Course Description: The language arts class is all about English communication: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will read in a variety of genres. Sometimes, small groups or the wholeclass will read the same book or genre; at other times, students willself-select a book to read independently. Students will follow the steps of the writing process to develop andimprove their writing skills, and will receive instruction in spelling,vocabulary, cursive handwriting, and grammar. Students will have weekly quizzes in spelling and vocabulary. During quarter 3, students will begin a special unit on William Shakespeare and will be preparing to perform Act 5 of Macbeth. Participating fully in the varied activities will help students develop and improve their speaking and listening skills.
Focus Skills: Communicating effectively; persisting to achieve quality; workingindependently
Materials: Students will use a variety of workbooksand other materials geared to their current skill level, from the followingseries: ZB Spelling Connections, HWT Cursive Success and Can Do Cursive handwriting practice books, EPS Wordly Wise3000 ed. 2 vocabulary workbooks, and VocabularyCartoons. Great Source's AllWrite and/or Writers Express will be used for improving writing and editingskills. Students will write to me in their communication journal (use a marble composition book) twice each week, and I will write back so we can develop a conversation on paper. Students need one section in their 3-ring binder (or a separate binder) for language arts handouts and assignments.
Spirit of the Classroom: Do your best work andbe your best self. Treat others respectfully and with kindness.Collaborate and cooperate. Follow the behavior guidelines posted in ourclassroom.
Grading Rubric:
| Area | Percent of Grade |
| Writing: assigned paragraphs, essays, creative writing and communications journal. Following the steps of the writing process including revising and proofing. | 25% |
| Reading assigned and self-selected books and handouts. Completing assigned tasks and activities based on the reading. | 25% |
| Skills lessons: weekly vocabulary and spelling lessons and tests; handwriting practice, grammar pages, etc. | 25% |
| Participation: come to class prepared to learn with all necessary materials; complete class and homework assignments correctly and on time; speak and listen appropriately; uphold the Spirit of the Classroom. | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
