LANGUAGE ARTS 6 Mr. Goldberg

COURSE BACKGROUND The class will focus on several novels and uses of literary devices. Students will learn how to comprehend author’s purpose and various genres of literature. In addition, the class will focus on several aspects of writing. Students will learn how to write in different styles and in response to various questions or themes. This will be an intensive writing course.

READING WORKSHOP Reading and understanding text is extremely important in society From following directions to enjoying fantastic literature, we must understand the purpose of a written text From individual reading to group efforts, there are several components to ensuring understanding of text

READING WORKSHOP NEW TEXTBOOKS – IT’S ONLINE! Literature Circles Fishbowls Class Reading Group Reading Literature Book Novels Poetry Informational Text Non-fiction

WRITING WORKSHOP Studies show that being able to write is the single most important skill to a bright future Writing is a process that takes time to ensure accuracy and that a clear message is established Writing takes on various forms and is used in various aspects of life. This includes resumes to movie scripts.

WRITING WORKSHOP Grammar & Mechanics Sentence Structure Description Story-telling Persuasion Informational Poetry Peer Editing Conferencing

CLASS RULES RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY PREPARATION HONESTY ORGANIZATION In addition, the rules in the school handbook will be followed.

RULES (continued) Respect yourself, your classmates, your school and your teacher No gum chewing Keep hands and materials to self Must have a pass to leave the classroom. May not leave the classroom in the first or last 10 minutes of class (unless emergency). Raise hand to be called on. Come prepared and ready to learn every day.

ACTIONS FOR A BROKEN RULE 1st Offense:Warning 2nd Offense:1 Student/Teacher Conference 3rd Offense: Sent to Office / Call Home Each conference is accompanied with a written reflection by the student.

CLASS MATERIALS One 3-ring binder with notebook paper Dividers with tabs (we will create sections as we move along) 2 pens, 2 pencils, 1 red pen Independent Reading Novel Whiteboard Dry Erase Markers and eraser (a clean sock works)

GRADING PROCEDURE The grading procedure will follow district guidelines. Assignments are broken down into two categories: – MINOR: Homework/Preparation/Classwork/Quizzes – MAJOR: Tests/Major Assignments

Minor Assignments This will include: – Daily homework assignments (Not necessarily given each night. Refer to e-board for assignments) – Class assignments – Preparation Grade per marking period – Being in class with materials, on time. – Any regular class assignments – Quizzes (may be pop quizzes for reading)

Tests/Major Assignments This may include: – Tests – Major Writing Assignments that have multiple drafts – Major group projects – Major individual projects

Extra Credit Extra Credit is possible and will be listed on School Wires. For example, Extra Credit may be earned through the Extra Credit projects for the Individual Reading assignments.

GRADE REPRESENTATIONS A: (A ; A 95-97; A ) B:91-83 (B ; B 86-88; B ) C:82-74 (C ; C 77-79; C ) D:73-65 (D ; D 68-70; D ) F:64 & below

TYPICAL DAY 10 Minutes Silent Reading Journals / Mini-Lesson Work from text, novel, writing or other Lesson of the Day Closure *This is not all we will do, but rather an outline for the class routine*

CONTACTING ME is the best way to contact me: Use my School Wires to stay informed on class information Use the online gradebook to stay up-to-date on grades New School Phone Number:

QUESTIONS?