Back to School Night
Thursday September 16, 2021
Class Structure
As stated in a previous newsletter, ELA will be run very differently. Students will be responsible for their learning, and be asked to set goals, as well as be active members of our class community. I will be using the Universal Design of Learning approach, meaning that not every student will be completing the same assignment. While students are working independently or in groups, I will be working one on one with a student or small group to target specific skills. At the end of class we will regroup, recap the day and I will ask questions to check to make sure everyone understood the lesson and is accomplishing their work. My goal is to have the class be more interactive; incorporating spelling, vocabulary, grammar, writing, and reading into our daily lessons. Assignments will be more diverse, collaborative, and comprehensive. I would like to see students take ownership of their learning and really grasp the importance of being educated. My focus is also to make every student success by individually working with them on building their skill sets. The class will engage in a lot of small group work in order for me to address the needs of each learner. If you have any questions about this new structure please reach out through email ldwulet@newhanover.k12.nj.us, or contact me at school (609) 723 - 2139.
Class Space
Students will use the boards, and walls as collaborative spaces to expand on learning.
Pertaining to Panthers
The middle school information board is located just outside our door.
Our Room
Welcome signs and work will be displayed around our classroom to maintain a creative and supportive environment.
Class Subjects
Reading / Literature
This year we will be reading novels and other works of literature in small groups called book groups. Not everyone in class will read the same book, and not all books will be read cover to cover. We will be engaging in different types of leveled literature studies to target the skills students need most. I will also be following the Collections Curriculum topics and using the Close Reader to refine students comprehension skills.
Writing
The Writing Process
This year the focus will be on the steps of the writing process and how to properly develop an essay. Students will spend more time time on; brainstorming, drafting, editing and creating a final version. I would like students to put more effort into each essay they write. Thus instead of writing multiple essays each marking period; students will write one or two essays.
Spelling
Leveled Spelling Lessons
Students will be practicing spelling each week. Students will learn to spell words based off of their ability level not their grade level. Students will take a pretest in the beginning of the week. Students who don't receive a 100% on the pretest will practice the spelling words and take the test at the end of the week. If they pass on the first try then they will move to the next level. Students will continue to take the test until they pass with a 75% or higher. If they pass on the first try then they will move to the next level.
Grammar
Leveled Grammar Lessons
Prior to starting grammar lessons, students will take a pretest to determine their grammar level. Once students a grouped into their appropriate grammar level, lessons will begin in small groups. At the end of each assignment will be a quiz. Students who do not pass with a 75% or higher will continue to work on the target skill in those lessons until they are able to pass the quiz.
Homework
Weekly Homework
There will be weekly homework assignments and daily assignments. Each week students will have spelling home. Students will also have to complete their weekly journal assignment by Fridays. There will be nights when students will have grammar homework. Students will always have homework for ELA. The amount of time it will take them to complete their homework assignment will vary each night. Some nights it may take 10 minutes, other nights it may take 30 minutes. If you have nightly conflicts and have trouble completing homework, please discuss with me and we can make arrangements.
Grading
Assessments, Projects and Grades
Students will receive weekly assessment on the standard we are learning using the motivation tool 80 at 80. Most of these assessments will be Oncourse assessments to help prepare students for the NJSLA. Students will be assessed with quizzes and test in spelling and grammar. Most reading / literature and writing assessments will be done in short or long responses and with projects. Each marking period students will have at least one project and two large essays to write. Prior to assigning projects and essays, students will receive rubrics with directions, requirements and grading procedures.