Advanced Grammar and Composition

English I Syllabus Mrs. Cook Plan Time: 3rd Period 12:00-1:25

Questions? Comments? Happy thoughts? Email me at [email protected]

Classroom Rules 1. Be attentive and listen when I or anyone else has the floor. “Listen” and “Silent” have the same letters. 2. Keep hands, projectiles, or unhappy thoughts to yourself. (You could poke an eye out, Kid!) 3. Do your own work. Cheating results in a zero for you and the person off of whom you cheated.(Don’t be “that friend”.) 4. Turn in your work on time and follow directions. (I HATE grading late work!) You may have one day to turn something in late at a 50% reduction of the grade. After that, I won’t take it. 5. Pick up after yourselves and don’t mess with other people’s stuff. (My stuff =NOT your stuff)

Severe or continuous classroom disruptions will result in your removal from this classroom. If I lose my train of thought from playing “Whack-a-Mole” with constant disruptors, it won’t be pretty!

Grades

Grades will be determined by the following:

A. Class participation B. Collaborative activities and assignments C. Daily assignments and homework D. Quizzes E. Tests F. Individual Projects G. Research project and other writing assignments

*You may turn in work late up to one day late with a 50% reduction in grade.

50% Daily Average 50% Test Average

Classroom Procedures 1. Collect make-up work off Absentee board or in Encore. 2. All assignments will be completed in pencil. -10 pts. for the FIRST offense! 3. Students will remain in their seats until the bell rings unless I tell you to move. 4. No outside food allowed except on Tuesdays or you buy it directly from me for the Spanish Club.

Technology Policy It is the policy in this classroom that all technology is off and out of sight. For this reason, I’ll provide a bucket (the red one on the back table) in which you will place your electronic device until I allow you to retrieve it. Purses and backpacks will remain on the floor. Occasionally, students will have teacher permission to use their phones to complete projects. There will also be days when students will have permission to use their laptops or iPads in class.

English I is a freshman level English course. This course includes all components of language arts and is designed to meet Oklahoma Academic Standards mandated by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

The goals of English I are to improve the students’ writing skills, to introduce students to various genres of literature, literary elements and terms, to enhance students’ vocabulary and spelling skills, and to improve students’ grammar skills. Objectives and Topics of Study

Reading and Literature Vocabulary: Students will expand vocabulary through reading literature and word study. Word study includes the research and study of the origins of roots, prefixes, and suffixes to determine the meanings of words, the use of reference sources such as glossaries, dictionaries, and the thesaurus to determine precise meanings; the study of the difference of the denotative and connotative meanings of words; and the study of words through context and analogy to determine the meanings of words.

Students will demonstrate knowledge of new vocabulary words in writing and the completion of various vocabulary assignments including a vocabulary notebook.

Comprehension and Literature: Students will read to understand grade-level material, analyze organizational patterns, and analyze argument and position. Students will read a variety of selections which includes classic selections, poetry, magazines, newspapers, reference materials, including online information. Students will read for literal understanding of selection, make inferences and interpretations, be able to summarize by determining main ideas, analyze and evaluate selection, and analyze techniques and devices used by the author.

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and identify various literary forms, genres, and subgenres, including short stories, novels, poetry, and drama. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and identify various literary elements and techniques and devices and will read and respond to historically and culturally significant works of literature.

Research: Students will conduct research for projects and writing assignments and organize information. Students will assess, interpret, and organize information for major research projects and smaller research assignments.

Students will use formal research methods and write a documented paper incorporating the techniques of Modern Language Association.

Writing and Grammar Writing: Students will use the writing process to become effective writers. Students will compose paragraphs and essays for a variety of purposes and audiences.

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics: Students will demonstrate the used of Standard English in speaking and writing. Students will demonstrate knowledge of grammar concepts by completing grammar assignments and will demonstrate correct use of concepts in their writing assignments.

Listening and Speaking Oral Language and Listening and Speaking: Students will develop skills that will make them better listeners and speakers. Students will listen to a speaker’s message, respond appropriately to presentations, and accurately interpret the speaker’s message. Students will prepare presentations that are organized and appropriate for a specific audience. Students will demonstrate the use of verbal and non-verbal strategies such as pitch, tone, posture, and eye contact.

Visual Literacy Evaluating the Media /Composing Visual Messages: Students will evaluate the various ways visual images are used to represent meaning. Students will interpret the meaning of visual images, including electronic media and film. Students will identify various uses of stereotypes and biases in visual media. Students will investigate how symbols, images, and sound are used in visual media. Students will evaluate appeals and techniques used in media. Students will create visual messages that effectively communicate and idea. I have read the above classroom policy and will do my best to help ______(Student’s first and last name) be successful in this class.

Parent signature: ______Date: ______