My expectations for classroom behavior are very simple.
Don't create a problem for yourself or others.
If you do, I will do something.
Don't create a problem for yourself or others.
If you do, I will do something.
Mrs. Tauna Christiansen
English/Language Arts 8 (ELA8)
Room Number 111 Phone: 755-2370 ext. 6203
email: [email protected]
Web: http://mrschristiansensclasses.weebly.com/
Welcome to Eighth Grade English!
An Overview of the Class
Writing promotes fluency in language and students will do some form of writing nearly every day. Our core curriculum has a strong focus on Informative and Argumentative writing, and much of our class work will move in that direction. We will use Utah Compose for much of our writing, and all of the six writing traits are addressed with particular emphasis on voice, word choice and conventions.
Reading opportunities are abundant in this class since frequent reading promotes literacy, comprehension and improved writing skills. Collections is the anthology we will be using, and we will be doing a lot of close reading and analysis of text. We will also read and perform the play version of The Diary of Anne Frank, and we will read The Hound of the Baskervilles, along with other things. Students also have time for independent reading, and a book of choice should be brought to class daily.
Speaking and Listening are talents that most students have no trouble practicing with friends, but public speaking presents a challenge. This course will work on both speaking and listening skills through formal and informal speech opportunities.
Please take note and prepare yourselves for the following:
Performances that will be graded this year are: Presentation of Partner Interview
Performance of Spoken Word Poem
Performance in The Diary of Anne Frank
Readers Theater part in The Hound of the Baskervilles
Classroom Activities and Lessons will be listed on my website along with assignments and due dates.
Important Class Information
I follow school and district policies regarding tardies, nuisance items, etc. Keep the cell phones, ipods, and other devices safely tucked away. I also follow district policies concerning the use of video materials in the classroom.
Materials needed for this class are: lined paper, pencil or pen (please don’t use ink that is hard to see), and something to neatly contain all the papers for the class like a binder or folder (papers stored in pockets usually end up in the washer, much to the chagrin of the student). In addition, please bring an independent reading book.
Homework is usually that which we do not finish in class. Please read at least 20 minutes outside of ELA every day.
Incomplete Assignments are not accepted. I expect students to complete 100% of the work before they turn it in. This is the only way I can accurately assess student understanding and progress.
Late Assignments - Wise students turn complete work in on time. Put late work in “the box” in my room.
If a student is absent, it is the job of the student to find out what was missed. Put make-up work in “the box.”
CFA'S missed due to absence must be made up the day the student returns. Please plan to make them up during PEAK, before or after school.
Grades: Earning good grades requires consistent hard work and effort. Failing requires a seriously negative attitude and a profound commitment to doing nothing. Your grade is standards based, which means that it will reflect how well you understand the ELA standard we are working on. This understanding is based on your performance on the CFA . It is in your best interest to always do your best, especially on the assessments.
Extra Credit is not offered, however I may offer additional assignments for students to try to show that they can consistently use a skill on their own in order to raise their proficiency score. If they cannot show that they can consistently use said skill, no change will be made.
Citizenship expectations are high in my class. Everyone’s efforts are required to create a positive learning environment. It only takes the actions of one to destroy it. I have only one very important rule: Don’t create a problem for yourself or others. Please come to class everyday with the idea that you will not cause problems in any way.
A Lot of Information
I know that this is a lot of information to process; fortunately you can always access it here for future reference.
I look forward to working with all of you (students and parents) throughout the coming school year. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Tauna Christiansen
English/Language Arts 8 (ELA8)
Room Number 111 Phone: 755-2370 ext. 6203
email: [email protected]
Web: http://mrschristiansensclasses.weebly.com/
Welcome to Eighth Grade English!
An Overview of the Class
Writing promotes fluency in language and students will do some form of writing nearly every day. Our core curriculum has a strong focus on Informative and Argumentative writing, and much of our class work will move in that direction. We will use Utah Compose for much of our writing, and all of the six writing traits are addressed with particular emphasis on voice, word choice and conventions.
Reading opportunities are abundant in this class since frequent reading promotes literacy, comprehension and improved writing skills. Collections is the anthology we will be using, and we will be doing a lot of close reading and analysis of text. We will also read and perform the play version of The Diary of Anne Frank, and we will read The Hound of the Baskervilles, along with other things. Students also have time for independent reading, and a book of choice should be brought to class daily.
Speaking and Listening are talents that most students have no trouble practicing with friends, but public speaking presents a challenge. This course will work on both speaking and listening skills through formal and informal speech opportunities.
Please take note and prepare yourselves for the following:
Performances that will be graded this year are: Presentation of Partner Interview
Performance of Spoken Word Poem
Performance in The Diary of Anne Frank
Readers Theater part in The Hound of the Baskervilles
Classroom Activities and Lessons will be listed on my website along with assignments and due dates.
Important Class Information
I follow school and district policies regarding tardies, nuisance items, etc. Keep the cell phones, ipods, and other devices safely tucked away. I also follow district policies concerning the use of video materials in the classroom.
Materials needed for this class are: lined paper, pencil or pen (please don’t use ink that is hard to see), and something to neatly contain all the papers for the class like a binder or folder (papers stored in pockets usually end up in the washer, much to the chagrin of the student). In addition, please bring an independent reading book.
Homework is usually that which we do not finish in class. Please read at least 20 minutes outside of ELA every day.
Incomplete Assignments are not accepted. I expect students to complete 100% of the work before they turn it in. This is the only way I can accurately assess student understanding and progress.
Late Assignments - Wise students turn complete work in on time. Put late work in “the box” in my room.
If a student is absent, it is the job of the student to find out what was missed. Put make-up work in “the box.”
CFA'S missed due to absence must be made up the day the student returns. Please plan to make them up during PEAK, before or after school.
Grades: Earning good grades requires consistent hard work and effort. Failing requires a seriously negative attitude and a profound commitment to doing nothing. Your grade is standards based, which means that it will reflect how well you understand the ELA standard we are working on. This understanding is based on your performance on the CFA . It is in your best interest to always do your best, especially on the assessments.
Extra Credit is not offered, however I may offer additional assignments for students to try to show that they can consistently use a skill on their own in order to raise their proficiency score. If they cannot show that they can consistently use said skill, no change will be made.
Citizenship expectations are high in my class. Everyone’s efforts are required to create a positive learning environment. It only takes the actions of one to destroy it. I have only one very important rule: Don’t create a problem for yourself or others. Please come to class everyday with the idea that you will not cause problems in any way.
A Lot of Information
I know that this is a lot of information to process; fortunately you can always access it here for future reference.
I look forward to working with all of you (students and parents) throughout the coming school year. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Tauna Christiansen