Mrs. Cantey’s Course Description ELA 2016-2017
Students will receive instruction using the balanced literacy approach. Students will read a variety of literature as well as read for enjoyment on a daily basis. Approximately 15 minutes of class time will be spent daily with students silently reading books of their choice appropriate to their reading level. The remaining portion of each class period will revolve around directed instruction, small group work, individual practice, student conferencing, and assessment. Nonfiction texts will bealarge part of instruction as well as learning to apply vocabulary skills to the reading process. Vocabulary study will involve using context clues to determine the meanings of new words encountered when reading for information or pleasure. Students are expected to keep an interactive notebook, complete all class and homework assignments, read individually, keep a reading journal, study on a daily basis, and to bring their materials and textbook(s) to class every day. The research process will be an ongoing focus of instruction throughout the year. Writing and grammar will be integrated with the reading instruction. Students will be required to use correct sentence structure, compose paragraphs, and essays. Students and parents can access the teacher’s website through the Georgetown County School District’s website and view the standards required for mastery.
Students should read at home daily for 15 minutes. Students will have a weekly form that has to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to teacher. Students will allowed to check out books from the classroom, and they will have access to the school library for book checkout. It is each student’s responsibility to return books on time and check out new reading material. This may require that they check out new books after eating lunch or during recess time. Homework assignments will be assigned twoto four times per week. It should be done or placed in the Interactive Student Notebook. Students should review or study notes and/or vocabulary daily. Parents will be sent brief messages concerning assignments, quizzes and test using the phone app Remind. Please see additional handout for information.
Grades will be averaged each quarter using the Georgetown County weighting scale for middle school.
Major Assessments (Tests, Projects, Essays) 40% Quizzes 30%
Classwork 25%Homework 5%
MATERIALS FOR ELA
- pencils and highlighters (a continual supply)
- loose-leaf paper (a continual supply)
- sticky notes(a continual supply)
- tape and /or glue(a continual supply)
- 2Composition Notebooks (ISN)
- 1 inch, 3-ring binder (will stay in the classroom)
- ear buds
- Optional –note cards, ruler, colored pencils, markers, crayons, jump drive
- Teacher wish list-Kleenex & hand sanitizer for classroom
Please contact me if you have any questions. I can be contacted by phone or email. The Rosemary number is 843-264-9780. You may leave a message; I will return your call as soon as possible. In addition, parents may contact me directly at . Please provide for me your current phone number and email address in case I need to contact you. My planning is from 8:00 – 9:00 Monday – Friday.