Sixth GradeLanguage ArtsMRS. ROSS

Course Description

This year, you will learn how to use the English language correctly and effectively in both written and oral forms.

You will also build both your academic vocabulary and everyday vocabulary.

Essential Understandings:

Follow directions quickly.

Raise your hand for permission to speak.

Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.

Respect all people, things, ideas, and beliefs.

Make smart choices. (In other words, STOP and THINK before you say or do anything that might interrupt the educational process.)

Course Objectives

Course Objectives Results/Outcome Expected Skills Developed

Use the English language correctly in written form.

Be able to write well-developed sentences and paragraphs.

English language usage; writing skills

Use the English language correctly in oral form.

Be able to speak in front of an audience. Public speaking skills

Correctly use the conventions of the English language.

Be able to use punctuation, capitalization, and correct spelling in context.

Punctuation, capitalization, and spelling skills

Use appropriate research skills.

Use facts appropriately to provide evidence for writing and speaking.

Research skills.

Required Materials

• You must have a book to read at all times. This can be a school library book, a classroom library book, or a personal book.

Reading

• Loose-leaf notebook paper• (1) 5-subject spiral notebook (wide-ruled)• (2) Pens (blue or black ink only)• (2) Sharpened pencils and extra lead if applicable• (1) Black sharpie marker• (1) Dry erase marker

Required

Supplies

Assessment Criteria

Classwork and Homework

Tests and Projects

Quizzes

Life Skills40

30

20

10

Percent of Grade

Tests and Projects QuizzesClasswork/Homework Life Skills

Instructor Contact Information

Email:deidre.ross@k12tn.net

School Phone:901-465-3151

Class Website:

www.ddross.net

CLASSROOM PROCEDURESENTERING CLASSROOM:

Enter quietly.

Sharpen Pencils.

Have homework ready to be checked.

Begin bellwork.

DURING CLASS:

Remain seated and quiet during instruction.

Keep all trash at your seat until you leave the classroom.

Do not interrupt the educational process unnecessarily.

EXITING CLASSROOM:

Dispose of all trash.

Turn in any assignments or exit tickets.

Leave the classroom in an orderly manner.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What if I need to use the restroom?

You should use the restroom BEFORE you enter the classroom. Hall passes for the restroom will be issued on an EMERGENCY basis only.

What if I need a tissue? If you think you will need tissue, please get enough to last you throughout the class. You will not be allowed to

leave your seat during instruction. Mrs. Ross will bring you a tissue or grant you permission to leave your seat in an emergency.

What happens if I forget my supplies (i.e., textbook, paper, or writing utensil)? You will receive a five point deduction from your life skills grade for each occurrence. You may use tickets

earned in class to “buy” supplies from Mrs. Ross.

What happens if I am absent? You will have one day for every day you are absent (provided it is an excused absence) to make up your work.

You will find your missed assignments posted in the classroom.

It is YOUR responsibility to find out about missed work.

What happens if I forget my homework? You will receive a zero for that homework grade AND a five point deduction from your life skills grade.

What happens if I do not follow the Essential Understandings? We will follow procedures for PBIS. You will learn more about this later.

Mrs. Ross may call parents at any time.

What are the tickets for?

The tickets are used in class as “money.” If you forget basic supplies (pencils, paper), you may “ buy” those items from Mrs. Ross using tickets you have earned in class. Tickets may also be exchanged for Bulldog Bucks and special privileges.

You will keep the tickets you earn in an envelope that will be taped inside your Language Folder.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are earned by: exhibiting appropriate behavior in class participating in class completing classroom jobs successfully any time that Mrs. Ross deems a student has

done something worthy of a ticket

Classroom “Price List”

Pencils 2 Tickets Paper 1 Ticket per sheet Bulldog Bucks 10

Tickets per Buck ONE piece of candy 20 Tickets Bathroom Pass 15 tickets Life Skills Points (5 point max) 20 tickets ONE free quiz grade 40 tickets

Ticket “Cash Out” Day

Every reporting period (just before interims and report cards are issued) we will have a “Cash Out” day.

If you choose to do so, you may cash in tickets for Bulldog Bucks, Life Skills credit, or for one free quiz grade.

You may also choose to save your tickets for future emergencies or Cash Out Days.

Job Descriptions

Librarian (all periods) (1 ticket per day)

This person is responsible for keeping the classroom library neat and orderly, for maintaining the library notebook, and for labeling any new books that come into the classroom library. All books will be checked out and in through this individual.

Attendance (all periods)(1 ticket per day)

This person is responsible for retrieving their class period’s clipboard and checking off all those present. This person should alert the teacher to absent students and to tardy students.

Gardener- (7th period only) (2 tickets per week)

This person is responsible for checking the classroom plant to see if it needs water. This person will water the plant weekly or as needed, and they will remove dead leaves from plant if necessary.

Custodian (2)-(all periods)(1 ticket per person per day)

One person is responsible for sweeping classroom floors prior to leaving class and making sure that there is no trash or supplies left on the floor or otherwise out of place. The other person is responsible for dusting classroom surfaces regularly.

Paper Managers (2)-(all periods) (1 ticket for each instance)

These individuals will be responsible for handing out graded papers and any materials I need distributed. They will check the period folder daily for graded papers (after completing their bellwork) and hand out any items in the folder. They will return work for absent students to the period folder.

Laptop Manager-(1st and 7th periods only) (3 tickets per week)

This person is responsible for learning how to distribute laptops (1st Period) in an orderly manner. The 7th period person will be responsible for collecting laptops in numeric order and storing the laptops and their cords neatly.

Tech Support-(all periods) (1 ticket per day worked)

This person must be familiar with computers and will be responsible for helping Mrs. Ross with any technical difficulties she may have. They will also be responsible for helping with technical difficulties on classroom “laptop days.”

Messenger-(all periods)(2 tickets per day worked)

This person will be responsible for running errands during class as needed. This must be a reliable person who understands that leaving class is a privilege and must be respectful of other classes while on errands.

Homework Manager-(all periods) (1 ticket per day worked)

This person is responsible for making sure that every student who has signed a homework turn-in sheet actually has work in the envelope. This person must be reliable and trustworthy.

Board Manager-(all periods)(1 ticket per day worked)

This person is responsible for cleaning the board as needed by Mrs. Ross. **7th Period only will also be responsible for changing the date**

Light/TV Manager: (3 tickets per week)

This person is responsible for turning classroom lights and TV on and off as requested by Mrs. Ross.

 

**Other jobs may be added through the year as needed.**

Librarian (1 per Class) 1 Ticket per day worked

Attendance (1 per class) 1 Ticket per day worked

Gardener (7th period only) 3 Tickets per week

Custodian (2 per class) 1 Ticket per day worked

Paper Managers (2 per class) 1 Ticket per day worked

Laptop Managers (1st & 7th Periods) 3 Tickets per day worked

Tech Support (1 per class) 1 Ticket per day worked

Messenger (1 per class) 2 Tickets per day worked

Homework Manager (1 per class) 1 Ticket per day worked

Board Manager (1 per class) 1 Ticket per day worked

Lights/TV manager (1 per class) 3 Tickets per week

***Write name on tickets as you receive them and place them in your envelope****