South House – Sapphire Team
Course Topic: ENGLISH / LANGUAGE ARTS
November 29th 2011 Update:
Homework is a crucial part of the learning process. Not only does it teach responsibility, but it also reinforces the curriculum and lessons that are presented each day in class. Unfortunately, I have observed an influx of missing assignments with each ELA class. Failing to turn in homework assignments has been detrimental to many students’ grades. In my class there is a “One Day Late” policy. I do understand that sometimes life happens and students have the option to turn in late work (one day) for partial credit. Please be aware that many students’ grades are not a reflection of their ability or potential, but directly correlate with the lack of assignments being turned in within a reasonable amount of time. All homework can be found on
the Broad Rock website or at www.edmodo.com (your child was given the code/login information). If you have any questions please feel free to email me at vamaral@skschools.net
Sincerely,
Ms. Amaral
December 19th Reminder
Want to view your sixth grader’s grades?
In the body of the email write your child/student’s name and request your username and password.
If you have any other questions please feel free to email me at vamaral@skschools.net and I’d be happy to try and answer them for you.
OVERVIEW
The purpose of this course is to develop and strengthen reading, writing, speaking, thinking, and listening skills
This course is aligned with:
South Kingstown Language Arts Curriculum
RI and NH Local and State Grade Level Expectations
NECAP State Grade Level & Grade Span Expectations
Grading/Assessment (one letter grade per quarter: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F)
Grades will be based on the following:
*tests and quizzes *completion of WEB activities
*reading assignments/projects * completion of homework
*writing assignments/projects * oral reports and presentations
*reading responses * participation in small group and whole class
discussions and activities
For projects, students and teachers will use rubrics, criteria sheets, and checklists to guide and assess performance as compared to the standards.
Retakes on tests/quizzes will be determined on an individual basis
A parent/guardian signature will be required for any test score below 70%
Classroom Expectations
Tools: Students should come to the class each day with the following:
A pencil and a pen (blue or black ink only!)
Completed homework
ELA binder
Books and/or other materials assigned
Behavior:
Students will follow all school rules
Students will encourage their peers in the learning process
Students will put forth their best effort at all times
Work Presentation:
All work will be neat and complete
All written work will have a heading (including first and last name)
Learning Strategies:
Students will record daily homework and projects in their planners
Students will plan out long-term assignments
Students will keep all materials organized and in good condition
We will be using The Four Block Literacy Model - a Balanced Literacy Program –
to guide instruction. Daily instruction of The Four Block Model includes:
WORD DEVELOPMENT Purpose: Gives students strategies for determining the meaning of unknown words Gives students strategies for learning to spell high frequency and commonly misspelled words |
SELF-SELECTED READING Purpose Students develop fluency and
stamina Students recognize and discuss literary elements |
READ ALOUD Purposes: Students experience immediate contact with a variety of genres and authors
Teachers model effective thinking processes
Students hear written language which is different from spoken language |
TEACHER DIRECTED WRITING Purpose: Students receive specific instruction involving a variety of text structures **OR**
TEACHER DIRECTED READING Purpose: Students receive specific instruction involving comprehension strategies that will enable students to acquire, interpret, apply, and evaluate text
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We will be using the Writing Process and The Write Traits writing program to guide instruction.
The steps of the Writing Process are:
PREWRITE DRAFT REVISE EDIT PUBLISH |
The Traits of Good Writing are:
Ideas |
Organization |
Word Choice |
Sentence Fluency |
Voice |
Conventions |
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