CAPITOL HILL
ENGLISH 8 Pre-AP/IB Prep
2008-2009
*Teacher: Alexandra Hawksford
*Room: 2229
*Prep Time: 11:14 - 12:02 (M-Th); 11:34 - 12:17 (F)
*Phone: 651-325-2537 (w) *E-Mail: alexandra.hawksford@spps.org *Courses: English 8 Pre-AP/IB Prep
8th grade Debate ________________________________________________________________________
Literature Texts:
Prentice Hall Literature: Grade Eight
Elements of Writing: Second Course
Anthologies: Nonfiction Reading Across the Curriculum Biography and Autobiography
Multi-Cultural Voices
Appreciating Poetry
8th Grade Literature:
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Night by Elie Wiesel
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare
Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
Drama
Short Story
Poetry
Essay
Novel
Writings/Projects:
Short Story
Drama
Research Paper
Elizabethan Life Project
Apartheid Writings/Projects
Poetry
Essays
*We
will have weekly vocabulary quizzes of challenging words to prepare
students for high school English. We also complete analogies and
grammar exercises on a weekly basis. We do compete in the WordMaster
competitions.
*Students will keep a portfolio of writing in
their own folder in the classroom. Once a quarter I expect five pages
of freewriting. Freewriting consists of any writing that is not an
assignment for another class or my own, but rather it's writing that
the student feels inspired, compelled, or likes to do.
1st Semester Theme: Power and Justice in the World
1st Quarter Focus: Individual Power
Short Story
Drama
Power as theme in narrative fiction - Lord of the Flies
2nd Quarter Focus: Political Power
Political Power - Night
Research
Essay/Newspaper article on political power in action
2nd Semester Theme: Power, World Issues, and Social Justice (Use and Misuse of Power)
3rd Quarter Focus: Community Power
Shakespeare - "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Elizabethan Life Project
Power and community
4th Quarter Focus: Persuasive Power
Social Issues - Kaffir Boy
Persuasion Essay about a community issue
**In
eighth grade English we focus on world literature and performance
objectives. The areas of content, literary types and terms, response,
and choice of language are our main focus. We hope that each student
will develop lifelong writing and oral communication skills, problem
solving skills, critical and creative thinking, and become sensitive to
and aware of the contributions of literature from all areas of the
world.
**Donations of books are always appreciated. Also, any
guest speakers who would like to help our inspiring writers/readers are
welcomed.
Essential Supplies:
- 1 notebook for note taking and vocabulary
- loose-leaf paper for freewriting and journaling
- separate English folder (or a specified area in a larger spiral)
- pens and pencils
*Class Expectations:
-seek help when needed -accept suggestions
-strive for accuracy -manage time well
-stay on task -work har
-arrive ready to learn -contribute to group work
-use resources appropriately -participate in class activities
-follow Rondo rules -takes responsibility for actions
-use materials responsibly -turn work in on time
-demonstrate respect for others -set goals and strive for them
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