There are two basic aims of grade 8 English language Arts. One aim is to encourage, in students, an understanding and appreciation of the significance and artistry of literature. A second aim is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and competently for a variety of purposes, with a variety of audiences and in a variety of situations for communication, personal satisfaction and learning.

Outcomes


Five general student learning outcomes act as the foundation of the program.

General Outcome 1 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to:
- - explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences
General Outcome 2 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to:
- - comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms, and respond personally, critically and creatively
General Outcome 3 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to:
- - manage ideas and information
General Outcome 4 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to:
- - create oral, print, visual and multimedia texts, and enhance the clarity and artistry of communication
General Outcome 5 – Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to:
- respect, support and collaborate with others.

Timeline .
Unit 1 – In My Mirror
Explorations of identity, self esteem and character
6 weeks (September – October)
Unit 2 – Trails to Adventure
Engaging Tales and personalities
6 weeks (October – November)
Unit 3 – Novel Study
­Holes by Louis Sachar
3 weeks (November – December)
Unit 4 – Beneath the Ink
A variety of poetic styles, voices and techniques
5 weeks (December – January)

Unit 5 –In Our World

Examinations of the tools and technologies around us
6 weeks (February – March)
Unit 6 – Novel Study
Yet to be determined
3 weeks (March – April)
Unit 7 – Popular Culture
Reflections on the influence of popular culture
5 weeks (April – May)
Unit 8 – Viewpoints
Perspectives that challenge and inspire
5 weeks (May – June)

Resources

Holes by Louis Sachar
Crossroads 8
Other media; including television, radio and Internet sources

Evaluation

Each Term will contain a variety of activities and the breakdown of marks will be:
Exams – 40%
Projects – 60%
Portfolios, essays, novel studies, stories, etc….
The Three Reporting Period dates and the Final Exam are equally weighted:
1st Term – 25%
2nd Term – 25%
3rd Term – 25%
Final Exam – 25%
If students are exempted from the final exam, their final grade will be an average of the 3 terms.

Course Expectations

Daily Routines
Each class will contain a reading component; student selection as well as assigned readings.Materials Students are expected to be in class
on time with the materials necessary for a successful and productive session. These include; pencil or pen, binder, textbook, agenda and any
assigned homework.
Homework
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. For the most part this will include individual assignments, reading, review and study. Students
who are experiencing difficulty with their homework are urged to talk to me. It is expected that students will list and keep track of their
homework and other important dates in their agendas.
Late Assignments
Late assignments will not receive a penalty, but students will have to either: finish the work before school, after school or at lunch.