Welcome to 8^th Grade English!

Class description: 

After years of fundamental practice and regime of core concepts, English Eighth presents an all-encompassing overview of the fundamentals of language, literature, and grammar while broadening in scope to include the areas of public speaking, critical thinking, and thesis-driven work.

From Shakespeare to the controversial Scopes trial documented in Inherit the Wind, each boy learns and benefits from personal interpretation.  Together, we lace up our boots and grab our rucksacks while looking out for landmines and each other in Walter Dean Myers' Vietnam novel, Fallen Angels.  Before the annual, week long, hiking trip to Yosemite, we tackle Erik Weinmeyer's, Touch the Top of the World gaining valuable insight into journal writing and teamwork.  The Spring brings, Harper Lee's magnificent, To Kill A Mockingbird as well as our most powerful discussions as class and race issues center brilliant discussion.  Finally, Shakespeare's haunting MacBeth, the study of twenty classic short stories and an intensive poetry unit where students create and critique, rounds out a strong foundation for self-expression.  Together, we relish in the idea that the day's lesson does not always come from a particular page in the textbook.  Through every novel, poem, and short-story, we raise the bar of interpretation looking past mere plot to uncover hidden agendas, conflicts, and resolutions

And with our mastery of literature comes an intense study of grammar.  Each boy hones his craft of writing for mastery through a weekly journal and a series of expository, persuasive, and response essays.  Knowledge of literary terms, literary devices, and essay organization are keys for success.  Additionally, the study of Latin roots and Strunk and White’s ideal  The Elements of Style is front and center as we omit needless words, recognize clauses and phrases, implement comma rules, and deconstruct the English language. 

Expectations: In our open, vibrant classroom, each boy will have the most productive experience when he welcomes and respects everyone else.  Differences are celebrated, and opinions are shared.  Rules are internalized, so that each day we make the most progress.

Assessment: Grades are earned based on: participation and discussion, writing (including a weekly journal), quizzes, tests (Mondays), spelling/vocabulary, essays, creative thought, and an exam.

Homework:  Homework is each boy’s opportunity to practice class skills, and it is due when you walk across the threshold of class.  Printing HW in class is unacceptable.  If you have your HW and have given a solid effort, you will get a 95 in the grade book.  Missing homework will result in a 0.

Make-up work:  Boys are responsible for notifying the teacher of planned absences. For unpredictable absences or sick days, each boy is responsible for making up work in a timely manner by coordinating with his teacher.

Extra Help:  Extra Help on Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:20PM-4:05PM is the prime opportunity to seek out answers to tough topics and subject areas regarding English.  Also, most mornings if scheduled in advance.  We are here to help!

Eighth grade is the end of a long, hard road of solid work at Town.  English 8^th will continue this path by honing our skills and improving our mastery of the written word.  With the Class of 2008 as our leaders, the year will be splendid.