We will be focusing on how to be successful not only in class, school, but in life. We will be working on different Reading strategies and applying those to many different genre selections in the Literature book. I hope to instill my enjoyment of literature, writing, and other forms of expression so that all of you will gain confidence in your abilities as you move on in your education. Before we start, let’s look at the requirements for reading classes.
This is the beginning of a great year. Let’s start out right! You all start with an A+ in this class. Here are the ways you can work to keep that A+.
Bring appropriate materials to class everyday. You are to bring a black or blue pen, pencil, your textbook, and any other materials that you need for class. You are required to have a Reading notebook which will be kept in the classroom. This will be for notes, Bell work, and in class responses.
Each grading period, you will start out with 100 preparation points. Each time you come to class unprepared, 10 points will be deducted form that total. By not bringing materials, you are not able to fully contribute to class. If you come to class totally prepared each day, you have taken a giant step towards a successful year. I do have some supplies in the classroom that may be used during class, but returned before you leave. As long as you handle all this before class starts you will not lose preparation points.
Everyday you will be required to be in your assigned seat when the bell rings and start working on your bell work. Bell work will be either a journal topic in which you will be required to write at least a ½ page, a short reading passage with comprehension questions, or vocabulary practice. Bell work needs to be in your Reading notebook and label with the date and title. You will not lose points on bell work if you are absent. Bell work will be 15% of your grade.
Follow directions the first time they are given. It is a waste of everybody’s time if you don’t listen to directions the first time they are given. Do your hardest to listen at all times.
Following directions also includes following homework guidelines. 1. Name, class title, and assignment title in top right hand corner. 2. Answers must be in complete sentences. 3. Place part of the question in with your answer. 4. No late work accepted.
Homework is written on the board everyday assigned. The assignments that are to be turned in for that day are also written on the board. It is your responsibility to write down the assignment and turn in the appropriate papers. The week’s assignments are also on the back board so amble notice is given for tests and projects.
Homework must be completed and handed in on time.You will be allowed to turn in one assignment late per grading period. For excused absences you are allowed one day per day you were absent (that absence being either the day the homework was assigned or the day the homework was handed in). I will not give an assignment that will take more than one hour to complete. I DO expect your assignments to be completed and handed in on time (usually the beginning of that class period). Many times you will be able to complete assignments in class. You are required to be reading every night to keep up on book projects and AR tests. Unless there is an unforeseen occurrence, I try not to assign homework for the weekends. So, this expectation is simple: DO YOUR HOMEWORK WHEN IT IS ASSIGNMED AND TURN IT IN WHEN IT IS DUE.
Keep hands, feet, objects, and rude comments to yourself. Come to class with a respectful, open-minded attitude. I do not tolerate disrespectful or mean comments directed at other students, staff members or myself. All students have the right to learn in a safe and positive atmosphere. If a student jeopardizes that atmosphere, he or she will be removed from the classroom.
Always use good manners (i.e. not interrupting others, raising your hand, and staying seated). Get to class on time! The school policy for tardies is that three (3) tardies results in a detention. Each tardy after the first three will result in a detention. I do keep close track of this and if I see a pattern, parents/guardians will be contacted.
Raise your hand before speaking in class. Neither I, nor anyone else, can hear if more than one person is talking at the same time.
Stay in your seat while lessons are taking place. If you need to do something like sharpen your pencil, wait until the lesson is over.
GRADE CATEGORIES 45% = Homework/Classwork/AR Logs 30% = Test/Quizzes/Projects 15% = Bell Work 10% = Preparation
Accelerated Reader will be included in your Reading Grade. Any book that is below you reading level will not be counted in your grade. You are required to read and test on two books in your level and recieve a passing score of at least a 60%. You are also required to complete two AR logs each quarter, each worth 50 points.
We will be having different assessments throughout the year. Most will be unit tests and quizzes to evaluate the understanding of the different genres and reading strategies. We will also be monitoring each student’s progress through Aimsweb. We monitor student’s comprehension as well as fluency while reading. This is used to see how the student has progressed throughout the year. ISAT Tests will be taken in March. All the state standards we address are assessed on this test. It is considered a culmination of the year that is given by the state. We take these scores very seriously and will give plenty of notice before tests will be administered.
To focus on fluency we will be working with 6-minute solutions. This program is to increase students words read per minutes as well as their expression and natural voice tones while reading. I refer to it as “practicing to read how we talk”.