COURSE OVERVIEW:
This year’s journey will consist of reading, writing, discussing, thinking critically and creatively to examine and analyze various types of texts. By the year’s end, students will have practiced reading a variety of genres using close reading and analytical strategies to comprehend, synthesize, and make connections to and across the reading selections. Additionally, speaking and writing for a variety of purposes will be emphasized. Essential elements of vocabulary, spelling, and grammar will be incorporated as well. Lastly, students will share and publish their learning in a variety of mediums. THEME FOR 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR: What you do matters CLASS EXPECTATIONS In order to ensure a successful and respectful classroom environment in which all students can learn, the following guidelines will be in effect for the duration of the school year.
TEXTBOOKS & Resources The Language Arts textbooks we use include: Prentice Hall Literature, Penguin Edition Grade 7, Grade 8, Prentice Hall Literature series Reader’s Notebook Grade 7, Grade 8 LINK TO THE GR 7 READER'S NOTEBOOK ONLINE LINK TO THE GR 8 READER'S NOTEBOOK ONLINE Great Expectations (Scott Foresman) Grade 6, Wonders Literature Anthology (McGraw Hill) Grade 6 The grammar and writing textbooks we use include: Voyages in English textbook and practice workbook for Grades 6, 7, & 8 The vocabulary series we use is Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop. Students will be reading, analyzing, discussing, and responding to a variety of fictional and informational texts from our Prentice Hall textbooks as well as other outside/online sources. Students will also study class novels, which may include the following: Grade 6 = Hatchet, Out of the Dust, The Children of the Kindertransport, Number the Stars Grade 7 = Warhorse, A Christmas Carol, and Johnny Tremain Grade 8 = The Witch of Blackbird Pond, “The Diary of Anne Frank” (play version), The Outsiders, and/or Nothing But the Truth In addition, students are expected to read personal choice novels at their independent reading level, for approximately 30 minutes each day. There will be an assignment to complete each marking period on their independent book choice that they have completed in that marking period. Students will be expected to keep a log of the books they read throughout the school year. *Students are expected to read at least 2 novels each marking period. The first marking period ends at the end of November. HOMEWORK Homework is an integral part of the learning process. Students should expect some homework every night, including weekends. Silent reading is a daily assignment for 30 minutes each night from a self-selected book. Students must record their progress on their Reading Log each night. Most assignments are due the following day. Larger assignments and projects are given due dates well in advance. I will send out a ClassDojo message with the daily HW; however, students are expected to record the HW each day in their agenda books. *Best advice = Don’t wait until the last minute! ETHICS AND MAKING GOOD JUDGMENTS Most students have a strong sense of integrity and make good judgments with regard to the work they turn in. However, sometimes the pressure and desire to earn good grades may induce students to take the easy way out and plagiarize someone else’s work. This is NOT acceptable. Students who copy the work of someone else, whether it is from another student, a book, a website, or from any other source, (without duly citing the source in MLA format), will be brought to the principal to discuss consequences. Additionally, parents will be notified. More information can be found in the school handbook. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT/INTERVENTIONS It is important that we work as a team, since our goal is for all students to learn, grow, and feel successful. I am available for additional help on most days before school (during Homeroom) and after school. Please make prior arrangements so that I can be sure there is not a conflict with any meetings I might need to attend that day. COMMUNICATION If you have any concerns, please contact me immediately so we can work together to ensure your student’s success. You may email me at: [email protected] [email protected] . My webpage is: https://mrsvblackmore.weebly.com Useful Links: St. Theresa School School Handbook Readworks Purdue Owl Quizlet Quizziz Grammar Revolution - for diagramming sentences Grammar Revolution - for basic grammar information Daily Prayer: Dear Lord, may all that we do this day begin with your inspiration. May we act with love and kindness, patience and mercy. And, do everything in your name, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Binder Sections: 1. Grammar 2. Writing 3. Literature 4. Spelling 5. Vocabulary *Keep all lined paper at the back of your binder, not IN each section Journal Sections: Beginning/First section = Novel Study Middle section = Grammar Study Starting from the BACK, going backwards = Freewrites/Journal Writing/Reading Responses RACES Formula: R = Rewrite the question or prompt to start your answer/response A = provide an answer to the question/prompt C = Cite (means give) evidence from the text (article or story) to support your answer E = Explain what you mean; explain what your evidence or example means S = Sum it all up WHAT YOU DO MATTERS. |
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