EXPECTATIONS & OVERVIEW MS. VAUGHAN’S 7 TH GRADE ENGLISH

WORDS THAT WILL SHAPE & DEFINE OUR YEAR  Rigorous  Challenging  Enriching  Stimulating  Engaging  Positive

 Supportive  Collaborative  Ambitious  Fun  Lively

MY GOAL FOR YOU… For you to learn to think critically *Reflective questioners *Discerning listeners *Proficient readers *Adept writers It’s going to challenge you and make you THINK!

WHAT MAKES A GREAT CLASS? Turn and talk to your partner: What elements make a class great? Think back to past classes.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT CLASS TO ME?  Students trying their best  Positive attitudes  Respect for rules and for others  Great, meaningful discussions (You have to be prepared in order for this to happen!)  Focus  Goals

 Good questions  Meaningful, purposeful noise and activity  All students involved and engaged  Consistent hard effort  Fun and laughter  Growth in thinking, writing, reading, and speaking.

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING THIS YEAR?  Reading– In class and out of class. But this year it will involve a lot more than just turning the pages!  You will be ACTIVE readers *tracking/annotating the text *asking ?s as you read *making inferences, predictions, comments, connections (See “A Skilled Reader” poster on wall )

 Writing! It’s a Process– *Plan *Organize *Write *Proofread *Edit *Rewrite The more you write, the better at it you get. So expect to write lots and lots in my class.

 Vocabulary– you must become an avid collector of words!  Wordly Wise 3000  Test every 6 to 12 days  Website (audio pronunciation, flashcard app, and games!)

 Grammar– you need a firm understanding of grammar in order to write and express yourself fluently  I will build grammar lessons into our daily work  We will also do a lot of TCAP-like mini grammar activities

OTHER POINTS  Accelerated Reader: You must read at least 15 minutes a night/day. Books need to be at your reading level or above (Goals are based on STAR data). You must take two AR reading quizzes per 9 weeks (they count as grades in the grade book!)

After-School Help: I’m available most days after school for one-on-one help. This type of instruction is INVALUABLE. me or talk to me to set up a time if you have a need for this.

 Attendance It is IMPERATIVE that you are at school every day. Missing class means you miss almost 2 hours of instruction which can not be replicated. Do everything you can to be here each day. And be rested and prepared!

WHAT ARE THE CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS?  1. Respect for all people and things Don’t talk while others are talking Don’t belittle or bully by actions or words Be inclusive Be supportive and helpful and encouraging Take care of your binder and belongings and the desks and classroom

 2. Come to class prepared Binder, pencils, sharpener, agenda, homework, AR book, etc 3. Raise you hand and WAIT to be called on. Don’t call out! Or wave your hand furiously. Or keep your hand raised for an exorbitant amount of time while I or someone else is speaking.

 5. Stay on task and follow my directions independently When I raise my hand, turn off the lights, or otherwise indicate– it means stop working or talking

DISCIPLINE POLICY  1. Warning  2. Ticket-Lunch Detention & home  3.Ticket- After school detention & phone call/ home  4. Ticket- Friday Opportunity School & phone call home  5. Ticket- Office referral; Friday School/ISS

BEFORE CLASS STARTS  Enter the room quietly and sit down and get materials organized  Check the front whiteboard for the day’s agenda  Get started on the Opening Activity

IN CLASS, I EXPECT YOU TO BE… *Intellectually curious Ask questions, challenge others (and me), look to many sources for information, DIG! *A leader Be an example for others, take initiave, be prepared, help others learn *Courageous Defend your thoughts, use evidence to support your ideas, actively participate, invest in what we do!

GRADING 15% Homework/Classwork 25% Quizzes/Small Projects 60% MajorTests/Big Projects You will receive a participation grade for each 9 weeks that counts as a major test grade. Everybody starts with a 100! Points are deducted each time you are not prepared and for overall participation in our class.

STAY INFORMED  Write in your agenda EVERY DAY  Take notes EVERY DAY  Check 7thgradehillsboro.wikispaces.com  me if you have any questions: