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 Flowers of Algernon by Daniel Keyes. Students will explore the nature of intelligence, knowledge, and the human desire to seek improvement. They will also explore the value of accepting the talents and gifts of themselves and others and will consider the dangers of arrogance and pride.
In the second unit, students will read The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe. Students will explore the distinction between reality and perception in literature. Students will analyze the texts for “truth”, focusing on how reality is altered by perception and emotion. Students will investigate point of view based on the reliability of narrators and the use of irony and its effects on the reader.
In the third unit, students will read Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank. Students will explore the human attempt to make sense of the tragedies of war by means of connecting to others, often through art.
In the fourth unit, students will read informational and literary texts that focus on the role that sugar had played in world history, including Louisiana history. Students will learn about conflicting viewpoints in informational texts.
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 every other 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, 4 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 Flowers of Algernon by Daniel Keyes. Students will explore the nature of intelligence, knowledge, and the human desire to seek improvement. They will also explore the value of accepting the talents and gifts of themselves and others and will consider the dangers of arrogance and pride.
In the second unit, students will read The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe. Students will explore the distinction between reality and perception in literature. Students will analyze the texts for “truth”, focusing on how reality is altered by perception and emotion. Students will investigate point of view based on the reliability of narrators and the use of irony and its effects on the reader.
In the third unit, students will read Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank. Students will explore the human attempt to make sense of the tragedies of war by means of connecting to others, often through art.
In the fourth unit, students will read informational and literary texts that focus on the role that sugar had played in world history, including Louisiana history. Students will learn about conflicting viewpoints in informational texts.
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 every other 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, 4 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.