SyllabusClass Description: This goal of this class is to increase your communications skills through reading, writing, speaking, and the study of the English language. Our main objective in language arts class will be mastery of different writing styles, strengthening of English vocabulary, comprehension of different written texts, and the ability to express yourself through speaking.
This year you can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction, including novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and essays. Writing assignments will include timed responses, journal writing, essays, critiques, stories, and poetry. Vocabulary and grammar assignments will also be an important part of this class. Please also expect to work in groups and to present information to the class in groups or by yourself. Please understand that you may be expected to do some at-home reading. Course Objectives By the end of this year, students will be able to:
Grading Policy: In this class, students will earn points based on their participation, effort, and performance. Failed assignments can be redone for a better grade. Things to bring every day: *1” Binder *Independent reading book *5 Dividers *Notebook paper *Pencils and/or blue or black ink pens. Returned Work: All work will be graded and returned in-class in a timely manner. Please allow a while longer for lengthier writing assignments. Students will have an opportunity to review their graded work, and then they will be asked to file the assignments into their binders. Assignments: All assignments must be turned in by the given due date and are due at the beginning of class unless otherwise stated. All homework is due the next day unless otherwise stated. Late Assignments/Missed Work: Any projects worth 50 points or more will lose 10% of the total points possible for each day late, and missing assignments/participation points will not receive credit without an excusable absence, tardy, or early dismissal. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher regarding any late/missed assignments and their due date. Cheating/Plagiarism: Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic grade of zero. This includes copying homework, classwork, test answers, talking during a test or quiz, allowing someone to copy your work, and trying to pass off someone else’s work as your own. Extra Credit: There will be plenty of opportunities for extra credit. In the first few weeks of the year, I will post a list of “Challenges” students can do to earn bonus points at any time. I will also consider student suggestions for special extra credit projects. Parents, please fill out the attached slip and return it to your child’s Language Arts teacher by the end of the week. Thanks very much! |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What will class look like every day?
Answer: Class begins when you enter the classroom and ends when the teacher dismisses you. There will be a space on the board where you can see the bell-work, objective, and whatever assignment we have planned for today.
What will we learn about first?
Answer: After we get to know each other, we will start our first quarter with some writing. This time, however, will be a little different. After you take your pretest, you will make up a character, and that character will have the skills you showed on the writing test. For the next few months, you will try to level up your character and defeat the evil Dark Lord by improving your writing skills!
What activities will we be doing?
Answer: Expect to write, talk, read, and listen every day. Some of the work will be hard. Some of the work will be fun!
What if I don't feel like learning or working today?
Answer: I understand. Sometimes I don't feel like working. Remember that your job in my class is to learn, and my job is to teach. Sometimes we need to be reminded, and that's fine. If you do your job even when you don't feel like it, we will have more time to do things that you are excited about.
Can I impress you?
Answer: I am always impressed by hard work. In English, we have a saying that says "go the extra mile." This means doing extra work that you don't have to do, or working extra hard when other students would just quit. I am always impressed when students "go the extra mile." Always.
What happens if I impress you?
Answer: Try impressing me. You will find out.
What will class look like every day?
Answer: Class begins when you enter the classroom and ends when the teacher dismisses you. There will be a space on the board where you can see the bell-work, objective, and whatever assignment we have planned for today.
What will we learn about first?
Answer: After we get to know each other, we will start our first quarter with some writing. This time, however, will be a little different. After you take your pretest, you will make up a character, and that character will have the skills you showed on the writing test. For the next few months, you will try to level up your character and defeat the evil Dark Lord by improving your writing skills!
What activities will we be doing?
Answer: Expect to write, talk, read, and listen every day. Some of the work will be hard. Some of the work will be fun!
What if I don't feel like learning or working today?
Answer: I understand. Sometimes I don't feel like working. Remember that your job in my class is to learn, and my job is to teach. Sometimes we need to be reminded, and that's fine. If you do your job even when you don't feel like it, we will have more time to do things that you are excited about.
Can I impress you?
Answer: I am always impressed by hard work. In English, we have a saying that says "go the extra mile." This means doing extra work that you don't have to do, or working extra hard when other students would just quit. I am always impressed when students "go the extra mile." Always.
What happens if I impress you?
Answer: Try impressing me. You will find out.