Reading Fundamentals

1. Reading Fundamentals – 2nd trimester<br />Class Syllabus<br />Teacher: Mrs. Smith, Office 137 (In Library) Email: csmith@neenah.k12.wi.us<br />Phone 920.751.6900 ext. 282<br />Reading Fundamentals is designed for students who will benefit from a review of reading and study strategies that will enable them to better perform in content classes and ensure that they have the literacy skills necessary for 21st century learning and success.<br />Thinking is the key to becoming a better reader. In this class, we will be thinking out loud as we explore a variety of reading materials, current topics and issues, and our own reading choices. <br />Textbook: There is no textbook required. We will use a variety of resources as we practice the strategies that will help us use context clues to gain word meaning, learn academic vocabulary, navigate and read various types of texts, find the main idea and supporting details in a passage, identify and understand inferences, and paraphrase and summarize readings.<br />Literature: Students will be participating in group activities to discuss current class topics or reading materials. Sometimes this will involve you choosing a novel or non-fiction book to read and then discussing it in a group of several other students reading the same book. Grading is based on novel completion, activities, participation and cooperation.<br />Research Project: Learning to read critically and use the Internet to find information is a necessary 21st century skill. We will have a research type projects in this course. It will involve some research and a culminating writing activity.<br />Writing: Writing is a necessary skill. You will be writing in this course as a response to an event, issue, reading selection, person, idea, etc. I will not grade you on the conventions (grammar and punctuation) of your writing but rather on the content of ideas presented. I will only grade you on spelling if what you write is generated on the computer where you have the use of spell-check.<br />Journal: Each student will maintain a writing journal, supplied by the teacher. Journals will be reviewed daily (at random) and graded based on your number of entries, not content, spelling, or grammar. Your journal can be used for whatever type of writing you choose. It may be used as a communication tool or as a way to write down your thoughts or concerns. You may not read each other’s journals unless you give permission. Your journals are private and will only be read by me. Your grade will be on journal completion. Please understand that I will maintain confidentiality unless your entry indicates harm to self or others. In rare instances, I may share a journal with your guidance counselor if I feel that you have an issue that needs additional support. We will discuss journals in depth later.<br />Class Rules:<br />Attendance: Your attendance in class is important. You will be allowed to make up any missed work for days that you are absent. Since there will rarely be any assigned homework, you will be missing participation in class activities which cannot be made up.<br />Tardies: Please make every attempt to be in class by the bell. It is disruptive to have people coming in once class has started. Since everyone occasionally is late, you are allowed 3 tardies per trimester. If you are more than 15 minutes tardy, it is considered an absence. <br />Beginning with the 4th tardy, you will be responsible for serving an after school detention with me for 15 minutes.<br />The 5th tardy will result in a call home and a 2-day detention. The 6th tardy will result in a discipline referral to administration. Please don’t let it get that far!<br />Class Behavior: Our class will involve a lot of discussion and group work. It is vital that everyone display appropriate respect and tolerance for each other. Disrespectful behavior toward classmates or me will not be tolerated and you will receive a discipline referral and a call home. If this becomes a chronic problem, you will be removed from the class and lose course credit.<br />Food and drink: Food and drink are not allowed, with the exception of water.<br />Cell Phones: NHS now has a cell phone policy that will be followed in class. You may use your cell phone during passing times and lunch. You must silence your phone while in class. Parents, please do not text your child during class times. If there is an emergency or you need to change plans, please call the attendance office and they will alert your child. I do respect the technology and also your prowess in its use, however, you are in class to improve and learn literacy skills, not to text friends and family. I will follow the NHS guidelines if you choose to ignore this policy and use your phone.<br />Music: Please do not listen to music while I am teaching. Not only is this disrespectful and disruptive to others, but it also prevents you learning the necessary skills in literacy.<br />Grading: Grades will be based on the areas listed above and the assignments and participation from each. Grades will be posted in Infinite Campus. If you have a question regarding your grade, please see me or send me an email and we can discuss it.<br />