WELCOME TO
MRS. GREENBERG'S WEBPAGE!
Expectations for all Classes
Our purpose for this class is to advance our reading, writing, and speaking (language processes) as far as possible. By the end of the year (or each month, for that matter) you should find yourself a more able reader, writer, verbal thinker, and speaker. If you do not, we both aren’t working hard enough.
Entrance to our class: When you enter 163-164, fondly called by Ms. Ross the “readatorium,” you are in a learning space. All voices echo. I can hear whispering in Ms. Federiuk’s room (seriously!). By the time the bell rings, you should have your LA notebook out, pencils and pens, paper, and your independent reading book. If there is not a special entry task you are to read and after attendance is taken will be told what to look for.
Materials: All seventh grade Language Arts students are expected to have a five subject spiral notebook, their planner, a pack of notecards, a set of sticky notes with lines and a book that they have committed to read. They will also need to have access to a dictionary, online or in book form at home and be able to use the public library for research and book selection. Also all students will need to be cleared to use school computers.
During Independent Work, you work without talking. We will generally be working on literary understandings, writing by genre, skills necessary for successful writing, and critical thinking. We will also practice presenting work after every genre starting with nonfiction book groups.
During Circle Time, Come prepared to take notes in the reading or writing section of your notebook. Hold up your hand if you want to participate. Comments need to be on topic. It is not that we aren’t interested in what you have to say but we have an important job to do. Find a proper time to bring up other topics.
During Vocabulary Instruction, Study for the weekly test which will be given every other Wednesday starting 11/22. The weeks in between will be reserved for other word work.
During Group work use low voices that don’t disturb the other class. We are in a special situation so generally we need to coexist. All discussion should be on topic.
When you are speaking formally (called on or you are the speaker), you should be loud enough to be heard by all. Use the “wiggle” rule. If people are squirming you aren’t loud or clear enough.
Reading- Read 25 books this year. That is 6 books a quarter plus one extra. When we are studying a genre, you will be expected to read at least one book or story in that genre. Otherwise you have a lot of choice in the matter, but you are expected to read books that are worth the time. Other books can be counted as “dessert” but the interesting and challenging books are your “meal.”
Writing should generally demonstrate at least one practice draft, unless we are jotting down our ideas. Final drafts need to be in blue or black pen, except on the WASL. They can also be typed if they are work to take home. I will require at home writing in addition to “on demand” in school writing. Typed writing needs to be twelve font and double spaced. The title of the work and a proper heading needs to be displayed at the top of the paper. Works generally will be at least two pages. There are exceptions, however. Poetry is generally shorter as are concise, well written works. I expect your writing to become more complex and show improvement in conventions as the year progresses.
I will communicate when assignments are due on the easel. You will need to write these in your planner. It is your job as well as mine to know when work is due. I will try to be “visual” as well as auditory about it. You can flip back days on the easel if you need to know what you missed or were unclear about.
I will turn back work in sets. You generally can rewrite or redo paper, with exceptions, of course. You have one week to return work. If you were absent, you will get a slip telling you what assignment you missed and also giving you that week, should you need it to make up the work.
If you object to my decisions or are frustrated by me or the class,ask for a meeting with me. I can be very reasonable but do not like to be challenged while I am running a class.
Now that we are clear, we both have to take responsibility for making this a worthwhile, learning year. I look forward to your hard work and intellectual growth as well as the stories and fun we will share.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Greenberg