I can see that I am too late for you on this--it's not noon yet here, but probably is where you are.
Do you know the Story of English, a PBS telecourse and accompanying book? It had an updated hour earlier this year that was shown on PBS. I would think that one could build something for 8th graders around this that would give them some simple background on the history of the language; it definitely develops the sense of language change, dialects, etc. So maybe for later! 
Edith Wollin

-----Original Message-----
From: Jan Kammert [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 6:41 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: new class???


At John Crow's suggestion, I'm writing to you all to ask for your ideas.

I teach 8th grade, and my principal has invited teachers to come up with
new elective classes for grades 6 through 8.  I'm thinking about a course
on language.  I'm thinking of having a bit of vocabulary, grammar, and the
history of English.  The course would be one semester (18 weeks).

I have to write a course description by noon on Friday.  Teachers only got
this request Tuesday.  I don't know how anyone can write anything very
thoughtful in that amount of time, but I'm going to give it my best try!

Do any of you have thoughts about what topics could be covered in this
course?  Thoughts about printed resources?  Thank you in advance for any
ideas you have.
Jan

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