Homework and Assignments
Homework will simply be any work that a student did not finish in class--and they will not finish everything in class everyday--if they do the work is probably rushed and incomplete. Parents---if your child says they did their work in class, ask to see it!! I will always explain and model assignments in class, plus provide a rubric and written directions. Classwork examples that may turn into homework are.....
1. Vocabulary Work (Greek/Latin Roots). Quiz once a week.
2. Reading at Home (from class novel, article, or passage we are using that week).
3. Response to Assigned Reading in Various Forms of Writing Assignments or Mini-Projects.
4. Student Choice Independent Reading
5. Article of the Week (Informational Article with annotations and written response).
It is IMPERATIVE that the assignment/homework is completed by the due date! I will go over all work in class and this is a time for students to ask questions and for me to clarify or to add to the discussion. If a student does not do the reading or the vocabulary chart or the rough draft of a writing piece, he or she will end up confused and behind.
1. Vocabulary Work (Greek/Latin Roots). Quiz once a week.
2. Reading at Home (from class novel, article, or passage we are using that week).
3. Response to Assigned Reading in Various Forms of Writing Assignments or Mini-Projects.
4. Student Choice Independent Reading
5. Article of the Week (Informational Article with annotations and written response).
It is IMPERATIVE that the assignment/homework is completed by the due date! I will go over all work in class and this is a time for students to ask questions and for me to clarify or to add to the discussion. If a student does not do the reading or the vocabulary chart or the rough draft of a writing piece, he or she will end up confused and behind.
Self-Directed Learning
I will post various videos, notes, PowerPoint Presentations, etc... from outside sources that relate to the topics I am teaching (look on your child's Block page). These are resources for students who might be struggling with the concept(s) that are being taught in class or need to see the concepts presented in a different way (which is common). Students should use these resources if needed---instead of saying "I don't understand". The end goal of education (and my goal) is to produce self-directed learners who know when and how to seek out information. I will encourage and expect my students to become self-directed learners.
A Word About Reading.....
The only way to get better at reading, is to READ--especially reading for leisure. Here are some facts about reading for pleasure from the author James Patterson's ReadKiddoRead website.....
- Readers do better in all subjects including science, math, history and civics
- Provides higher verbal ability and better college readiness and success
- School work is easier for readers–readers are more likely to stay in school
- Stronger civic and cultural engagement including volunteering and voting
- Leads to better workplace readiness and performance
- Reading is a deep source of joy and curiosity
- It increases our imagination, creativity, empathy and understanding
From www.readkiddoread.com
"Reading is a mental workout, toning the brain to more reading, deeper thinking, sharper concentration, and vaster reservoirs of words and knowledge." --James Patterson
Technology-Based Learning Platforms Used in Class
Newsela is an online news-as-literacy platform that features current articles in seven categories: War & Peace, Science, Health, Kids, Money, Law, and Arts. Content is updated daily, with stories from a wide range of sources (from the Associated Press to Scientific American to the Washington Post) in both English and Spanish. On top of this, all articles are Common Core-aligned and available in five Lexile levels, ranging (roughly) from third to 12th grade. Each leveled text features a quiz tailored to that particular article plus a writing prompt that asks kids to write and respond to what they've read. We will use Newsela weekly in my classroom. On each class page, I have directions for how to join Newsela.
Google Classroom is a collaboration tool for teachers and students. Teachers can create an online classroom, invite students to the class, then create and distribute assignments. Within the Google Classroom, students and teachers can have conversations about the assignments and teachers can track the student's progress. We will use Google Classroom this year for certain assignments. On each Block page I have directions for how students can join Google Classroom.