Mrs. Cheney's Language Arts: 12/3/07 8th Drummer boys of Civil War

Monday, December 3, 2007

12/3/07 8th Drummer boys of Civil War

Today we had our spelling test. See Mrs. Cheney to make it up before or after school. Our new spelling list is in the bar to the right.----->

Today we started reading "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh," by Ray Bradbury. This story is historical fiction, meaning the characters in the story are fictional, but the event was an actual historical event. We learned some facts about The Battle at Shiloh last week through an encyclopedia article, a data bank, and a chapter from a non-fiction book. As we read "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh," we are paying close attention to whether or not the fictional story follows the historical facts about The Battle of Shiloh.

You started a chart (page 202 in your lit. book) last week to compare and contrast the non-fictional sources and the fictional story. Please continue to fill in the blanks in your chart as we read the story.

Coming attraction:

We will be starting our research papers this week. Be thinking about a subject you'd like to learn more about. Make sure you choose something that is interesting to you. I hope you'll enjoy the time we spend researching and writing about our discoveries.

8th grade disclosure document

I am looking forward to spending this trimester with your student in 8th grade language arts. We will be enjoying our time together through reading, writing, and learning to use the English language effectively.

Reading
We will be reading one novel and one play as a class this trimester. I also encourage students to discover the joy of reading good books on their own. We will go to the library once every two weeks to check out books, and I will give class time (15 minutes) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for reading. Each student is expected to bring a book to class on these days. The students will earn a reading grade based on their participation and behavior during reading time.

Writing
We will be following the writing process to complete several writing assignments this trimester. The writing process requires students to complete multiple steps before they turn in a finished project. I will generally require students to have an adult read and evaluate their drafts based on criteria I provide. Your feedback will help your student see how they can improve their writing.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. If a student plagiarizes any work, he/she will earn a zero on the assignment and a referral to the office. Plagiarism means “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.” (http://www.dictionary.com/) Close imitations most often happen when a student cuts and pastes from an internet source and then changes a word or two here and there while claiming it as his/her own work. When students are assigned to write, they must write their own sentences and paragraphs; they must form their own ideas. If I suspect a paper is cut and pasted, it is easy for me to search the internet to find evidence. Please do not allow your student to plagiarize.

Language
I teach the correct use of written and oral language in my class. Students will be expected to use correct grammar in their writing as well as during oral presentations. Students will be required to give at least one oral presentation during the trimester.

Materials
Students are to come to class prepared. Students should have a spiral notebook for a daily journal/glossary. We will write every day, and it is best if students have a spiral notebook used ONLY for their journal/glossary. Students are also to bring a pencil or pen to class as well as the book they are currently reading. Students who come unprepared will receive a reduction in their citizenship grades.

Makeup/Late Work
You will be given two late-work vouchers to use during the trimester. I will only accept late work if it is accompanied by a voucher. If you use them all up the first two weeks of the trimester, you will not receive additional vouchers. Use them wisely. You may turn unused vouchers in at the end of the trimester for extra credit.

For your convenience, I am now on the internet: http://mrscheney.blogspot.com/. I do my very best to post every day. I post assignments, resources, notes, helpful hints, and upcoming due dates on my webpage. There is also a link to the SIS student login page, so students can easily check their grades. I encourage all students and parents to check my blog when there is an absence, as there will be far more detailed descriptions of what you missed there than I can provide in the minute or so before or after class.

Grading Scale
I will grade on the following scale:
93-100% = A 90-93% = A- 87-89%= B+
84-86% = B 80-83% = B- 77-79% = C+
74-76% = C 70-73% = C- 67-69% =D+
64-66% =D 60-63% = D- 0 –59% = F

Class Rules
My class rules are posted in my room. We have gone over the rules in class. If you have any questions about the rules or any of my policies, please contact me. I do my best to answer all emails within 24 hours. You are welcome to visit my classroom at any time.

Mrs. Cheney's Language Arts

Monday, December 3, 2007

12/3/07 8th Drummer boys of Civil War

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When is this due?

Spelling/Vocabulary list, 8th

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8th grade disclosure document