Academic Plan:  Grammar and Composition

Mrs. Aberg- Please email me at: abergl@gcsnc.com

Course Description:

Advanced grammar and composition is a combined writing theory and writing skills course designed to help 10^th grade students improve their written (and verbal) communicative competence. Students will explore effective writing techniques and will review fundamental language conventions. Writing assignments will range in character from expository, persuasive, narrative and literary forms to creative writing, textual analysis, journalistic writing and bibliographical research. In addition, this course will prepare students for success with the10^th grade writing exam and SAT writing formats.

Goals:

A) Students will be able to use prewriting and planning strategies to produce ideas for writing by journaling, creating graphic organizers, and outlining.

B)   Students will be able to produce expository writing that is clear and effective in content, organization, and style by completing activities related to the cause/effect and definition structure of 10^th Grade writing test.

C)   Students will be able to produce persuasive writing and speech that is clear and effective in content, organization, and style by learning and applying knowledge of fallacies in logic, persuasive appeals, and effective order in writing to written and spoken persuasive work.

D) Students will be able to apply structure and style to creative narrative writing by examining short fiction and creating original stories.

E)   Students will be able to conduct meaningful research in order to create a well-developed research essay in MLA documentation style.

F)   Students will be able to create literary composition(s) and cite specific examples from text(s) as support.

G) Students will be familiar with the 10^th grade and SAT writing formats (analyze prompts).

H) Students will be able to critique writing for content, organization, style, standard language usage, mechanics, and punctuation.

Tasks:

• Maintain a Dialectical Reading Journal and Writer’s Workshop Folder for prewriting and planning strategies
• Collaborate with others in the reading, writing and learning process.
• Select and read texts for personal interest reading.

Grading and Evaluation:

To earn a passing score, the average of your work must equal 70% or higher.  Work will not be graded until it is complete.

30% Test/Projects

30% Class Work/Homework  

15% Quizzes    

25% Journals/Reading Logs/Writing Portfolio  

Texts: (Includes but are not limited to):

To Kill a Mockingbird, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Animal Farm, The Pearl, Kaffir Boy

Supply List: 

pens (black or blue ink), pencils, highlighters, 3-subject notebook, loose leaf paper

Wish List:

Kleenex, hand sanitizer, art supplies (markers, glue sticks, construction paper), copy paper 

Classroom Rules:

· Be Respectful.  Treat others as you would like to be treated.  Listen actively, tolerate differing viewpoints, show interest and caring, and practice common courtesy.

· Be on time.  Be in your seat beginning the warm-up activity when the tardy bell rings.

· Be prepared.  Bring what you’ll need for class to class:  book, pen, binder, etc. 

· Be responsible.  Do what you’re supposed to do, admit it when you make a mistake, accept the consequences of your actions gracefully and learn from it…then move on.

· Follow all school rules.  You have a handbook to refer to, but if you’re unsure, then ASK.

Consequences:

1^st offense = warning

2^nd offense = reflective assignment

3^rd offense = hall conference

4^th offense = call home & take-home reflective essay

Repeat offenses after the reflective essay and call home will result in detention, additional calls home, and/or office referrals.

Homework Calendar:

All students are given a monthly homework calendar to write down their assignments.  The homework is also on my website.  Students will be given weekly homework on Monday.  It is due on Friday of the same week.  Occasionally, students will get homework on other days of the week as well.  Please check your student’s homework calendar nightly to be sure.  Any questions or comments may be written on the calendar as well to communicate with me.  Please call or email if you have any larger or in-depth questions or concerns. 

Emergencies:  Going to the bathroom, getting a drink of water, and making a phone call do NOT constitute emergencies and should be done on your own time between classes.  If a student feels an emergency truly exists, a pass will be written on a limited basis.  No passes may be used in the first or last 20 minutes of class per school rules.

Absences/Make-up Work:  THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING NOTES AND WORK MISSED DUE TO AN ABSENCE.  Please check the absent student binder and crate for missing work.  The student will need to schedule a time to make up any missing tests or quizzes within 3 days of returning to school.  Attend tutoring to make up missed work.  Missing more than 6 days in a semester will result in an F unless you make up your time after school.

Late Work:  If a student has a planned absence, please see me beforehand; otherwise, it will be due upon return to school.  Points will be deducted for every day assignments are late.  If answers are discussed and given in class for an assignment, the highest grade you will earn is a 65%.

Tutorials: After school on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45 until 5:00 with transportation provided. Please let me know in advance if you are staying for tutorial. Tutoring is available without transportation on Monday and Wednesday.

Extra credit:  Yes!  There is extra credit available. See the poster in the room for extra credit options.