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Frequently Asked Questions

This version was saved 10 years, 9 months ago View current version     Page history
Saved by Julie E Ruble
on June 5, 2013 at 10:24:11 pm
 

(go home)

 

Julie’s Language Arts FAQs

 

 

Miners, this page is still under construction and will be ready in August :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • What will we learn in language arts?

 

Throughout this year we will look at the world through the eyes of different cultures to try and determine which of our desires, needs, and feelings are universal, if any.  We will also try to describe what it means to have a voice and evaluate how people’s voices have been silenced throughout history and around the world.  We will focus heavily on research skills and expository writing, culminating in the National History Day essay competition.

 

Our guiding questions are:

    * What is universal about human nature?

    * How do different cultures communicate their stories?

    * What does it mean to have a voice?

    * What are the critical elements of non-fiction?

 

 

  • What supplies do I need to bring to class?

 

Be careful!  Not being prepared can hurt your participation grade!  Every day you will need to bring these things to class:

    1. Your Language Arts handbook (composition notebook) 
    2. Your Current Project Work Folder
    3. Your vocabulary workbook and DailyGRAMS (we will usually leave these in the classroom)
    4. Writing utensils
    5. The book we are reading as a class AND an independent reading book
    6. Any assignments that are due
    7. Your agenda

 

 

 

  • What are we going to read?

 

We are reading some amazing novels, mythology, stories, and poetry this year!  Here are some of the texts we will use:

 

House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer (summer reading)

The Demon in the Teahouse by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler

Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang

transcripts from the Truth and Reconciliation Committee

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

assorted poems, short stories, and songs

 

 

  • What kinds of work will we do?

 

Good readers interact with texts in a lot of different ways.  Here are some of the ways we will relate to our texts:

    1. Class notes, discussion notes – These will provide background information and document the great discussions we have!  They will be taken in your Language Arts handbook.
    2. Vocabulary and Grammar exercises – You will use DailyGRAMS 7 and the Vocabulary Workshop text to prepare for grammar and vocab quizzes.
    3. Journals -- These are personal LA Handbook entries designed to give you a chance to express your thoughts and personality.  
    4. Reader Responses – Sometimes you will be asked to respond to a question about a text you read.  These will also be written in your Language Arts handbook. They are almost always at least one page in length.
    5. Tests and quizzes – In addition to grammar and vocab quizzes, you will complete a test after most literature units.  Between tests you may have scheduled or pop quizzes to check your reading.  Make sure you’re keeping up with your reading just in case!
    6. Projects – We will complete many projects in class designed to help you understand the text we are reading, apply your knowledge, and synthesize your own writing.
    7. Homework – You’ll have 30-35 minutes of homework in Language Arts almost every night, since it’s a focal subject for you right now.  On any days when we don’t have explicit homework, you’re expected to read your independent reading book for at least 30 minutes.  Good readers read a LOT!  
    8. Independent Reading – You’re always expected to have a fun reading book other than the book we’re reading for class. You can get these books from the library, class library, used bookstore, bookstore, or borrow them from a friend. We’ll have independent reading time in class almost every day, and you’ll read at home as well.

 

  • How am I graded in this class?  What’s my grade right now?

 

Each assignment has a point value.  Bigger assignments (tests, projects) are worth more than daily assignments (class notes, reader responses).  At the end of each trimester, I calculate your grade by totaling the points you have earned and dividing by the total points possible.

 

Every time I return a graded assignment to you, record the grade on your Grade Record Sheet, which should be kept at the left side of your CPWF. Your Grade Record Sheet lets you know your grade in my class at any time!  Each trimester you’ll have your Grade Record Sheet signed by your parents twice to make sure they know how you’re doing.

 

  • What should I do if I’m absent?

 

You are responsible for making up any and all work you missed while you were absent.  Ms. Ruble WILL NOT remind you to obtain your makeup work or turn it in.  Being responsible for your own education is one of the primary goals of middle school.

