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Mrs. Jennifer Rickert
ELA Units: Integrated units will combine content or thematic vocabulary from literature units, science, social studies, or math with other vocabulary based on Latin and Greek prefixes, suffixes and roots. Studies will include word analysis, spelling , reading comprehension practice, writing, grammar, and research activities. A vocabulary list and Word Works for each unit will be kept in the red composition notebook, while many of the supplementary sheets will be kept in the red binder. The duration of each unit will be approximately two weeks. A tentative list of unit dates is included. Writing: We will practice writing in many genres this year, including narrative, expository, creative, research reports, and poetry. The writing process, constructing and editing sentences and paragraphs, main ideas and supporting details, elaboration, and use of transitions will be emphasized. We will also construct several Writing on Demand pieces to practice new writing skills. W.O.D. assignments are brief and follow a "Drop every thing and write" format. Finally, we will have many authentic purposes for writing as we will enter several exciting local and national writing contests. Reading: Throughout the year, we will do four literature units in ELA. We will read our first two books, Locomotion and Esperanza Rising, together in class. Later in the year, we will be reading a variety of books within the realistic fiction genre and one other genre of choice. Also, we will read newspaper and magazine articles, short biographical pieces, and poetry. Reading is one of the most important life skills. We will read for pleasure, and we will read for skill acquisition. The following strategies will be practiced throughout the year: Making connections, visualizing, questioning, predicting, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing. Research and Technology Integration: We will use the computer lab for ELA class several times this year. We will use the internet for research purposes. Some ELA class time will be allocated to support development of science and social studies research papers. Bloom's Taxonomy of Thinking Skills: A hierarchy of skills will be incorporated into lessons and assignments to encourage deeper understanding of concepts and to promote students' awareness of their own learning. The levels on the hierarchy, from simplest to most complex, are: Knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students will become familiar with these terms throughout the year. NYS ELA Assessment: The New York State Test of English/Language Arts Skills will take place in grades 6-8 on January 20-22, 2009. Parents can help by encouraging positive work habits and attendance throughout the year. Grading: ELA Unit
Word Works and Tests: 33% Communication: If you have any concerns, you may contact me at 758-7676 or jrickert@ichabodcrane.org. Together, we'll make it a great year.
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