____________________________ _________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
_________________________________________
Guardian Email
_________________________________________
Telephone number(s) to be reached during school hours.