Middle School Reading

Website: tm077.k12.sd.us – this is where you’ll find my lesson plans and other info.

Materials Needed (Required):

Lined notebook paper

Binder or folder for keeping notes and handouts

100 Note cards

Jump Drive

Pen or pencil

Planner

Book                                                                                                               

Late Work Policy:

If an assignment is not done on time, the student has until the end of the day to get it done and receive full credit.

If it is not done that day, the student has one week to receive 50% of the grade earned.

Cellphone Policy:

Teacher discretion – depends on the situation.

Course Objectives:

MS Reading is designed to improve reading ability, fluency and comprehension. I believe that as the Middle School Reading teacher, it is my job to help students enjoy reading! I hope to do this through a variety of assessments.

Common Core Standards:

Too many to put on here, but that will be the focus from here on out.

http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/6

Methods of Instruction:

1. Lit. Circles with end of book project – 1 per semester
3. Argus Searches – every other Friday
4. Junior Scholastic – every other Friday
5. Text book – short stories, worksheets, 5- question quizzes, writing prompts
6. Accelerated Reader – two books per quarter (8 total)
7. Literary Elements and Devices – usually in January
8. Newsela – nonfiction stories online with quizzes – once a day – newsela.co

Class Novels with daily quizzes over reading – 1 per semester

6^th Grade Reading

·         Harris and Me               

·         Maniac Magee

• Number The Stars

7th Grade Reading

·         Where the Red Fern Grows

·         The Outsiders

·         Monster

8^th Grade Reading

·         Speak

·         Diary of Anne Frank

• Wonder

Attendances and Make-up Work:

If a student is gone, they are expected to ask the teacher for their missing work. They receive two days to complete the work for every one day they are absent.

Expectations:

Students will fill out their planners at the beginning of class Monday for the entire week

Students will check Parent Portal regularly

Students will ask the teacher for their missing work

Attendances and Make-up Work:

If a student is gone, they are expected to ask the teacher for their missing work. They receive two days to complete the work for every one day they are absent.

Expectations:

Students will fill out their planners at the beginning of class Monday for the entire week

Students will check Parent Portal regularly

Students will ask the teacher for their missing work

Break-down of Grading for each quarter:

Accelerated Reader                                  15%

Newsela                                                          10%

Test/Project/Quiz                                        35%

Daily Work/Story Quizzes                        40%

The required school district percentages for grades will be used.

            A          93-100

            B          86-92

            C          77-85

            D          70-76

            F          0-69

I will not be rounding grades.

I am available any time before school, after school, during my planning period, during study hall or via email if you need help. If you have any questions or concerns, please come talk to me about it.

Accelerated Reader

Here's how it works:

• First, they must choose a book that is on the AR list (http://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx) and have it approved by the teacher.
• Then, they need to read it.
• Once they have read the book, they must take the quiz over the book - in my classroom when I'm there.
• In order for a child to receive credit for their book (out of 100 points in the grade book), they must receive a 70% (in 6^th and 7^th grade) or an 80% (in 8^th grade) or better.
• I know this is kind of tough, but I trust they can do it!
• They need to pass 2 AR quizzes a quarter. I let them know in class when the first test needs to be finished by (roughly midterm) and the second one is a day or two before the end of the quarter.
• They always get a re-take on their quizzes if they did not pass it or don't like the grade their received. They just have to do the re-take within 24 hours.
• I believe this program holds our students to a higher level of reading and accountability to their schooling!
• Please let me know if you have questions or comments. You can reach me at tara.melmer@k12.sd.us