Ms. Marshall welcomed the 8th grade English class and had students get into groups based on characters or people attached to their pencils. The objectives for the first day were to develop a group name, learn about the units that would be covered, understand class policies, and explore expectations. Students then reviewed the syllabus which outlined the units on literary forms, tragic drama, and speeches. It also covered the grading policy and missing work policy. To end the day, students reflected on whether the objectives were met using smiley faces.

1. Ms. Marshall’s English Class
8th Grade
2012-2013

2. Welcome to Ms.
Marshall’s English Class!
 Find your pencil and have a seat anywhere.
 Look at the character or person attached to
your pencil. To find your group, find the
other characters or people associated with
yours.
 After you find your group, everyone should
raise their hands.
 Go to the table assigned to your group.

3. Today’s objectives are…
1. to develop a group name and get to know your
group mates
2. to learn the units and topics covered in 8th grade
English
3. to become familiar with the policies of English
class
4. to begin exploring the expectations and rules of
English class

4. Groups
 In your groups, come up with a team name that
is something everyone in your group has in
common, but something that makes your group
different from all other groups.
 Writethis team name in the front of your agenda
book. This will be your Home Team.

5. Syllabus
 Welcome to an exciting year in 8th grade English! I look
forward to working with each of you as we explore
literature, language, and writing. In this letter you will find
information regarding the units we will study this year, the
materials you will need for class, and the grading and
missing work policies. Please keep this letter at home in
case you need to refer to it throughout the year.

6. Units
Unit 1
Literary Forms-Science Fiction, Fiction, and Fantasy
 We will read a variety of short stories and poems that explore themes of science fiction and
fantasy.
Unit 2
Tragic Drama-Love and Friendship
 We will read William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in this unit and explore themes of love and
friendship as well as discover the genre of classic drama. l
Unit 3
Speeches-Freedom
 In this unit, we will read a variety of historical speeches and supplement with other fiction, non-
fiction, and poetry selections.
 Writing and language skills are embedded through each unit. Long and short term research and writing
assignments will correlate with each of the units.

7. Grading Policy
 Quarterly grades are determined based on a weighted category system.
Below are the categories, weights, and description of the types of
assignments in each category.
 Process Assignments-55% Assignments listed as process assignments
include work that is completed in class during lessons or work completed
outside of class as practice or preparation for future lessons. Traditional
homework will not comprise more than 10% of the final quarterly grade.
 Final Products-25% Assignments listed as final products may include
traditional tests and quizzes, but may also be projects or performances.
 Writing-20% Assignments listed as writing are writing assignments that are
assessed to meet specific goals and objectives. Not all written work is
included in this category, but work that specifically addresses writing
standards will be.
 When assignments are given, the category will be made clear to students.

8. Missing Work Policy
 All assignments are due on the assigned day.
 Minor assignments may be turned in late for reduced credit.
 Assignments that are missed due to absences is accepted up to the number
of days missed after the student’s return to school.
 In class assignments that are missed due to other obligations with the
school, e.g. band, peer mediation, GT seminars, etc. will be accepted the
next day. Assignments that are due on a day a student attends another
function within the school are the students’ responsibility to turn in before
the missed class.
 It is the STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that all late or missing
work is completed in a timely manner.
 Some exceptions can be made. See me for further

9. Class expectations
 Be nice and polite.
 Be prepared and honest.
 Try
 In
your groups, create a poster that gives
and example of at least two specific rules for
each expectation. Illustrate your poster.

10. At the end of day 1
For each of the items on your exit ticket, place
a  if you feel you have accomplished that objective,
a  if you feel you have not accomplished that objective, and
a  if you are somewhere in the middle.
1. to develop a group name and get to know your group mates
2. to learn the units and topics covered in 8th grade English
3. to become familiar with the policies of English class
4. to begin exploring the expectations and rules of English class