JUNIOR HIGH LANGUAGE ARTS – Mrs. Pipitone – Room 113 E-Mail: jpipitone@norridge80.org

 

TEXTBOOK:  LITERATURE AND INTEGRATED STUDIES

                        Scott Foresman

                        Grade: 8th

 

Our Reading series is an integrated Reading and Language Arts program containing a wealth of literature.  Reading is an interactive process of constructing meaning.  Students will learn, practice and apply reading strategies.  The students will interact, share and develop concepts and ideas through the literature presented.  This will result in a deeper appreciation and love of reading.  Instruction will be meaning-based and will integrate listening, speaking, reading, writing, spelling and thinking.  This integration enables students to make important connections across the curriculum.  A wide variety of instructional activities provide for different learning styles and those individuals who are limited in English.  The curriculum is full of multicultural activities which will help students appreciate cultural diversity.  This series offers the students a great collection of literature both in the student anthology and in the classroom collection of books which relate to the unit themes and authors.

 

Our main objective is always the same – To set a foundation for a lifelong love of  reading!

 

SCHEDULE

                        Monday:           Story introduction

                                                Writing/Spelling/Vocabulary

 

                        Tuesday:            Reading

                                                Writing/Grammar

            Spelling/Vocabulary

 

                        Wednesday:     Reading

                                                Writing/Grammar

                                                Spelling/Vocabulary

 

                        Thursday:         Reading

                                                Writing/Grammar

                                                Spelling/Vocabulary

 

                        Friday:              Final Assessment of the week’s lessons

                                                Learning Center Time/Support

                                               

                                               

Note:  Every period begins with silent or oral reading.  All students come to class with a book they are reading for the month and prepared to orally read an excerpt they particularly liked.  Students will also be expected to “present” their book the last two weeks of each month.  Some writing and other options for book presentations follow:

 

-Draw a picture of the setting, main character or turning point.

-Act out (may use classmates) your favorite scene.

-“Talk” to  the class as the main character.

-Create a book jacket.

-Diorama.

-Write a letter to the Author or the main character.

-Write a continuation of the book or another ending

 

GRADING:  A+  100-98;   A  97-95;   A-  94-92

                     B+  91-90;   B  89-87;   B-  86-85

                     C+  84-82;   C  81-79;   C-  78-77

                     D+  76-74;   D  73-72;   D-  71-70

                     F   69-0

 

    

HOMEWORK:  Generally, 20-30 minutes each night PLUS a minimum of ten minutes of reading time at bedtime.

 

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN:

CPR RULES

Cooperation – Student will come to class prepared to work together so that each and every class is productive and enjoyable for all.

Preparation – Student will come to class prepared in every way.  All necessary materials, texts and assignments are ready so that all can fully participate.  This includes a good night’s sleep and breakfast.

Respect – Student will exert and practice those characteristics which will make everyone feel special and welcome in our classroom

 

INTERVENTIONS:

1.      Speak privately with student about the inappropriate behavior.

2.      Schedule after school appointment with student to further discuss the problem and possible solutions.

3.      Call parent to discuss problem and suggestions.

4.      Schedule an appointment for a personal conference with parent and student.

5.      Refer to principal in cases of severely disruptive behavior.

 

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT:

1.      Learning Center privilege earned weekly if all assignments for the week are turned in.

2.      “Good News” calls and notes.

 

LINKS YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL:

http://www.weeklyreader.com/readandwriting

http://everydayspelling.com/

 

 

 

 

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