The MORNING of the day you come back to school, your first period teacher will give you a Missed Assignments Form. You must then go around to EVERY TEACHER and have them fill in the work you missed. If you don’t do this the day you return from your absence, you forfeit the right to makeup your missed work.  You have 2 school days to make up work for every day of school you missed. If it has been longer than 2 days for each of your absences and I still don’t have your work, I’ll automatically record a zero in the grade book that cannot be made up.  

If you miss the day before a test or quiz, be prepared to take the assessment when you return.  If you miss the day of a test or quiz, you must come to me within 2 school days of returning to schedule a time to make it up.  If you missed class notes, ask a friend to borrow and hand copy their notes during lunch or after school.  Don’t forget, because you could lose points on your next handbook check!

 

  • Can I go to the bathroom / go to my locker / get water during class?

 

Class time is valuable!  We have to work efficiently to accomplish all of our impressive tasks.  For this reason, you should always try to go to the bathroom / locker in between classes. 

 

You get two free passes per trimester to visit the bathroom or locker.  When you ask and receive permission, sign out on the classroom door.  Use your trips wisely.  Once your name is on the sheet twice, you will receive a tally for any additional trips!   If you make it through the entire trimester without using any passes, I will add one participation point to your grade.  I love to reward you for managing your time well!

 

  • My dog ate my homework / project!  Can I turn assignments in late?

Sorry!  Late homework will receive a zero.  However, you must still turn in the homework by the next class period or you will receive a tally. 

You may turn in projects up to a day late, but you will be penalized one letter grade.

 

 

  • Can I print my paper / articles / pictures at school?

 

Middle school students may not print on campus.  In addition, all assignments must be printed, stapled, and ready to turn in at the beginning of class or they will be considered late.

 

 

  • What if I need extra help?

 

I love seeing your faces!  Come visit me (before or after school or during work times) to schedule time for extra help on any topic at any time.  If you’re at home and find yourself unsure about an assignment, you may email me at jruble@woodlawnschool.org.  I will schedule study sessions throughout the year as needed.

 

 

  • What are the consequences for misbehavior?  How do I get recognized for excellent behavior?

 

Any disruption wastes precious time and sidetracks those students who are eager to learn.  I will not sacrifice our respectful, loving class culture for the sake of one or two students.  Any classroom disruption will result in a tally on the behavior chart, allowing you to change your behavior choices.  If you accumulate three tallies on the behavior chart, you will take home a behavior reflection to fill out with your parent.  More tallies will result in parent conferences, conferences with the Head of School, and other creative consequences. 

 

Being a good, considerate person is a reward in itself.  Even if I didn’t offer any behavioral rewards, your values would still guide you to be amazing students.  Nevertheless, I love recognizing your good choices!  Rewards for being polite and ethical include a shout-out on our Superstar Shout-Outs board, a positive note or phone call home, and certain classroom privileges.

 

 

  • What can I do to make our 7th grade Language Arts class successful?

 

 

    1. Maintain a positive attitude and excitement about what we’re working on!   When you’re excited and enthusiastic, class is fun!
    2. Participate!  Enter the classroom each day determined to make the most of your time there, and actively seek ways in which you can add to our discussion.  Your voice matters!b
    3. Own it.   Take ownership of every choice you make.  Own your behavior, your attitude, your work, your preparedness, and your grades.  Be determined to NEVER make excuses, blame others, or take a shortcut on an assignment.  Do what it takes to make your choices something you’re proud of!
    4. Respect your peers.  Our classroom must be a safe place to share ideas.  There should never be any eye-rolling, snickering, or verbal criticism when someone else asks a question or makes a comment.  It’s perfectly fine to disagree, but it’s never okay to belittle someone else’s ideas.
    5. Get organized.  Use your agenda daily and keep your notebooks organized and table of contents updated.  If you find yourself forgetting materials, try creating checklists for your locker or bedroom door.  Ask your homeroom teacher or advisor for help if you’re having trouble. Organization is a skill that can make or break your academic experience!

 

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