English Language Arts encompasses the experience, study, and appreciation of language, literature, media, and communication. It involves language processes: reading, speaking, listening, viewing, writing and other ways of representing.

The English Language Arts curriculum engages students in a range of experiences and interactions with a variety of texts designed to help them develop increasing control over language processes and use. In addition, students will learn to respond to language effectively and purposefully, and they will understand why language and literacy are so central to their lives.

Resources: Novels, Short Stories, Poetry, Current texts, Videos, Newspapers, and other current and acceptable resources which we have found, or that have been shared with us.

Course Outline:
Novel Studies: various novels for literature circles.
Public Speaking, Literary Genres, Book Reports, Reading and Writing Workshops
Research Papers: Research, Outlining, and Writing
Grammar: Paragraph and Essay Structure, and of course spelling!
Writing – Different forms (short story, poetry, informational, journal, etc.).
Themes: Often in teaching, a theme is chosen to focus on. The students and teachers will cover that theme through many types of text and learning.

Assessment:
We often use rubrics to evaluate student work. Rubrics and/or checklists very clearly state the success criteria for student work. They may lead to a grade or be part of the grading process. They provide specific and detailed criteria and expectations for the assignment and why the student received the mark he/she did. They can show strengths and weaknesses in student work, and they clearly show and provide the student with what we want him/her to include and accomplish on the particular assignment. Quizzes, tests and an end of term major assignment are also used for assessment.

Lateness Policy (of assignments, projects, etc.):
1. Assignments must be handed in on the due date. If the student knows he/she will not be attending that day, please inform the teacher or hand the assignment in a day early, if at all possible.
2. All assignments start in class, and the students are given time to work on an assignment in class, however, they may have to finish it at home.
3. Please, if you do not understand the assignment, do not leave it to the day it is due to ask for help. The teacher is always available for extra help.
4. One day late – the student loses 10% of his/her final mark on that assignment.
5. Two days late – the student loses 15% of his/her final mark on the assignment.
6. Three days or more the student lose 25% of his/her final mark. Students must hand in all assignments for course completion.
7. Extensions may be given upon teacher discretion.

Class Rules and Expectations:
 RESPECT: Yourself, classmates, and teacher.
 BE PREPARED: Come to class with binders, texts, and any supplies you will need for that day.
 HOMEWORK/ASSIGNMENTS: Must be completed to the best of your ability and on time.


How we will communicate with you:
Phone calls, parent/teacher conference, scheduled meetings, e-mail, letters home, and through the intermediate division web site.

Thanks,

Ms. Peart-Martin