Curriculum Night 2014 Mrs. Jennifer Flanagan, M.Ed

Originally from Louisiana – moved to NC 3 years ago Became an educator after working for 2 years with AmeriCorps VISTA 9 years of education experience 6 years working specifically with the gifted population 3 years at Hanes (currently in my third year!) Credentials: Bachelor’s in English, Northwestern State University Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, emphasis on Gifted Ed., Louisiana State University AG/HAG Certified

Common Core Essential Standards Five main components: Reading Literature Reading Informational Text Writing Language Speaking & Listening

A natural pairing! Many social studies concepts can be reinforced with language arts skills. Ex: Primary source document analysis/close reading skills Literature reinforces social studies concepts. Ex: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury reinforces the concept of REVOLUTION taught in social studies. Writing topics help students connect social studies concepts with their lives. Ex: “The Danger of a Single Story” Narrative Writing Assignment

Points system. Less “meaty” assignments are worth fewer points (homework, class activities, etc.). Heartier assignments are worth more points (essays, projects, major tests). Progress reports reflect student progress. A BLANK GRADE indicates that an assignment has not been turned in (please have a conversation with your child about the missing assignment).

Homework: NO late homework will be accepted (unless the child is absent). Major Assignments: Students will be given an “assignment window” of three days. Students may turn in their assignment within that window. After the window closes, assignments will be deducted 10 points per day. Absences: If the child is absent, he/she will have the same number of days as absences to make up the work. Ex: 2 days absent = 2 days extended due date.

Homework: Journal entries every two weeks (10 points) Finish classwork Final drafts of revised writing assignments Classwork: Occasionally, combined Language Arts/Social Studies class Padea/Socratic Seminar (participation) Problem Based Learning (PBL) Group collaborative projects Writing process (student conferences/progress monitoring)

Be PROMPT. Be PREPARED. Be PRINCIPLED.

1.Warning 2.Teacher/Student conference 3.Phone call to parent 4.Behavior referral

Mrs. Flanagan’s Website – Check “Weekly Tools” for assignments and handouts (great for absent students!). Technology Tools tab is great for technology project ideas. Edmodo – We will use Edmodo to upload technology projects and for occasional class quizzes and surveys. Edmodo login information is on Mrs. Flanagan’s website (under “Weekly Tools” – 9/15-9/19). Google Drive – Several students in the past have used Google Drive as a tool for collaborative projects. Feel free to set up an account.

We will read a variety of novel titles this year, including: The Watch that Ends the Night by Allan Wolf (HAG/AG) Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (HAG) Animal Farm by George Orwell (HAG) The Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling (HAG) The Giver by Lois Lowery (AG) Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki (AG) Excerpts from a variety of Shakespearean plays (AG/HAG) Shakespearean sonnets(AG/HAG) Collapse by Jared Diamond (AG/HAG) Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond (AG/HAG) In addition to the class readings, students will also choose a novel to read that encompasses a concept being taught in social studies. Mrs. Haas has a small library in her class for student use.

This year, we have organized our school year around six THEMES that encompass both Language Arts and Social Studies concepts. Through the exploration of these themes, students will see how literature and the art of writing play a role in the evolution of our world.

Who We Are Close reading strategies (TP-CASTT), Primary Source Analysis Where We Are in Time and Place Close reading strategies (TP-CASTT), Primary Source Analysis How We Express Ourselves Narrative Writing Point of View/Perspective Literary/Poetry Devices Close reading

How the World Works Research Problem/Solution Writing How We Organize Ourselves Argumentative Writing, textual analysis and support Debate Sharing the Planet Inquiry Project Problem Solution Writing Speaking/Listening Skills

Your child may be talking about the TP-CASTT method at home. Here’s what it looks like: T: Title P: Paraphrase C: Connotation A: Attitude S: Shift T: Title, revisited T: Theme

We will use the TP-CASTT method throughout the year to analyze poetry and prose. The purpose of TP-CASTT is for students to have a structured way of approaching textual analysis (instead of making blind inferences!).

(And THANK YOU for sharing your children with me!)