1. English Language Arts (ELA) Mrs. Chamlin
Open House
English Language Arts (ELA)
Mrs. Chamlin

2. 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

3. 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

4. Gemini Mustang Rules
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Positive

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

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

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

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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. Contact Information
Mrs. Jane Chamlin
(847)
Please never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns
and phone number are on my website also

15. 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.