Course Description
    "Fill your paper with the breathing of your heart", William Wordsworth

Welcome to 8th grade Language Arts. Here is some information about the class for the school year. Please read it over carefully with your parents/guardians. If you have any questions, don't hestiate to ask.

Essays: The main goal for this class is to improve students' writing skills.  Students will be exploring the writing process from many viewpoints (steps in the writing process, the six traits of writing, timed essays and different writing styles).

Tips For Writing:
1.  Take the time to plan and organize.
2.  Write an introduction to grab the reader's attention.
3.  Write neatly.
4.  Use transition words and phrases, especially between paragraphs (To begin with, In addition, Futhermore, Equally important).
5.  Stick to the topic. When asked for examples, limit yourself to only a few.
6.  Expand on points you are making. Support your ideas.
7.  Create voice within your essay. Allow your personaility to come through!
8.  Be constantly aware of conventions.
9.  Use sensory words to appeal to the readers sight, smell, hearing, touch & taste.
10. Proofread! Many mistakes can be avoided if you do this

Daily Quotes: Students will explore daily quotes to help with their writing.

Literature: Students will be introduced to interesting writers by reading great pieces of literature

Grading Scale:
100%-90%=A
89%-80%=B
79%-70%=C
69%-60%=D
59% and Below is an F

Supplies:
Journal
Paper
Pens (Black or Blue, Red or Green)
Pencils

Classroom Rules:
Be Ready
Be Respectful
Be Responsible