Ami Pendley -Snake Clan
8^th Grade

alpendley@seattleschools.org  

Snake Clan Syllabus

Texts:

Alexie, Sherman (2007), The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Fleischman, Paul (2002) Seedfolks.

Haley, Alex (2001), The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Jones, LeAlan, Newman, Lloyd (1997), Our America: Life and Death on the South side of Chicago.

Materials: Writer’s notebook, Reader’s notebook, loose leaf paper, writing utensils, flash drive, and a book for independent reading.

Course Objectives:

1. The student writes clearly and effectively.
2. The student writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes.
3. The student understands and uses the steps of the writing process.
4. The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of written work.
5. The student understands and uses different skills and strategies to read.
6. The student understands the meaning of what is read.
7. The student reads different materials for a variety of purposes.
8. The student sets goals and evaluates progress to improve reading.

Course Requirements:

1. Attendance
2. Class Participation: Students must complete all class assignments. They must be actively engaged in class discussions and activities.
3. Homework: Students are expected to read 30 minutes each night. They must also do 2 entries a week in their writer’s notebook. Reading logs are due each Monday.
4. Published Writing: There will be at least one published piece each quarter.

Late work:

We do not accept late work for credit. Certain assignments must be completed even if they can not be awarded credit. Homework is due at the beginning of class. Under certain circumstances extensions will be granted. Teacher approval is required.

Grading:

Classwork- 40%

Homework- 30%

Published writing, tests, projects- 30%

Scoring:

H Honors Extraordinary 125%

+ Exceeds Expectations 100% A

@(check) Meets Expectations 85% B

- Below Expectations 70% C

Inc Incomplete 60% D

Mi Missing 0% E

Course Overview: Language Arts includes both Writer’s Workshop and reading.

Curriculum Map: Writer’s Workshop

First Quarter Narrative Writing and Personal Essays

Second Quarter: Persuasive Writing

Third Quarter: Fiction

Fourth Quarter: Poetry and Multigenre writing