Reading

In addition to in-class reading assignments, students are responsible for reading 100 minutes outside of class each week. This time must be done over a period of three to seven days. Although reading in newspapers, magazines, scriptures, and text books is important, the home reading requirement must be from a novel or appropriate work of literature at the student’s reading level. This reading will be recorded on a form which requires a response which will focus on a literacy strategy and a parent’s signature. The reading record is due every Monday or the first day of school in a given week. Click HERE to link to the reading strategies list by due date.

Vocabulary

We will complete a vocabulary / spelling unit every week. Each unit consists of ten words with exercises and a writing assignment. A test will be given every Thursday/Friday. Any student not passing the test is required to retake it until a 70% score is earned. This retake must occur within one week of the original test date and be taken during Academic Assistance. Click HERE to link to the list of vocabulary words for each unit.

Grammar and Usage

We will complete fifteen sentences each week of Daily Oral Language, which emphasize grammar usage (punctuation, capitalization, agreement, sentence structure, etc.). Second semester, DOL will alternate weeks with Sentence Structure.  These grammar exercises focus on identifying and using basic parts of speech and recognizing sentence elements.  Specific problems identified in student writing will be addressed through periodic assignments.

Current Events

We will study current events every week. It is important that students watch/listen to the news and read the paper or news magazines if possible. All class members will be expected to participate in class discussion and also turn in a one-page summary of the week’s events due every Thursday/Friday. This summary must be in first person and include the student’s opinion. Click here for a sample assignment: SAMPLE