Syllabus 2
Syllabus 2
Syllabus 2
Classroom Goals:
By the end of this class, you will be able to:
Read fictional stories and understand plot structure and literary elements.
Read non-fiction articles for information.
Write short stories utilizing elements of plot structure and literary elements.
Write non-fiction essays to portray information.
Write memoir and autobiography pieces.
Ask deep questions about a text and connect that text to self, others, world.
Find answers to important questions and utilize basic research strategies.
Course Themes
This course is designed around major themes in literature and the human
experience. The themes are fairness, social justice, discrimination, personal identity,
and group identity. Each of these themes will run throughout the literature we read
and the writing we produce. Each student will also participate in a group project that
expounds on one of these themes.
Safe
On time
Accountable
Respectful
Classroom Rules:
Union Redhawks know the rules and follow them. To be the best student you can be
and to help each class run smoothly, let these rules guide you toward meeting your
learning goals.
Activities
For Redhawks to SOAR they must be engaged in class work and always put their
best foot forward. Here are descriptions of the type of classwork we will do and my
expectations about each one.
Whole Group Instruction
This will be teacher led instructional time in which students are expected to remain
aware, alert, and appropriate. This means that students should not chat amongst
themselves during instructional time. Discussion amongst yourselves tends to be
distracting to me and your peers. It takes up extra time when I have to repeat
instructions for those who could not hear due to others talking. I will try to keep my
whole group instruction time brief, so when I need to do it, it will be about topics
that are very important for the whole class to hear and understand.
Small Group or Pair Work
This will be student driven work time. Most of the work you will be doing in class is
work that you can discuss with partners or Learning Groups. Students are expected
to stay on task and be productive during group work time. Because this will take up
most of our class time, students must stay on task in order to complete their
activities and assignments. During these times, I expect that students will talk
amongst themselves a bit; however, I also expect these conversations to be related
to the course work. If I begin noticing students discussing Drake or Kim Kardashians
baby, I will begin by asking them to get back on topic. If the problem persists and I
need to address the issue with the same group more than twice in an hour, I will
reduce their participation grade for that assignment.
If you ever have a serious life issue that is bothering you so much that
you cannot stay on task, you need to let me know so we can work out
a solution.
This time is largely used to read together, write together, discuss ideas, practice
concepts, and refine your thinking. Your grade for this portion comes from
participating and showing your thinking. Not every assignment done in small groups
will be given a letter grade. Many activities we do are designed to help you think
through problems. Regardless of if you will get a letter grade, I expect you to work
on the materials given to you in group time.
Independent Work
This time is used for you to work through materials by yourself. This is also time
reserved for testing and journaling. Independent work time should be very quiet so
that each student is able to think without distractions. I will use independent work
time at least once in every class period. Usually this will be an opportunity to read
or write. Frequently, I will ask you to journal, free write, or write an exit slip. These
materials will be collected and counted as participation points.
Grades
Your grades for each of the coming nine weeks will be based on the following:
1.
Classroom Procedures
1. Be in the room by the time the bell rings.
2. Have class materials out and ready to use.
a. Pick up any missing work if absent previous day.
3. Students with classroom jobs, complete job quickly and quietly.
4. Begin journaling by responding to daily prompt.
a. Write the entire time!
Classroom Jobs
There are a few things that need to be done every day in our classroom in order for
our day to run smoothly. At the beginning of the term you will be asked to sign up
for different tasks you are willing to do in the classroom.
Weekly Assignments
All assignments for the week will be placed in colored folders on the side table
labeled Information Station. Collect the materials you need if you have been
absent
Turning in Assignments
Turn in all completed work to the bins along the front wall. Each bin is labeled with
the class period First Hour, Second Hour, etc. If you would like to or if you need
to submit formal assignments electronically, you may place them in our classes
Google Drive folder.
Graded Assignments
Graded assignments will be returned to you in person when you are in class. I try to
get all graded work back within three days of it being turned in.
If you ever feel that they rules or consequences for breaking the rules are unfair,
you have the right to discuss it with me or go straight to the office to discuss the
problem with the counselors.
Contact Me
Whenever you have questions or concerns, please visit me before school (7AM7:35AM), A-Lunch (10:50AM-11:20AM), or after school 2:35PM-4PM). Also, you or
your parents may call me during these times at 616-555-1234. Otherwise, you may
email me anytime at [email protected].