English IV
2011-2012
Instructor: Mrs. Jennifer Beckett
e-mail:
Course Goals:
To enhance knowledge of British literature and its significance
To improve communication skills in writing, reading, speaking and listening
To extend knowledge of Kentucky literature and its societal value
Course Outline:
We study literature in the following units:
Identity
Journeys
Family and friends
Values and goals
Materials:
For this class you will need pens/pencils. You also must have a paper-filled binder with pockets and rings so that you can easily turn in assignments and organize returned assignments. This binder is for notes and handouts.
You need a spiral or composition notebook that you can choose to leave in class. This is for creative and personal writing. You need to bring in this notebook by 8/16/11. This will count as a grade. If you cannot purchase this, please talk to me in class or by e-mail before the due date. You will have independent Reader-Writer time at least twice a week most weeks.
You should have these supplies every day. This influences your participation grade.
Further Materials:
In-class projects help students understand concepts of composition and literature. Also, I like for students to have supplies like Kleenex available when needed. For that reason I would like for everyone who can to bring in one or more of the following supplies for classroom use please:
OPTIONAL SUPPLIES
Kleenexhand sanitizer
markers disinfectant wipes (Clorox, Lysol, etc.)
paper towels or napkinscraft paints
paint brushesfabric or felt swatches scissors glue or tape construction paper colored printer paper
other craft supplies
Homework:
You will have homework, such as reading assignments, writing assignments and research practice. Students who successfully use class time can often finish small assignments during class and will not have to complete as many assignments at home.
Late work due to absence:
To have late work accepted for a full grade, you must:
1) Have an excused absence.
2) Put the assignment in the correct make-up work folder on time. You have one day to turn in work for each day you were absent. This is the school policy. Make-up work will be available in the folders near my desk. You can take work that you missed out of the folders. If you are unclear on what you missed, please talk to me the day you return.
Late work:
Students are encouraged to turn in all work on time so that they do not fall behind. I will accept a student’s work late once or twice for a late grade because I understand that mistakes happen. However, beyond one or two instances of late work, I will contact home and stop accepting late assignments from that student. I will not accept any late work more than a week past the original due date.
Tardies:
Students need to be in their seat when the bell rings. This class will follow the high school’s tardy policy.
Basic Rules:
You will try to learn. You will learn.
You will:
Think.
Read assigned materials.
Turn in written assignments and projects on time.
Turn in work to the correct location.
Help create a positive environment in which people can discuss ideas together without criticism. Then, we can debate issues in a respectful way.
Help keep the class clean by picking up trash and not defacing items.
Keep an organized notebook.
Learn the names of your classmates.
Take notes daily.
Sit in the correct seat. Sometimes you will have a seating chart. Sometimes you will have freedom of choice. Seating depends on what is most conducive to learning and on the maturity level of students.
Participate in Reader-Writer time.
Communication:
I can be reached by students or parents at .
Also, I will keep an updated Online Classroom. You can access the page directly at Click on English IV, and go into View Blog for daily assignments and due dates.
I hope that, by the end of the school year, you will be able to tell how much you have learned. Throughout the year, please make me aware of suggestions or concerns that you have.
This is our class. Be proud of it. We are creating a culture of excellence.
I look forward to working with students and parents this year. If you have any questions, please e-mail me or call me at 863-4635.
PLEASE KEEP THE INFORMATION PAGE AND RETURN THIS PAGE.
Student name (please print):______
Class period:______
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