8th Grade Language Arts Syllabus
Instructor: Lisa Blas
Texts:
Houghton Mifflin English
Jensen’s Vocabulary Frode Jensen
Daily Oral Language Plus McDougal, Little
References:
Modern Language Association Handbook
Write Source 2000
Writing: Eighth-grade language arts students will write in a variety of forms and for a variety of purposes. We spend class time learning new strategies to make our writing clear, interesting, and relevant. We include all parts of the writing process and continue to focus on conventions (punctuation, spelling, capitals, grammar). During the eighth-grade year we integrate writing into all core subject areas, including social studies, religion, literature, science, and math.
Vocabulary: Eighth-grade students will continue to learn vocabulary roots and affixes from Latin. Each Latin vocabulary lesson is designed to be completed over a two-week period. Tests will assess spelling, meaning, and correct use in context. Students will also focus on specialized vocabulary in each of their classes.
Grammar and Editing: Eighth-grade students study standard English grammar and editing each day. They will often have homework to master the skills they are learning.
Grading in language arts class is based on:
- Assignments – 25%
- Writing Projects – 35%
- Tests/Quizzes – 25%
- Participation/Oral Responses during lessons – 15%
*A writing project might be assigned in another subject (e.g. social studies) and receive a grade both in social studies (content or conceptual understanding) and writing (skill/ability).
Extra Help: If your child is having difficulty with a concept we are learning, the student should ask to meet with me during advisory or study hall. If additional support is needed, the Student Support elective is an option.
Legacy Project Due Dates 2025-2026 Mrs. Blas & Mrs. Zech Grade 8
| Due Date | Project | |
| 1. | Thursday, 12/17 | Legacy Project packet handed out for those visiting with relatives over Christmas break |
| 2. | Wednesday, 1/6 | Legacy Project packets explained in class; start researching family history (look for family crest); start family tree |
| 3. | Thursday, 1/21 | Family Tree Check-in (Bring to class what you have so far.) |
| 4. | Thursday, 2/4 | Family Tree DUE; Name of Relative DUE (Begin research) |
| 5. | Thursday, 2/11 | Interview Questions Sheet DUE |
| 6. | Thursday, 2/25 | Interview Completion Sheet DUE |
| 7. | Thursday, 3/4 | Family Crest DUE; Research Notes Checked (so far) |
| 8. | Thursday, 3/11 | Two Song Representations (1 for relative, 1 for self) DUE |
| 9. | Thursday, 3/25 | Poem About Relative (1 for relative, 1 for self) DUE |
| 10. | Wednesday, 3/31 | Biography for Peer Review in Class DUE |
| 11. | Friday, 4/1 | Final Biography DUE by 5 pm (no extensions/exceptions on this due date) |
| 12. | Wednesday, 4/28 | Autobiography for Peer Review in Class DUE |
| 13. | Thursday, 4/29 | Self-Portrait DUE |
| 14. | Thursday, 4/29 | FINAL Autobiography Due |
| 15. | Thursday, 5/13 | Final Projects (Scrapbooks) DUE |
| 16. | Tuesday, 6/1 |
Present Legacy Projects to Lower Grades |
| 17. | Thursday, 6/3 | Graduation Day! Presentation of Legacy Projects in gym after Mass. Time to celebrate all your hard work! Leave your legacy! |