HOW TO SUCCEED IN LANGUAGE ARTS

A guide to Mr. James’s class

Why you are here To learn content To explore humanity To learn how to function in a work-like

environment To succeed To have fun

Don’t be afraid

Learning Targets Improve reading skills Develop writing skills Cultivate listening skills Practice working in groups

ExpectationsI expect my students to act like students. To succeed, they should do the following:

Be respectful Be prepared Be ready to participate Be on task Make certain that your workis your best

Class Rules Follow directions Listen atttentively during instructions Use appropriate academic language Speak at proper times

ConsequencesI believe that you should be able to govern yourselves in our school. I will treat you with respect as long as you reciprocate.

Positive Happy teacher Magical learning

experience

Negative The look The talk The move The call home We just don’t want

to go here

How do I know when something is due, and what do I do if I miss a day?

I will post assignments on Skyward. There is a calendar on my website that

has the daily information and assignments.

I will post assignments on the calendar in the class.

Where do I turn in assignments? The day they are due, I will ask for them

during the class. There is a basket by Mr. James’s desk if

you are late or if you missed the due date because of illness.

How do I get my graded work back? I will try to return assignments to you in

class There is a basket in the back of the

class with graded work– please ask permission to retrieve work.

How long will I be in this group? As long as it is successful As long as Mr. James says

ReadingYou no longer have a reading class, but reading it is vital to your success that you continue to develop your reading abilities. To ensure development, you will be asked to read a great deal at home.

Your first assignment will be given in the coming weeks.

WritingWriting is a craft, which means it takes time and effort. I expect that all of your writing assignments will be the best you can craft.

I believe that my job is to help you be successful. That means that I will hold you to high standards, but nothing will be impossible. You will determine to a great degree how successful you will be.

In order for us to be successful, what do we need? Individually, list three things– perhaps

rules regarding behavior– that you think a class needs in order to function well.

As a group, review your answers, and determine which one is the most important.

Develop an argument. What is it that you have identified, and list evidence that proves that your claim is reasonable.