To increase vocabulary

To improve test taking skills

To improve study habits

Introduction: It is a pleasure to have your child as a student in my class.  The above goals are the foundations for this class so make sure that your child knows and understands them. 

Class Expectations:

ü      As a requirement students should bring handbooks to class and place the learning objective and homework focus in the handbook.  The handbook is a resource so you will know what is going on.

ü      Students need to turn in assignments on time.  Students receive a daily agenda notifying them of the time.  If there is a family emergency, time will be taken into consideration to complete assignments

ü      Homework is given at least three nights during the week.  Enrichment of the assignment may extend into the weekend.

ü      Reading assignments will begin in class but since textbooks are issued to each individual student those assignments will extend to homework considering if the reading is very long.

ü      All writing assignments are written in cursive and ink. 

ü      All school supplies are due on August 31, 2007.

ü      Our school uniformly follows the One Rule Classroom.  An explanation of the one rule classroom is found on the back.

Required textbooks

ü      Each student will be issued a literature book termed Language of Literature

ü      A writing book termed Language Network; and a consumable, a book he or she can write in, which is an additional text support book, The Interactive Reader Plus.

I am requiring that students bring these textbooks to class everyday.

The grading scale:

100-90=A

89-80=B

79-70=C

69-60=D

59 and below will be an “F”

Study Skills Requirements

ü      Reading- read different short stories that focus on providing literary examples and application skills

ü      Writing- use the writing process and other writing skills to write coherently

ü      Elements of Literature- Ex. Plot, setting, conflict, theme etc.

ü      Figurative Language-simile, metaphor, hyperbole etc.

ü      Grammar-eight parts of speech, sentence structure, parts of a sentence,  and types of sentences

ü      Punctuation-how to entitle sentence structure and use the appropriate punctuation marks in writing

ü      Mechanics-rules for writing, grammar,  and vocabulary

1st Quarter	2nd Quarter	3rd Quarter	4th Quarter
TLW:  Write a narrative essay Expand vocabulary skills using the big six strategies (alphabetizing illustrating, defining, and writing sentence structure Review sentences structure and eight parts of speech	Write and expository and persuasive essay Practice reading current events effectively Reviewing sentence structure to eliminate run on sentences Review eight parts of speech Practice mechanics, punctuation and proper spelling	Define and apply sensory details and imagery to writing Learn how to evaluate poetry by defining and comprehending poetic devices Develop speaking and listening skills Discuss how to lead a presentations	Write a research paper Use technology to access research information Analyze media materials Publish writing information effectively

Students will be assessed quarterly on writing and vocabulary.

If there are any concerns, my number and e-mail address is listed at the top of the page.  My contact and conference times are 10:42 a.m.-11:33 a.m.  Please call the main office to schedule an appointment or call me two days in advance if you need to meet with me.  If it is an emergency just call me.  Also, please be mindful of the instructional time surrounding the time I listed as being available.