| BMS Lit 6 Welcome Letter |
Ms. Paparozzi |
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“The Instructor said,
Go home and write
a page tonight.
And let that page come out of you-
Then, it will be true.”
~Langston Hughes
September, 2009
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,
It is with pleasure that I welcome you to sixth grade Language Arts. My goal for this course is to equip students with English knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s world. Students will be exposed to multiple works of literature as well as techniques for reading, writing, and mastering grammar skills.
This course has a novel-based curriculum, and we will be using eight or nine novels to form our units. Units will consist of in-class and take-home writing assignments, grammar exercises, class discussions, individual and/or group projects, presentations, and much more.
I have designed a course of study that will be interesting and educational for all learners. The work will be demanding; however, I have no doubts that my students will be up to the challenge. I look forward to a yearlong educational journey filled with reading, writing, exploring, and analyzing Language Arts.
Materials/Outside Readings
As aforementioned, this course is novel-based. Students will not be working out of one standard textbook, but rather out of several different novels. During each unit, the current novel will be the main point of reference for students. I will provide all supplemental texts such as short stories and poetry that we will use in addition to the main novel.
Since I often plan discussions and activities related to the assigned readings, it is important that students come to class each day prepared to discuss the assigned material. Being prepared for class means having read the material thoroughly and formulating questions to clarify and understand the material.
Students will be expected to be constantly engaged in independent reading outside of class. The guidelines for this independent reading will be outlined in a detailed handout. Independent reading is an important part of fostering a love of reading in all students.
Teaching Strategies
In order to accommodate a wide range of learning styles, a variety of teaching techniques will be employed. Lecture, classroom reading and writing assignments, role-play, simulation, audio- visual instruction, cooperative learning, and research and analysis will be used throughout the course.
Course Requirements
-Respect yourself, classmates, teachers, and everyone associated with the school.
-Be prepared for class daily. Students are required to bring a notebook, writing utensil, and all designated supplemental material to class.
-Class participation is vital to the success of every student in the classroom and it will be reflected in the grading system.
-Students must be in their seats ready to learn when the block begins.
-Late assignments will result in a 10% deduction each day the assignment is late. NOTE: After three days late, you will have one week to complete the assignment for a maximum of 50% credit.
-Any work missed as a result of absence will be handled according to school policy.
-Ask questions when you do not understand a concept, and speak to me if you have any concerns regarding the course. I am very approachable and fair in the classroom and I encourage feedback regarding any aspect of the course.
-Have fun and learn!
Evaluation:
Your grade for this course will be a composite of the following items: tests/quizzes, projects, homework, and participation. The grading is based on a total points system where everything assigned is given a point value ranging between 5 and 200 points. At the end of the quarter, the total points earned will be divided into the number possible. Keep track of your points throughout the quarter and I will remind you of your progress as much as possible.
Grade Breakdown
Homework (5- 25 points): Students will be assessed on the quality and effort of the assignments done outside class.
Participation (10-50 points): Students will be involved in a number of classroom activities and discussions that will vary depending on the content of the unit/lesson. Again, students will be assessed on the quality and effort of their work.
Projects (50-200 points): Students can expect to have one or two major projects throughout the year as well as other smaller projects that may be categorized under this heading. Projects may be either group or individual assignments. Students will be given time during class to work on projects, but they will also be expected to spend time at home working on these assignments.
Tests/Quizzes (10-100 points) : Tests will be given at the culmination of a unit or major topic/concept. Questions on the test will vary, but they will typically include multiple choice, identification questions, and essays. Quizzes can either be announced quizzes on different concepts and reading assignments, or unannounced reading quizzes to ensure everyone is completing the assigned reading.
I look forward to an enjoyable and educational experience.
Sincerely,
Melissa Paparozzi
Language Arts Department
Please show that you have read and understood the contents of this letter by returning it with the appropriate signature below.
Student Name: Student Signature:
Parent/Guardian Name: Parent/Guardian Signature:
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| Last updated 2009/09/01 09:51:59 PDT | Hits 687 |
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