English Language Arts - 8th Grade

The class web blog has moved:

http://www.wbmsenglish.com/beckham/

The journal writing requirements are the same as last week for all classes.
A = 4 pages
B = 3 pages
C = 2 pages
D = 1 page

Pre-AP and English classes will continue the study of Elie Wiesel’s short novel “Night”, looking at themes of faith, community, and group psychology.

Pre-AP GT will continue with “To Kill a Mockingbird”, “Animal Farm”, and “Lord of the Flies” looking at themes of society, power, and justice.

The journal writing requirements are the same as they were last week.

Pre-AP GT (4th & 7th periods):
These classes will be choosing between “Animal Farm”, “Lord of the Flies”, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” as we move into our 8th and final reading unit of the year.

During this unit (the “Freedom of Choice” unit), we will be exploring the structure, nature, and organization of societies. All three books have their own points of view, their own perspectives on power and class, and this diversity of insight will lead to thoughtful discussion and writing.

Pre-AP (1st, 2nd, 6th periods):
These classes will begin the Holocaust novel, “Night”.

English 8 (5th period):
These classes will continue the Holocaust novel, “Night”.

- Pre-AP & Pre-AP GT (1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 7th periods) will continue preparing for the LTF End-of-Course exam.
- English 8 (5th period) will continue reading the novel “Night” by Elie Wiesel.

Journal Writing Requirement for the week of 4/27 (All Classes):
A = 4 pages
B = 3 pages
C = 2 pages
D = 1 page

- Pre-AP & Pre-AP GT (1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 7th periods) will begin preparing for the LTF End-Of-Course exam.
- English 8 (5th period) will begin reading the novel “Night” by Elie Wiesel.

Journal Writing Requirements remain the same as last week for all classes.

Mr. Beckham’s classes will be turning in their “Revision/Spotlight” Project.

We will also be immersing ourselves in poetry and begin to write our own poems using common styles.

Grammar practice will be folded into our poetry work to make the tedium of grammar practice a little more interesting and fun.

Journal Writing Expectations (Beckham) - Week of 4/13/09 to 4/19/09

1st, 2nd & 6th Periods:
A = 7 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
B = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
C = 4 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)
D = 3 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)

4th & 7th Periods:
A = 8 pages combined (at least 3 in each journal)
B = 6 pages combined (at least 3 in each journal)
C = 4 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
D = 3 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)

5th Period:
A = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
B = 5 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
C = 3 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)
D = 2 pages combiend (at least 1 in each journal)

We will be continuing work on our “Revision/Spotlight” Project.
Due to Math TAKS and Good Friday, the journal writing requirements have been lowered greatly for this week.

All classes:
A = 4 pages
B = 3 pages
C = 2 pages
D = 1 page

Take advantage of this easy “A”, kids!!

Link to Pre-AP Rubric (1st, 2nd, and 6th periods)
Link to Pre-AP GT Rubric (4th and 7th periods)
Link to English 8 Rubric (5th period)

Example “Revise & Perfect/Spotlight” Project

AbiWord - A Free Word Processor (if you do not have Microsoft Word)

Google Docs - An online word processor

Journal Writing Expectations (Beckham) - Week of 3/22/09 to 3/29/09

1st, 2nd & 6th Periods:
A = 8 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
B = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
C = 4 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)
D = 3 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)

4th & 7th Periods:
A = 10 pages combined (at least 3 in each journal)
B = 8 pages combined (at least 3 in each journal)
C = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
D = 4 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)

5th Period:
A = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
B = 5 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
C = 3 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)
D = 2 pages combiend (at least 1 in each journal)

Mr. Beckham’s classes will start the week off getting back into the flow of studying grammar, mixing in individual reading time and a more intensive look at vocabulary.

We will also be building towards projects in the Pre-AP and Pre-AP G/T classes, using the new grammar concepts and vocabulary focus to polish up some of our favorite writing pieces, organizing our favorites into a new final writing project.

The journal writing rubric for Mr. Beckham’s classes will remain unchanged from the previous school week.

Journal Writing Expectations (Beckham) - Week of 3/22/09 to 3/29/09

1st, 2nd & 6th Periods:
A = 8 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
B = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
C = 4 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)
D = 3 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)

4th & 7th Periods:
A = 10 pages combined (at least 3 in each journal)
B = 8 pages combined (at least 3 in each journal)
C = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
D = 4 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)

5th Period:
A = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
B = 5 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
C = 3 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)
D = 2 pages combiend (at least 1 in each journal)

Mr. Beckham’s classes will continue “The Sentence” Unit, which will be dedicated to preparing the Pre-AP and Pre-AP GT classes for the LTF end-of-course exam on Friday, May 8th.

Some of the key concepts we will be working with:
- Breaking sentences down into their “meaningful chunks”.
- What are sentences made of? (phrases & clauses)
- How can be mix this new information with our established way of writing to create new skills and habits?
- Revision is a dish best served cold. (Spelunking in our journals for hidden treasures.)

Our goal will be to not only master the grammatical trivia that students are expected to know, but actually apply that knowledge to both old writing and new writing.

Journal Writing Expectations (Beckham) - Week of 3/9/09 to 3/15/09

1st, 2nd & 6th Periods:
A = 8 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
B = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
C = 4 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)
D = 3 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)

4th & 7th Periods:
A = 10 pages combined (at least 3 in each journal)
B = 8 pages combined (at least 3 in each journal)
C = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
D = 4 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)

5th Period:
A = 6 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
B = 5 pages combined (at least 2 in each journal)
C = 3 pages combined (at least 1 in each journal)
D = 2 pages combiend (at least 1 in each journal)