English 2R: Notebook/Binder Guidelines 2015-2016

One of the expectations of this class is that you have a neat, complete, and organized binder/note-taking system which is for THIS English class ONLY. Before exams and quizzes, you will be told to review notes and/or handouts from specified dates or sections of your binder. Always date your notes! Furthermore, there will be periodic open notebook checks to insure that everyone’s notes are complete and up to date. These will be surprise checks and they will be timed. Finding information promptly is important so that learning time is maximized. PLEASE remember to make up ANY AND ALL notes that you miss due to absence. Pick up any handouts that you miss due to absence on THE DAY YOU RETURN. This is your responsibility. Don’t forget to complete all missed class work.

I strongly recommend the use of a three ring binder with loose-leaf paper clipped into it. You MUST organize your binder/notebook/folders by creating the following sections:

1)  Course Guidelines Reference Information: At the beginning of your notebook/binder you should keep the following information: Frequently asked Questions, Grading Policies, Class Participation Rubric, Where to Find Me, Notebook Guidelines, and any other similar handouts.

2)  Daily Notes and Class Work: ‘Do Now’s, in-class assignments, and daily notes that do not fit into the other categories should go in this section.

3)  Academic Vocabulary and Literary Terms: Vocabulary work is ongoing, and quizzes will ALWAYS contain both new and old words. Save ALL vocabulary lists and related work and keep them in this section.

Notes and assignments dealing with literary elements and poetic devices should also go in this section. These will be tested with vocabulary.

4)  Grammar, Spelling, and Usage: Keep review of parts of speech and punctuation at the beginning of this section. ALL grammar, usage and punctuation notes should be kept in this section.

5)  Essays and Writing Assignments (together with all writing instructional handouts): Notes on writing and the writing process, together with graded writing assignments should be kept here. Rubrics for Grading of essays and writing assignments should also be kept here, as should the Editing Symbols I use for correcting of writing.

FOLDERS:

1)  Homework Assignment List & Instructions: Keep track of all numbered homework assignments on your homework planning list. This is provided for you each quarter. Being able to locate homework quickly is essential. When homework assignments are arranged numerically it is easy to see if you are missing any assignments and need to make them up. When homework goes in another section, this should be indicated in the homework section on your homework planning list. The easiest way to keep track of all homework is to keep the homework list up-to-date.

2)  Tests and Quizzes: Please do not throw away tests or quizzes which have been returned to you! Save them and use them to study for future exams/quizzes – including the final exam.

All the best. I look forward to a fun year.