McCord Middle School

8th Grade Language Arts

Mr. Beattie
jbeattie@worthington.k12.oh.us
twitter: @MrBeattieELA8

Welcome to 8th Grade Language Arts! This syllabus is designed to give you a brief overview of the different components
of English language arts class. Throughout the year students will practice writing and reading skills in many different
facets. The goal for each student is to obtain mastery of each and every content standard as outlined by the Ohio 8th
Grade Language Arts Common Core Curriculum (www.corestandards.org). Additionally, students will become effective
time managers, potent writers, accomplished independent readers and established in communicating ideas and
thoughts relating to literature.
Classroom activities at a glimpse:
1. Daily writing
We will write every day in class. No exceptions. At the beginning of every class period students will take
their composition books from the designated bin and begin writing. A prompt will be on the SMART
board waiting for students as they enter class. I expect every student to be seated and writing by the
time the bell rings. Because writing is a skill that only improves with deliberate practice we will use this
time to improve technical skills and the ability to transform our thoughts into the written word. In
addition to daily writing we will craft narrative, explanatory and argumentative essays that will
represent each students very best, most careful and considered work.
2. Daily reading
Because reading enriches vocabulary, improves writing skills, opens the door to college, and raises
overall intelligence we will read every day in class. Time will be allotted to check out a book from the
media center or class library so that every student has a book at all times. Additionally, advisory period
and academic assist time will be used for Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) for your daily reading. In class
we will read various texts as a class in the form of readers theater, partner reading, and independent
reading.
3. Weekly language
Each week we will learn vocabulary words, Greek and Latin roots and affixes, writing conventions, and
overall grammar.
4. Additional elements include:
Informational texts analysis, classic and contemporary literature examination, various presentations,
writing workshops, self-assessments, grammar study, group projects, film analysis, genre study, visual
thinking strategies, and poetry.
Classroom Procedures:
Classroom Managers
Selected students will manage attendance, journals, class library, quote board, supply closet, paper
collection, and overall organization and maintenance within the classroom. These students will receive
academic incentives for their time and effort.
Assigned Seating
Desks are arranged in clusters of three in order to promote and foster collaborative learning. Student seating is
differentiated by ability level, interests, and overall disposition. I will assign new seats every new grading period.

Late Policy:
Each day an assignment is late a letter grade will be lost. As a result, it is imperative that students get
work in on time.
Grades: 100-98%=A, 97-90%= A-, 89-87=B+, 86-83%=B, 82-80=B-, 79-77%=C+, 76-73=C, 72-70%=C-, 69-
67%=D+, 66-60=D, 59 and below=F.
General Housekeeping:
Come to class prepared every day. Unprepared slips will be handed out if this becomes a reoccurring issue and
parents will be contacted.
If you are absent
1. Get with a group member or classmate to see what you missed.
2. See Mr. Beattie before school.
*You are responsible for any missed work.
Do not email me assignments on due dates. Please turn in a hard copy of your work at the beginning of class. In
the inevitable event of printer malfunctions, email a copy of the assignment to yourself and then print off in the
school library before first period, during option, or in academic prep.
The classroom library is yours to use. Please feel free to check out a book at any time. See the library manager
for a book.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Because I want to create a safe and respectful space for each and every student I will
not tolerate disrespectful behavior in the classroom. Period. If I find your behavior inappropriate, I will call home
and administer a detention. This classroom will be a safe space for people to write and share whatever their
ideas free of ridicule.
Be on time, be prepared, and be respectful.
According to Edgar Dales book Audio-Visual Methods in Teaching, we remember:

10 percent of what we read
20 percent of what we hear
30 percent of what we see
50 percent of what we both see and hear
70 percent of what we talk about with others
As a result there will be ample opportunity for discussion in this class. Rubrics and expectations for meaningful
and collaborative discussion will be provided.
Materials:
1. Composition Notebook This is for your daily writing. These journals NEVER leave the room. There are bins for
you to put them in before and after class. A journal collector will be assigned to help collect and organize.
2. Note dividers with at least FIVE tabs.
3. Loose leaf notebook paper.
4. A 3-ring notebook (1- 2) exclusive to language arts.