EIGHTH GRADE BLOCK
ROOM 306 MR. SHERMAN
Eighth grade block consists of two subjects, language arts and social studies. The language arts program includes reading short stories, books for reports, writing short stories, grammar and spelling. Social studies primarily consists of United States history, current events and world geography.
CURRENT EVENTS
Current events are discussed frequently at the beginning of block. Students take notes on people and places in the news and are graded on quizzes which are given appoximately every two weeks. World geography is stressed and map tests will also be a part of the students' grades..
UNITED STATES HISTORY
Student writing is frequently generated from stories read in class as well as information we are studying in social studies. Students will work on the following areas which meet the eighth grade state grade level expectations:
using the writing process
writing clear and effective paragraphs
revising and editing
employing the correct usage and conventions
evaluating their own work and that of others
Reading short stories will be the focus of literature. Grade level expectations that will be a focus include:
increasing comprehension
analyzing the elements of a short story
building vocabulary
analyzing the author’s purpose
SPELLING/ VOCABULARY
Spelling pretests are usually given each Monday and final tests are usually given on Fridays. Vocabulary words are also included in the week's words and on the test.
BOOK REPORTS
Book reports are included as a part of the reading grade on books which are primarily read at home. Reports will be completed on a regular schedule, usually every three weeks, throughout the quarter. Grades will be given on each book report as well as the number of pages completed during the quarter. The next book report will be due December 17 and the following one January 24. If a student is reading a book which has more than 300 pages, an extension will be given based on the length of the book. My goal for the students is that they become life long readers. The eighth grade is one of the last times many students will read books of their choice since high school activities will take so much of their time in the upcoming years. Hopefully students will take advantage of this time. Book reports are to help make the students accountable for their reading. Please see that your son/ daughter keeps up on the reading and is ethical when writing the book reports.
Grades for total quarter pages are:
800 pages = A
600 pages = B 100 bonus pages may be earned by reading classics.
400 pages = C 50 bonus pages may be earned by reading historical fiction and 200 pages= D nonfiction. 50 bonus pages may also be earned if an AR test is passed with a score of 70% or better.
GRADING
Progress reports will be sent home midway through each quarter and a report card at the quarter's end.
The achievement grade will be derived from averaging the grades on assignments, tests and projects completed in each class.
LATE WORK
All assignments are to be completed. If an assignment is one day late, the grade will be lowered one. If it is two days to one week late, the grade will be lowered two and later than one week it will drop three grades. This does not apply to work turned in late due to illness. Late work is not accepted for rough drafts which must be done to be edited in class.
If you would like to give your son/daughter an extension on a homework assignment due to a particularly busy evening, please write a note.
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MAKE-UP WORK
Assignments and tests missed due to absence should be made up as soon as possible. It is the student's responsibility to find out what was missed and to make arrangements for completion.
. Please feel free to call me at 596-3000 to discuss any concerns you may have. My planning time is 2nd period which is between 9:00 and 10:00. You may also e-mail me at bsherman@osd.wednet.edu..