This class is a complete language arts course consisting of instruction in composition, grammar and mechanics, reading comprehension, and literature. The aim of the course is to help students grow as clear and effective communicators and to help them learn to appreciate various types of literature. The heart of the course is Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Level 6+. This book gives students daily practice in the six characteristics of good writing – ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions. Students focus on one aspect of writing each week, completing the assigned exercises in the book. At the end of each week, students write a paragraph which they turn in for written feedback from the tutor.

The grammar lessons from Bob Jones Writing and Grammar Grade 8 complement the lessons in Daily 6-Trait Writing. These lessons are intended to help students better understand how language works as well as to help them develop respect for proper written and oral expression in their own and others’ work. The lessons in 100+ Series Reading Comprehension Grades 7 and 8 give students practice in paying attention to what they are reading and in reading for details. These lessons also complement the composition part of the course and provide students with practice in answering a variety of different types of questions. During the fall semester the students read and study a novel . I have not made a final decision on what novel we will study for the 2016-2017 school year, but I will make that information available as soon as possible. The study of the novel allows students to learn about such aspects of fiction as character, plot, setting, conflict, etc.

In the spring, students study a number of different poems. Students learn about rhyme scheme, figurative language, and types of poems in their study. Each student memorizes and recites two poems and has the opportunity to write some poetry of his own. Each week students are given a Homework Log Sheet with all their assignments listed. Parents are asked to confirm that the work was completed and checked by signing the log sheet. Answer keys for each week’s work are emailed to the parents so that the homework can be checked. There are several take-home grammar tests throughout the year, and during the fall semester there are weekly in –class quizzes on the assigned chapters from the novel.

Texts:
Writing and Grammar Grade 8 – Student Worktext 3rd Edition. Bob Jones University Press
(ISBN 1-5916-6362-8)

The 100+ Series Reading Comprehension Grades 7 and 8 (ISBN 0-7424-1769-7)

Great Short Poems (ISBN 0-486-41105-2)

100 Best Loved Poems (ISBN 0-486-28553-7)

101 Great American Poems (ISBN 0-486-40158-8)

Daily 6-Trait Writing Evan-More Publishing. Available from tutor at reduced rate. Parents,
please do not purchase this on your own.

Novel – to be determined

Supplies: 1.5 inch binder, package of subject dividers, $10.00 copy fee payable to the tutor

Thank You,

Angie Clement