Writing Class:
Materials for writing class:
- Your writing notebook.
- Pens
- Pencils
- Your writing folder/handouts
- Colored Pencils
- Sticky Notes
- Highlighters
- Completed Work
- Positive Attitude
Throughout the writing curriculum, students will learn the skills and strategies which will enable them to write for different purposes. They will explore the various genres of argumentative, narrative, and informative/explanatory writing. In addition, they will learn to gather evidence from literary or informational sources to analyze texts. Students will also compose informal/ formal writing pieces and focus on the writing process. In addition, students will also be actively engaged in grammar and writing activities as well as mini lessons. Lastly, students will access online sites such as BrainPop and Flocabulary to enhance their written literacy knowledge.
“The writer is an explorer. Every step is an advance into a new land.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Areas of Study
Many of the skills we learn in Language Arts will be applied throughout the year. Some highlights of our learning this year will include:
Story Elements Literary Devices Voice Word Choice MLA
Analyzing Argument Sentence Fluency Summary Writing Process Grammar
Inferences Organization Main Idea Fact & Opinion Thesis Sensory Details
Writing Genres
Quarter 1: Fiction/Non–Fiction Narrative Writing Genres
Quarter 2: Argumentative Writing Genre
Quarter 3: Argumentative/Informational/Explanatory/Poetry Writing Genres
Quarter 4: Informational/ Creative Writing Genres
Grading Scale Grading Weights
A = 90-100 40% Summative
B = 80-89 25% Formative
C = 70-79 25% Classroom Activities
D = 60-69 10% Homework Practice
F = 59 & below
Homework Policy
Students will receive out of class work on a regular basis. This may be homework or projects. Homework will consist of reading, bookwork or other reinforcement type activities. The following is the Waters School homework policy:
“The purpose of homework is two-fold: to reinforce what we have learned in class and to teach responsibility. A child who has done his/her homework is prepared in class to hear explanations of what he/she might have had trouble with at home. If an unusual circumstance prevents your child from doing his/her homework (sickness, injury, or other serious problems), we ask that you please send a note with your child in the morning so that he/she can be excused and have an opportunity to make it up.”
Students will be given a week from the due date or upon a return from an excused absence to make up any missing assignments or homework. It is up to the student if they are absent, to find out what they missed and to turn the work in. Students will not be given credit for any work submitted after the one week grace period
Classroom Expectations
The Writing/Language Arts classroom is an opportunity for students to take responsibility for their own learning. All students have the right to an atmosphere conducive to optimal understanding of the subject matter. To this end, each student is expected to show kindness and respect for the well-being and idea of their classmates. Verbal participation, active involvement in teamwork, and completion in a timely manner of classwork and homework will increase the probability of individual success.
How do Waters Wildcats R.O.A.R. ?
Responsible:
We complete all assignments.
We come prepared to work.
We take care of all reading materials. We participate in all activities.
Organized:
We write down all assignments and keep track of our work.
We turn in our work on time.
We follow directions.
We take good notes.
Accountable:
We can share what we learned. We set goals.
We fix our mistakes.
We own up to our actions.
Respectful:
We respect others thoughts, ideas and views.
We respect our class time.
We respect the work of others.
We respect the teacher and school staff
"In teaching others we teach ourselves" - Proverb
Teacher Information:
Peggy Gyftakos, M.Ed.
Email: pgyftakos@cps.edu
Class Website: http://pgyft.educatorpages.com/