1. Language Arts Patriot Team
Ms. Smith
Language Arts
Patriot Team

2. As the picture proves, I have been through 8th grade so I know a little something about 8th grade students. Also, this is my 11th year at PRT teaching 8th grade English/Language Arts. I am, and have always been, passionate about reading and writing. My goal is to use my enthusiasm for the written word to inspire your students.

3. Course Syllabus Contents
Course Outline
Kansas College and Career Ready Curriculum Standards
Reading
Writing
Speaking and Listening
Student Expectations

4. General Course Outline
Quarter 1
Thematic Unit: Visionary Thinking in Early America
Use of fiction, non-fiction, and primary source materials that collaborate with the United States History course.
Quarter 3
Thematic Unit: Strange and Mysterious
A collection of short fictional story readings with an emphasis on assessed indicators.
Quarter 4
Thematic Unit and Novel Study: The American Civil War and Across Five Aprils
Use of fiction, non-fiction, and primary source materials that collaborate with the United States History course.
Quarter 2
Novel Study: The Pigman
In depth reading, written responses, and collaborative conversations based on the novel and supplementary readings.

5. Other Regular Class Features
Students get the opportunity to play Boggle while guessing the word of the week.
Understanding word derivatives (Greek and Latin). Assignments given Mondays and quizzes on Fridays.
Find a grammar error and take a selfie with it. Your selfie can end up on the bulletin board!

6. Students who have success in this course will feel well prepared for the English course they take as a freshman.
Language Arts in 8th grade focuses on aspects of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

7. Communication – Students
Utilize StudentVue (app on iPad)
Instructor available daily before and after school and during ICE
Communication via Edmodo/Google Classroom
Communication via

8. Communication - Parents
Join ParentVue – real time updates
Available via at:

9. I’m looking forward to a fantastic year working with your students.
Thank you for coming!
I’m looking forward to a fantastic year working with your students.