Language Arts Syllabus 2015-2016
Mrs. Susan Okerblad susan.okerblad@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Course Description:
Language Arts - We will spend a great deal of time this year writing
and working on developing the knowledge and skills to improve students’
writing. The students will review the writing process and steps in writing
stories and essays. The students will write in a variety of genre’s to include
narrative, informative, argumentative, and response to literature. In
addition, the students will complete a research paper. Each student will have
their own writing portfolio which will include samples of their stories
throughout the year. Students will continue learning about sentence
composition and grammar skills, including the parts of speech. This class will
be using a combination of the 8th grade language arts texts, and additional
language arts supplementary materials. The students will review all of the
8th grade Language Arts Common Core Standards in this class.
Class Expectations: Be Kind
Be Honest
Show Respect
Your child is always welcome to come in before or stay after school to
work with me on any work he/she is missing or may be having difficulty
completing. I will also be working with students to assist them in
organizations skills to include keeping track of when major assignments,
tests, and projects are due. If they need extra help with these
assignments, please let me know! I want your child to succeed this year!
I look forward to working with you and your child this school year! If
there are ever any questions or concerns, about your child’s IEP or class
work, please do not hesitate to contact me at:
Booth Middle School: 770-721-5500
Email: ‘susan.okerblad@cherokee.k12.ga.us’.
I look forward to a great year!
8th Grade Language Arts
E. T. Booth Middle School - Susie Okerblad
770-721-5500 - susan.okerblad@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Texts:
Prentice Hall: Writing and Grammar – Cost $ 60.97
Prentice Hall : Literature, Language and Literacy – Cost $79.47
Student Workbooks:
Writing and Grammar
Stem:
The utilization of STEM tools and skills within English Language Arts lessons will
encourage students to actively engage in educational opportunities and further align with
the CCSD STEM initiative. These include, but are not limited to, collaboration, problem
solving, and the optimization of our available technology.
Course Description and Objectives:
Eighth Grade Language Arts focuses on the Georgia Standards of Excellence for
language arts. The curriculum will provide instruction and enrichment opportunities in
writing, grammar, literature analysis, and vocabulary development. Speaking, listening,
and viewing standards will be incorporated throughout the year.
Objectives:
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Identification and application of English grammar concepts including parts of
speech, sentence structure, usage, subject-verb agreement, complements, and
tense
Formulation, organization, and evaluation of ideas coherently through oral and
written expression
Development of research skills; validation and citation of sources
Writing in a variety of genres (Explanatory/Informative, Argumentative,
Narrative, and Research).
Strategies:
 Differentiated instruction including whole group, small group, and independent
skills practice with performance task application of standards
 Extensive grammar linked with practical application to writing and speaking
 Composition assignments including the following genres: expository, persuasive,
and narrative.
 Formative and summative assessments
Expectations:
 Students will come to class prepared with daily agenda and assigned instructional
materials.
 Students are expected to follow all rules as established in the E.T. Booth Middle
School Student/Parent Handbook.
Supplies:
 Three ring binder
 Composition journal
 Loose-leaf notebook paper
 Pencils/highlighters/whiteboard marker
 Blue/Black and red ink pens
Notebook: 5 dividers
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Language Arts Notes and Homework
MLA
Vocabulary
Writing
Tests/Quizzes
Make-up/Late work:
 Students are responsible for securing and completing any make up work missed
during an absence. The students will be given two days per day absent to make
up their work.
 Any homework must be turned in on the day it is due and corrected to receive
credit.
 Other assignments not turned in on the day they are due will have eleven points
deducted from the grade earned for three days. After three days, credit will not be
given for the assignment.
Grading:
Writing
Tests
Projects/quizzes
Homework
35%
35%
20%
10%
Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns at
susan.okerblad@cherokee.k12.ga.us. I look forward to our partnership in education this
year.
Hi, my name is Susie Okerblad. I received my teaching degree from the University of
Georgia. In addition, I have a Masters and Specialist degree in education concentrating
on reading and special education. I have been teaching for 13 years, and I have been at
E.T. Booth my entire teaching career. I absolutely love teaching language arts and
reading. I choose both language arts and reading to specialize in because it directly
affects every subject a student takes. Personally, I am a Midwesterner, but I’ve been in
Georgia for almost 30 years, so I consider myself a Southerner now. I am married and
have three amazing children, E.J., Zach, and Ginna - all have survived middle school I
also have a Jack Russell, Murphy, who is adorable, and in my spare time I enjoy running,
music, reading, travelling, and most important family.
Please sign and return to Susie Okerblad:
Student Name (print)
Student Signature
Date
Parent Signature
Date
Telephone
Email