Language & Literature
Weekly Plans
Class Novels
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Language and Literature Criterion:
A. Analyzing
B. Organizing
C. Producing Text
D. Using Language
Grading Policy:
Graded assignments will be entered into one of the categories below and will be cumulative for each semester. Please check grades regularly on Aeries. Always feel free to talk to me about grade concerns or questions.
Summative Assessments: 70%
Formative Assessments: 25%
Classwork/Homework: 5%
Expectations:
Since students will frequently work with others and will consistently be academically challenged, it is essential that students act with integrity and respect at all times. Students who choose not to meet these challenges will be made aware of their decisions, reflect on how they can better handle it in the future, and contact home may be made.
While it is my expectation for students to meet my classroom rules at all times, students can in turn expect respect, kindness, honesty and hard work from me. Students should also expect to be academically challenged on a regular basis, but understand that it is always encouraged to ask for extra help, support, or clarification when needed.
To optimize learning, students are encouraged to do the following:
Take risks - it is how they will grow.
Embrace a growth mindset - “failure” is part of the process.
Respect other people and their ideas - we need class to be a safe learning environment.
Be gritty - it takes work and perseverance to further develop skills.
Independent Reading:
In order to further develop their reading, vocabulary, and comprehension skills, it is important for students to read at least twenty minutes per day, five days a week outside of school (although 30 plus minutes per day is optimal). Occasionally throughout the year, I will assign reading from a class novel, but many times students will need to read a novel of their choice. Students are welcome to checkout a book from my class library, from the school library, or any other method that works for them. It is important to note the I do not monitor the content of the novels that they choose for independent reading, so parents should check with their students about the books they have selected.
Student Absences and Make-Up Assignments:
It is the student's responsibility to ask for and complete all work missed during the absence. Students are responsible for their own work. Students must collect all homework and handouts missed during absences during their own time (before/after school or lunch). Tests and quizzes must be made up at lunch, Study Hall, or before school. Make up tests must be scheduled with the teacher. Students have two days to make up homework missed from a one-day absence in order to receive full credit. Students should always check-in with the teacher upon their arrival back to school.
How Parents Can Help:
Ensure your child is reading at least 20 minutes per day.
Set aside a regular time and quiet place for homework.
Provide necessary materials and supplies.
Ask your child if he/she has homework and ask to see the completed product.
Encourage your student to openly communicate questions and needs with teachers.
Check your child’s planner for notes and assignments.
Check your student’s grades and ask students to talk about what they’ve learned.
To Improve a writing grade you must complete the following steps:
Print the original essay if submitted on Google docs (before making any changes).
Make improvements on your essay. In order for you to receive a higher grade, you need to make significant changes beyond basic editing corrections.
Print the improved essay and highlight any content changes that you made.
Write an explanation about the changes you made on your essay with a thoughtful explanation about how the changes improved your writing.
Staple these together, with the original rubric.
*NOTE* You must submit your essay rewrite packet within one week of receiving your original essay back in class in order to be eligible for an improved grade. If you skip any of the above steps, your essay will not be reassessed.