English Language Arts (ELA) Mrs. Chamlin Open House 2015-2016 English Language Arts (ELA) Mrs. Chamlin

A bit about Mrs. Chamlin 17th year at Gemini Undergrad from UIC (teaching of English 6-12), Masters from National Louis (Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in English as a Second Language, 54 hours of post-Masters coursework, continued classes and workshops in ELA topics I live locally with my husband and two boys, ages 8 and 6

My Philosophy I believe that students do best by doing. Therefore, I demonstrate strategies for the students, give them opportunity to practice, and then assess if independent understanding is present. I re-teach as needed, and we consistently review information “If students read, I read. If students write, I write.” Samples of larger writing assignments will be posted on my website as an example for students

Gemini Mustang Rules Be Safe Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Positive

Common Core Standards Standards are designed for college readiness in the areas of Reading Literature, Reading Informational Text (i.e. non-fiction), Writing (for a variety of purposes), Language (vocabulary, word parts, and grammar), and Speaking and Listening

District Assessments MAP testing—Fall and Spring PARCC testing in Spring Classroom assessments also cover specific benchmarks designated by the District—developed in collaboration with 7th grade ELA department and the Common Core Standards

Components of ELA Reading Comprehension—reading and understand a piece of text Reading Fluency—how quickly and accurately one reads Word Study—vocabulary, grammar, prefixes, roots, etc. Writing for a Variety of Purposes—creating text for different audiences and purposes Speaking and Listening—effective speaking skills for the audience at hand as well as actively listening and participating in a variety of social situations

Reading Comprehension The Reader’s Journey—practice skills and strategies to use for all kinds of text Novels—both fiction and nonfiction with student choice given when possible Fiction and nonfiction reading strategy mini-lessons Self-selected reading—every day for 20 minutes in class. Students will read 40 novels this year independently (reading log sheet will be distributed)

Reading Fluency Independent reading (library visits every 2 weeks for book check out and/or renewal) Class novels and articles

Word Study Novel vocabulary Reader’s Journey vocabulary Word Generation school-wide vocabulary program Activities with Greek and Latin roots and prefixes and suffixes

Writing Paragraph focus—why? Response to literary questions (short story and novel-based)—why? Formal writing assessments (narrative, expository, argumentative, and research essays)—why?

Assignments and Assessments On my website, a calendar of class agendas is posted the weekend before school so that you can see what we will be working on. This can help in cases of missed school. Homework assignments are posted as well. Sample paragraphs, papers, and many novel question assignments are posted to help students at home as well.

Upcoming Events for Gemini Constant contact will alert you to important information Please regularly check PowerSchool. PowerSchool is your key to monitoring student progress! My website

Contact Information Mrs. Jane Chamlin jchamlin@emsd63.org (847) 493-8491 Please never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns Email and phone number are on my website also

Thank You! Thank you so very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to participate in tonight’s Open House! Your student and I very much appreciate it.