Language Arts Policies and Expectations
Mrs. Weldon 2015-2016
Welcome to Mrs. Weldon’s Language Arts/Reading classes. In L.A. and Reading, we will work together to help you learn many necessary vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing skills. Using the classroom vocabulary, grammar and literature textbooks, as well as on-line materials, and your own writing, you will develop strong reading and language communication skills this year.
In this class there will be several expectations. There will be requirements that you should expect from me; and there will be requirements that I will expect from you.
You can expect that I will:
Be fair to you and your classmates.
Show you and your classmates respect, always.
Teach you necessary curriculum the best way I can.
Be prepared for class everyday.
Create lessons, assignments, and assessments to help you learn.
Assist you when you need further explanation, example, or reinforcement.
Grade, edit, praise, correct your work promptly and constructively.
and most importantly,
I will treat you the way I would like to be treated.
I will strive to meet the above expectations and hope that we can work well together this year.
I will expect that you will:
Show me and your classmates respect, always.
Try your best to learn the necessary curriculum.
Be prepared for class every day.
Be attentive to lessons.
Complete assignments and assessments to the best of your ability.
Seek help when you need it.
Complete assignments on time.
and most importantly,
You will treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Your Language Arts/Reading classes will consist of three grades:
* Spelling/Vocabulary (Vocabulary Workshop)
*Reading (Literature Textbook, Novels, Other fiction and nonfiction selections, book reports)
*Language Arts (Grammar Textbook, Writing Assignments)
Your grades will be based on the following:
SpellingVocabulary:
Homework-25%
Classwork-25%
Tests-50%
Reading:
Classwork (including note taking)/Class Participation-25%
Homework-25%
Graded Assignments/Projects-25%
Assessments/Tests-25%
Language Arts:
Homework-25%
Classwork(including note taking)-25%
Writing Assignments-25%
Assessments/Tests-25%
Policies and Rules:
*You must use blue or black pen to complete all writing assignments. (Or you may type assignments and print them.) Please use your best cursive handwriting.
*You must use the proper heading on all assignments.
*You must turn in all assignments on time. Late work will be accepted for late credit no later than two days past due date. All incomplete assignments will receive a zero.
*Homework and classwork assignments will receive a “quality of work” check (work is done completely, but may not be done all correctly or carefully), check plus(work is done completely, correctly, and carefully) or check minus(work is not done completely or correctly, or carefully).
*You may use pencil on any worksheet or workbook page.
*You must take notes as instructed in class.(Using either a pen or a pencil)
*You must raise your hand to be called on to speak. Always be polite and respectful when addressing any classmate or teacher.
*You must have a free-time reading book with you always.
Homework and Test Schedule:
*Written Vocabulary homework will be assigned daily, except for Fridays. We will spend two weeks on each unit and will have a test each Friday. I will explain the test format as we complete Unit 1. Some homework will be from the workbook; some will be on-line, and some will be created by you, through your original writing.
*Grammar homework will be assigned as needed when lessons are taught.Homework may be a worksheet, on-line activity, or your original writing. Grammar tests will be given as lessons are completed.
*Reading assignments will be assigned at least twice a week and may include reading a selection, responding to a reading selection through written comprehension responses, skills worksheets, or other literature based activities.
*Writing assignments may be long or short term and may include writing a few sentences, a paragraph, an essay, report, letter, or other form of writing. These may include pre-writing, editing and revising, and publishing. Writing assignments will, at times, be connected to Religion, Social Studies, or Science content and may be completed with the teachers of those subjects, as well as with Mrs. Weldon.
Although these policies and expectations may, at first, seem overwhelming, you will find that these guidelines will not only help you stay organized and focused, but will also help you learn and do well in these very important subjects.
Please keep this handout and please sign the next page, have a parent also sign the next page, and return the signed sheet to me tomorrow.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature Date
____________________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature Date
and Expectations