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Language Arts
Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year at Deer Creek! Whether you are new to our school or are a seasoned veteran, I encourage you to embrace the many unique (and FUN!!! ) learning opportunities I have in store. Always remember, effort in class activities, as well as a positive attitude, will greatly contribute to your success in my room.
Expectations
First thing’s first—the rules. It is expected that you treat each person in this class with the utmost respect. I will not, under any circumstance, tolerate negativity toward anyone in my room, myself included. Second, my classroom is a learning environment. “Learning” is key. If you choose to disrupt anyone from learning, there will be consequences. The Deer Creek 8th Grade Infraction Policy applies.
Classroom Rules
• Follow directions the first time I give them.
• Complete all assignments on time and to your best ability.
• Bring all materials to class. This includes a pencil or pen, your organized binder, and your reader response notebook. All novels, as well as the occasional textbook, will be stored in the classroom.
• Raise your hand and wait to be called on when you have something to say.
• Be on time, in your seat, and prepared for the daily warm-up.
• Keep your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.
Binders
You are required to have ONE 2” binder for Language Arts class. This binder is expected to be organized daily and should include ALL of your assignments and notes for each quarter. Once the quarter is over, all tests, projects, and important assignments will go into your personal portfolio folder (located IN the classroom). NO ASSIGNMENTS SHOULD BE THROWN AWAY UNTIL YOU ARE NOTIFIED. Your binder will be checked periodically so ALWAYS be prepared.
Your binder should be organized by labeling your tab dividers as follows:
Warm-Ups
Writing (Include loose-leaf paper in this section.)
Reading (Your ZONE Reflection Notebook should go here.)
Grammar
Word Work
ZONE Reading
Get in the ZONE! We will have 25 minutes of free choice reading twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the end of class. Please check the wall outside my classroom door for the word ZONE. If you see it, come to class PREPARED with a book of your choice. You will receive participation points for bringing a book that day and reading quietly.
ZONE Reflection Notebooks
You are required to keep a notebook in the Reading section of your binder; this notebook is your ZONE Reflection Notebook. In this notebook, you are required to compose two (1 page) reflections per week, each based on a book you are reading OUTSIDE class (this should be nothing new to Mrs. Clarey’s students as it works the same way!) All responses should include the name of the book you are reading, its author, the date, and the page where you stopped reading just before writing your reflection. A homework check will be assessed each Friday to make sure you have completed your two reflections for the week. Homework checks work like this: either you did your homework and receive ALL the points, or you didn’t do your homework and receive NO points. Notebooks will be collected at the end of each month for a formal monthly ZONE reflection grade.
Collection dates are as follows:
September 29th
October 27th
November 24th
December 19th
January 26th
February 23rd
March 30th
April 27th
May 26th
Assignments
I prefer PENCIL to be used on all assignments handed in to me. PEN may be used on all warm-ups, journals, notes, etc. If you MUST use pen, be neat about it. I do not accept scribbled out, sloppy work. Find a way to erase or simply USE PENCIL.
Portfolios
As explained above, all tests, projects, prewriting, final copies, and major assignments will go in your portfolio folder at the end of each quarter. You may not remove the items from your portfolio, but you may always add to it!
Late/Incomplete Work
It is your responsibility to turn in your work and turn it in on time. In the case of your absence, all handouts, worksheets, etc. can be found in the black bin located on the counter. Warm-ups and Book Club writing prompts will be located in this bin as well. Check in the “Absent” binder to see what was handed in, what in-class you missed, and what homework/activities you have yet to complete. All late work should be handed in the “Absent/Late” bin on the counter. If your work should be excused, make sure to let me know why I should excuse it (absent, sick, etc.) on the top of your paper.
Grading
Language Arts class grades will be divided into two categories: Reading and Writing.
Writing
Here is how you will be graded
Major Writing/Projects/Assessments 50%
Homework 35% (grammar, word work, written drafts and activities, etc.)
Participation 15% (M.U.G.S., warm-ups, binder checks, homework checks, etc.)
Reading
Here is how you will be graded:
Projects/Assessments 40%
Book Club/In-Class Written Work 30%
Homework 20% (includes anything assigned outside of Book Club, Monthly ZONE Reflections, story vocabulary, etc.)
Participation 10% (Book Club discussions, homework checks, ZONE reading, etc.)
Book Club
As you probably noted above, 30% of your grade is based on an activity called Book Club. Don’t worry; book club is not a “club” that you must attend outside school; rather, it is a method of instruction used to promote thoughtful, meaningful, and REAL literary discussions about books. Book Club includes: a read aloud, opening community share, reading, writing, discussion, and closing community share. Don’t work about the specifics for now; each element of book club will be explained and modeled for you at a later date. Each of you will receive a folder for your Book Club materials. This folder will be stored in the classroom so it never gets misplaced or lost.
Classroom Novels and Book Check Out
You are more than welcome to check out my personal novels. When you find a book you’d like to check out, find your check out card in the BOOK CHECK OUT box on the counter. Fill out the book’s title, book number (if there is one), and the date. Then re-file your card. When you are ready to return your book, please return the book in the BOOK CHECK-IN bin on the counter. DO NOT RESHELVE THE BOOK. I will cross off the book title, initial your card, and re-shelve the book. Remember, I hold you accountable for the books you check out. If you lose or ruin a book, you will be fined (and you can’t go through Promotion until you have paid your fines!) If you neglect to return your book properly, you are responsible for it until it is checked in the right way. Please take good care of my books so that everyone can enjoy them!
**NOTE: The novels in the short bookcase are OFF LIMITS for book check out until further notice.
Bean Bags and Chairs
The use of these items is a PRIVILEDGE and will reserved for THOSE WHO ASK POLITELY during silent reading, group work time, or individual work time ONLY. If you are caught abusing this privilege for any reason, these items will be off limits to you until I have decided otherwise.
I hope this handout sheds some light on the various expectations I have for you this year. If you have any further concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to see me, anytime. Please keep this information in your binder for future reference.
I look forward to seeing each of you reach and exceed your potential!
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