Language Arts 8
Calloway County Middle School
Classroom Procedures
2014-2015
How Do You Connect with Me and OUR Classroom?
Easy! I run a classroom blog, email daily, maintain an online classroom, and am on Twitter.
Online Classroom - Schoology: you’ll click to join and use the code given in class. You have 7 days to get connected. We use Chrome Books in the classroom for those students without technology. Time will be provided for students unable to do access the internet at home.
Planning Period:2nd Period
Course Description
Reading
We will read a variety of literature from different genres to support your writing in these areas (and for the pleasure of doing so). Along the way, you will learn new ways to interpret and express what you read. New vocabulary will be explored, and emphasis will be placed on improving analytical skills. You will be expected to independently read and give a book talk over a minimum of two books per nine weeks. Additionally, I will conference with you weekly to discuss the book you’re reading.
Writing
Emphasis will be placed on individualized instruction to strengthen writing skills, while exposing you to a variety of writing styles and functions. Grammar, vocabulary and voice will be addressed. Research writing will be incorporated to expand your skill-set in this area. When you turn in a paper, make sure you double check it for grammar errors as well as the typical editing errors in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Papers full of errors will not be accepted.
Speaking
Most in-class assignments will provide you with the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas with others. You will hone speaking skills while focusing on word choice to promote self-expression; emphasis will be placed on building and mastering the collegial discussion process.
Classroom Expectations
Reading - My primary goal is to provide you with a safe and challenging learning environment. If you’ve spent any time at CCMS, you’ve seen or heard our LAKER acronym. It sums up what we expect from our students and challenges you as a reader. Your reading class will follow a Reader’s Workshop format – you’ll have tons of choice in the texts you read! Even though you’ll have choice, you’ll learn new strategies to interpret and express what you read. Your analytical skills will be strengthened in addition to exploring and attaining new vocabulary.
Writing - Like in Reading, you will be given opportunities to choose the text type and purpose of your writing pieces. I will write along with you; there is nothing you’ll work your way through as a writer that I won’t model myself. Writing can be challenging, but challenges are good. I want to struggle along with you to revise and edit my writing. Please remember I will always respect your privacy unless your writing indicates something harmful or life threatening.
Classroom Environment
My expectations for you are high. Disruption to the classroom environment affects my ability to teach and the learning ability of every student in the classroom. I will work diligently to create a safe environment for everyone. During Language Arts, you will often work with peersparticipating in various teambuilding activities that will help create a collaborative classroom where you feel safe to be yourself.
Grading Policy
Students' grades are based on mastery of the standards we’re learning. Just because you turn in an assignment does not mean you’ll receive credit for it. You need to demonstrate that you’ve learned the skill and prove you can do it on your own. Not only will I assess you, but you will also learn how to assess yourself. You will have an entire unit to demonstrate mastery of each standard within the unit. Once that unit is complete, the grade will stand. Please see the Outcome Based Rubric for more details.
Units
We will conduct inquiry-based units. Students will be expected to research topics of interest within the overall theme of the unit. You are encouraged to talk with your family about our unit topics to gain insight about what you might research. Additionally, students will be given the freedom to select the type of writing they’ll complete per unit. Each student will write a minimum of 3 narratives, 3 informational/explanatory papers, and 3 arguments this school year.
Unit 1 – Looking Underneath: Becoming a Sophisticated Reader and Writer
Unit 2 – Stand and Deliver: The Power of Literacy
Unit 3 – Controversial Issues
Unit 4 – Crimes against Humanity and Civilization
Unit 5 – Decision Making in Times of Injustice
Unit 6 – Pivotal Moments around the World
Unit 7 – Education and Civil Rights
Unit 8 – Opportunities for Change
Parents/Guardians,
Feel free to contact me if you have questions. I’d love to meet with you or have you visit my room as a volunteer. On the home page of my blog, you’ll see a space for you to send me contact information about your child. Once you submit this form, I’ll add you to your child’s classroom email listserv.
Thank you. I look forward to a fantastic year!