Language Arts 6 Syllabus

Mrs. Krambeer

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
English 6 is the introductory English class at the middle school level.  The course will include experiences in the Iowa Core Curricular areas of writing, reading, language, speaking, and listening, as well as 21st century skills.  Students will utilize the steps of the writing process to create a variety of writing pieces for different purposes.  Students will also learn about the connection between reading and writing to foster skills.  Students will also engage in speaking listening, viewing and technological activities to enhance their learning.

SPECIFIC UNITS:
Presidential Unit

Writing Process (3 days)
Paragraph Writing 1 (7 days)
Grammar (1 day/week)
Write Traits Ideas Lessons

Essay 1 (8 days)
Writer’s Workshop (4 days/semester)
Write Traits Organization Lessons

Group Essay (7 days)
BR/SF (2/quarter)
Journals (Every 3 weeks)
Write Traits Voice Lessons

Essay 2 (7 days)
Spelling (1 list/week)
Write Traits Word Choice Lessons

Essay 3 (9 days)
Presentation (14 days)
Various other activities (TBA)
*Many projects and their durations will change this year since we are always making things better!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. You will understand and practice writing as a process that will include prewriting, drafting, peer reviewing, editing/revising, and publishing.
2. You will develop a portfolio of writings for different occasions and diverse audiences.
3. You will read and respond to a variety of prompts.
4. You will use research to explore and write about new topics.
5. You will use electronic technology (on-line  resources, word processing, blogs, wikis, and electronic mail) to access information, and to compose and share your writing.
6.  You will engage in cross-curricular activities to further develop understanding of concepts and processes.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGIES:
This course will incorporate current pedagogical approaches including process writing, collaboration, small group activities, and online assessment.

EVALUATION PROCEDURE:
Grades will be determined based on mastery of Iowa Core Standards.  Each standard will have several assignments attached to it that will be used to show student mastery of the concept.  The student score for each standard will be figured by weighting the scores for all assignments for that standard and figuring a letter grade based on percentage. 

Overall grade for each grading period will be figured by weighting all scores for that time period and figuring a letter grade based on percentage.

All work must be completed to receive a grade.  Late work earns a 70% grade, if all expectations for the assignment are met.

CLASS RULES AND EXPECTATIONS:
1.  Students are expected to be in their seats and checking Edmodo for the days plan when class starts or they will be tardy.
2.  Students are expected to contribute positively to the leaning environment.  Negative comments will not be allowed.
3.  Students are expected to be respectful of all other students, teachers, aides, and their property.
4.  If a student is absent, he or she is responsible for finding out from the teacher what the assignment is.  Find this out before or after class, NOT DURING CLASS!  Remember, you can always call a friend or check Edmodo for what you miss too!
5.  Students are expected to put forth their best effort in learning and demonstrating course competencies.
6.  Students may chew gum if it is not seen or heard.  One mishap ruins it for the whole class for the quarter, so help your neighbor out if he/she needs it.
7.  Students need to sit on all four legs of their chairs.
8.  No cell phones, ipods, or headphones in class unless teacher directed or approved.
9.  You need to be dismissed by the teacher to leave the classroom.
10.  Substitute teachers will be treated with respect or the consequence is double.