Communications Arts Class Descriptions
8th Grade English
The emphasis of the eighth grade English course will be grammar and mechanics, library use, dictionary skills, word usage, speaking and listening skills, vocabulary expansion, spelling, and basic sentence and paragraph writing techniques. The four reading units are the short story, poetry, drama, and the novel. The course will offer a variety of reading and writing assignments. Sentence writing, paragraphs, short stories, poetry, novels, and plays will be surveyed. Students will read many literature selections and will study the different elements of fiction (plot, characters and characterization, setting, point of view, theme, etc.).
Accelerated Reader / Study Skills
This course is designed for, but not limited to, students who do not yet read on grade level, who do not read for enjoyment, and who are not particularly well organized in their study habits. The AR program is highly motivational and usually results in rapid gains in reading achievement. The Study Skills component will utilize a national program, which should help prepare students for the rigors of the Jr. and Sr. high school programs.
Speech I
In speech class students will participate in activities geared toward improving the following communication skills: knowing oneself better as a communicator understanding how others see them speaking to be understood using one's voice effectively learning to listen actively accepting constructive criticism Some of the speaking experiences in which students will participate include conducting a conversation, communicating to resolve a conflict (through role playing), using the telephone effectively, interviewing, explaining a process, awareness of communication methods used by hearing impaired, basic parliamentary motions, and speaking to entertain including:a. telling a story
b. oral interpretation
c. radio dramas
This speech class will provide students with better oral communications skills. It will also better prepare them for senior high speech and drama classes they might wish to pursue.
English I
English I is a course in the basics of English grammar and composition, designed to provide a foundation for senior high school. Grammatical concepts covered include the parts of a sentence, phrases, clauses and verb usage. In addition, the student will review correct usage, capitalization and punctuation. Students will complete a minimum of two compositions per quarter demonstrating correct writing techniques. Many selections of literature are read emphasizing the short story, poetry, drama and the novel. One of these courses is required at Grade 9: English I or English I Honors. Honors English I
Prerequisite: Meet at least four of the following five criteria
- Overall GPA of 3.5
- 90th percentile on the 8th grade Explore/Act assessment
- A or B for both semesters of 8th grade English
- Teacher recommendation
- Demonstrate superior skill on a specified writing sample
The 9th grade English I course objectives are met in the Honors English Course. In addition, a greater emphasis on writing and composition will be stressed and a higher level of literature appreciation will be emphasized.