Course Overview:
This year, students will be learning reading comprehension and fluency through unit themes. Each theme has a novel that the student will need to read. During the first semester of the year, students will cover the first two units. All novels will be provided by the school and will be read in class. A student may bring home one of the novels if he/she is out of school for an extended period of time.
In the first unit, students will read the non-fiction text "Written in bone". Students will learn how to draw conclusions and how to cite and evaluate evidence. skills learned in this first unit will help students as they go throughout the year.
In the second unit, students will read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Students will learn that writers use stories and tales to teach us lessons. They will come to understand how literature remains with readers to become a part of our language, culture, and moral code.
In the third unit, students will read The Giver by Lois Lowery. Students will learn about community and how belief systems are established. They will explore the ideas of humanity and choice.
In the third unit, students will study different perspectives of the Civil War through personal accounts, primary and secondary sources, and literary reflections. They will come to understand a defining period in our country’s history.
In the fourth unit, students will read “How to Write a Memoir,” The American Scholar, by William Zinsser. Students will explore lives in transition and discover that hope often comes in unlikely places. Students will learn about the craft of writing and observe firsthand the connection between reading and writing.
Homework:
Students have spelling/grammar homework each week. All homework must be turned in by Friday of each week in order to receive credit. Spelling words will be sent home Monday of each week. Students will be expected to study for weekly spelling test. All spelling tests are multiple choice. Students will be given at least 4 Reading tests, 3 Vocabulary tests, and up to 2 Grammar Tests each nine weeks.
Language Grades will be comprised of weekly spelling tests and worksheets, daily language review worksheets, and homework.
Reading Grades – will be comprised of reading comprehension tests, vocabulary tests, worksheets, homework, and writing activities. These will normally be given every two weeks.
Textbooks for ELA will not be issued. These books are kept in the classroom for students use. I will issue the student an internet copy of the book.
This year, students will be learning reading comprehension and fluency through unit themes. Each theme has a novel that the student will need to read. During the first semester of the year, students will cover the first two units. All novels will be provided by the school and will be read in class. A student may bring home one of the novels if he/she is out of school for an extended period of time.
In the first unit, students will read the non-fiction text "Written in bone". Students will learn how to draw conclusions and how to cite and evaluate evidence. skills learned in this first unit will help students as they go throughout the year.
In the second unit, students will read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Students will learn that writers use stories and tales to teach us lessons. They will come to understand how literature remains with readers to become a part of our language, culture, and moral code.
In the third unit, students will read The Giver by Lois Lowery. Students will learn about community and how belief systems are established. They will explore the ideas of humanity and choice.
In the third unit, students will study different perspectives of the Civil War through personal accounts, primary and secondary sources, and literary reflections. They will come to understand a defining period in our country’s history.
In the fourth unit, students will read “How to Write a Memoir,” The American Scholar, by William Zinsser. Students will explore lives in transition and discover that hope often comes in unlikely places. Students will learn about the craft of writing and observe firsthand the connection between reading and writing.
Homework:
Students have spelling/grammar homework each week. All homework must be turned in by Friday of each week in order to receive credit. Spelling words will be sent home Monday of each week. Students will be expected to study for weekly spelling test. All spelling tests are multiple choice. Students will be given at least 4 Reading tests, 3 Vocabulary tests, and up to 2 Grammar Tests each nine weeks.
Language Grades will be comprised of weekly spelling tests and worksheets, daily language review worksheets, and homework.
Reading Grades – will be comprised of reading comprehension tests, vocabulary tests, worksheets, homework, and writing activities. These will normally be given every two weeks.
Textbooks for ELA will not be issued. These books are kept in the classroom for students use. I will issue the student an internet copy of the book.