Class
Outline: Mr. O’Sullivan
Topics to be Covered:
English/Writing: Grammar, Writing, Study Skills, MCAS Prep, Research Skills, Text Analysis (fiction & nonfiction), Poetry, Author’s Purpose, Public Speaking, Test Taking Strategies
Reading: Novels, Short Stories, Vocabulary, Story Elements, Story Parts, Plot Mapping
Scheduling Format: All students will have me for English. Children will have their homeroom teacher for Reading, which will focus on literature-based skills (listed above).
Materials: It is my opinion that each student should organize him/herself in a way that best suites the individual child. However, the following items should be in class at all times: notebook, agenda, blue/black pens (at least 2), pencils (at least 2), editing pen (red, green, purple, etc), all required reading materials, independent reading book, homework, covered textbooks.
· Students will not be allowed to retrieve items from their homeroom once class has started.
Grading: Grades will be based on tests, quizzes, homework, class work, and writing.
· Students will have sufficient time to study for tests. Quizzes may be either announced or unannounced.
· Grades are determined by dividing the total number of points earned each term, by the total number of potential points. Class participation
and effort are then considered.
· On the report card, Language Arts grades are a combination of English grades given by me, and the Reading grades given by the
Reading teacher.
Homework and Long Term Assignments (LTAs): Homework will be given on a regular basis and is meant to reinforce concepts and/or to preview an upcoming lesson.
· If homework is not available at the time it is due, it is a zero. Half credit will be given for homework that is handed in later in the day or the
next day. Children will not be penalized if homework is late due to being absent, but all work should be completed in a timely manner
once returning (based on the length of the absence).
· I reserve the right to not count any homework assignment that I deem to be unacceptable.
· LTAs must be handed in on or before their due dates, or 10 points will be deducted for each day the assignment is late.
· All work is expected to be neat, presentable and have a proper heading.
Writing: Final drafts of writing assignments must always be typed or written in blue or black ink, unless otherwise specified. Final drafts completed in pencil will not be accepted. Initial rough drafts may be in either pen or pencil, but may not be typed. Even if the final draft is typed, initial rough drafts must always be edited by hand.
Topics to be Covered:
English/Writing: Grammar, Writing, Study Skills, MCAS Prep, Research Skills, Text Analysis (fiction & nonfiction), Poetry, Author’s Purpose, Public Speaking, Test Taking Strategies
Reading: Novels, Short Stories, Vocabulary, Story Elements, Story Parts, Plot Mapping
Scheduling Format: All students will have me for English. Children will have their homeroom teacher for Reading, which will focus on literature-based skills (listed above).
Materials: It is my opinion that each student should organize him/herself in a way that best suites the individual child. However, the following items should be in class at all times: notebook, agenda, blue/black pens (at least 2), pencils (at least 2), editing pen (red, green, purple, etc), all required reading materials, independent reading book, homework, covered textbooks.
· Students will not be allowed to retrieve items from their homeroom once class has started.
Grading: Grades will be based on tests, quizzes, homework, class work, and writing.
· Students will have sufficient time to study for tests. Quizzes may be either announced or unannounced.
· Grades are determined by dividing the total number of points earned each term, by the total number of potential points. Class participation
and effort are then considered.
· On the report card, Language Arts grades are a combination of English grades given by me, and the Reading grades given by the
Reading teacher.
Homework and Long Term Assignments (LTAs): Homework will be given on a regular basis and is meant to reinforce concepts and/or to preview an upcoming lesson.
· If homework is not available at the time it is due, it is a zero. Half credit will be given for homework that is handed in later in the day or the
next day. Children will not be penalized if homework is late due to being absent, but all work should be completed in a timely manner
once returning (based on the length of the absence).
· I reserve the right to not count any homework assignment that I deem to be unacceptable.
· LTAs must be handed in on or before their due dates, or 10 points will be deducted for each day the assignment is late.
· All work is expected to be neat, presentable and have a proper heading.
Writing: Final drafts of writing assignments must always be typed or written in blue or black ink, unless otherwise specified. Final drafts completed in pencil will not be accepted. Initial rough drafts may be in either pen or pencil, but may not be typed. Even if the final draft is typed, initial rough drafts must always be edited by hand.
