The Moustache

You should be reading independently in a book of your own choosing by the weekend. It is okay to use the same book you are reading independently for English class.

We are reading "The Moustache" by Robert Cormier in class, and discussing how to monitor our

thinking as we read.

Welcome to Intensive Reading!

Intensive Reading Syllabus

Ms. Lynch – Welcome!

Our National Geographic EDGE program is very exciting, and I’m pretty sure you’ll like it and be successful with it. Units involve a good mix of fiction with non-fiction, and are designed to help prepare you to pass the FCAT in reading.

Beginning of Class:

As you enter the room, on time, please….pick up your folder from the bin, take it to your desk, and begin either

A) bellwork assigned or

B) Independent reading assigned.

End of Class:

Each day, a different student will be assigned to put 3 major points on the ELMO about what we discussed.

Everyone else must add these to their notebooks.

If there is a difference of opinion, write your OWN view about those three important things, but only after you’ve listened respectfully to the day’s leader.

You need to have an independent reading book for class every day, and for 100 points per week, you need to read at home, and jot down notes in your notebook about *“what happened” and what you think….once a week. It may sometimes happen that you have 2 books going at once! Sorry, but that’s what happens in real life! Use your time and make notes about what you read.

*You may start with “I think ________ is getting really _______”, or “I wonder what ………..” or “So far, _______ is having trouble _____________” . There should be a brief sense of conflict, characters, and page left off in each entry. If you hate the book you picked, after 10 pages, you may try another. But give the book a chance.

In addition, independent reading in class is often required to demonstrated your ability to find your own reading (lexile* appropriate and in book form)

that challenges you and builds your vocabulary and fluency.

In the EDGE program, you are required to read, put vocabulary words to study in your notebook as asked, and to answer questions in the notebook or in the EDGE workbook. You are also required to choose from their selections of extra independent reading. Fortunately, they’re good!

Sometimes, we have extra projects required.

More challenging books are encouraged, depending on your lexile score on the FAIR test.

You will also be asked to try an SAT hip-hop program, FLOCABULARY, to strengthen your vocabulary. It involves memorizing songs with top 500 SAT vocabulary words to help you remember.

Grading:

Notebook -25%

In-class notebook kept independently, which includes “Cornell Notes” on our readings and discussions, key vocabulary, short reading responses and “logs” for independent and group reading, bell-work, end class closure notes, etc. (This should stay in the classroom for grading.)

Workbook – 25% (This should stay in the classroom for grading.)

Independent reading in and out of class- 15%

literature circles, projects -20%

Tests – 15%

If you have met these requirements, you should have an A in this class!

Please do not ask to leave the room the first 10

minutes of class, or the last 10 minutes of class, since this time period is KEY to your success.

A break for the bathroom or quick snack in the middle will be announced.

At home, please use USA Test Prep: School ID bayshoreflhs Password is Newton54

FLOCABULARY.COM

A Rap /hip-hop song to learn vocabulary called, “Transformations”, the first of 12. These are the top 500 SAT (FCAT, too) words to learn. Or make your own! We’ll try to make this a regular part of class.

My class rules for Fall 2010!

August 2010 - Welcome to Bayshore High School English/Reading! Our Journey Begins! My THREE WISHES!

Ms. Lynch

Teacher, Bayshore High School and State College of Florida

AP English, Dual Enrollment 1101/1102, English 12 Honors, and Intensive Reading

All students should have a novel in progress at all times! Independent reading is REQUIRED!

Room 482, Block 4.

To all parents and students:

I’m glad to have a chance to work with you! You’re all busy, and so am I, but I’d like to share my 3 WISHES for better and more effective student achievement:

# 1. I WISH PARENTS AND STUDENTS WOULD CALL ME or EMAIL me WHEN THEY’RE CONFUSED OR WORRIED ABOUT CLASS WORK.

941-448-5577 (my cell) (also, I accept texting)

lynche@manateeschools.net

I’m available, and I really care about my students, their concerns., and their parents’ concerns. Honestly, I have more time available than some….my kids are grown up.

I expect to have our class webpage easily accessible and updated regularly. Your son or daughter should write that URL address here:

Check it out to see what we’re doing, if you like.

# 2 . I Wish students used their limited time in class well. USE YOUR TIME, PLEASE!

Yes, your lives are busy. If class time is used well, there’s not too much you must worry about outside class except reading and taking a few notes.

If you THINK YOU’RE FINISHED WITH WHAT THE TEACHER WANTS YOU TO DO, no matter what class you’re in…here’s a list of things you can do to jump ahead:

A) Read a book I expect ALL students to have a book going independently, and jot down a few notes about it.. Keep trying to find a book you like and finish it.

B) Journal writing – reactions to stories, poems, books read, even “I am worried about…….” writings can help to focus study and direct positive thinking.

C) Vocabulary practice and notes (nothing helps scores at any level more than vocabulary development.)

D) Use online resources like the USA Test Prep (purchased by our school), Writing for the American Writing Archives, AP TEST Prep, our class BLOG spot for responding to stories and poems and drama, and those I give in class.

E) Grammar brush-ups and quizzes http://grammar.ccc.comnet.edu/gramar/quiz - practice!

F) Review of Indiana University’s tutorial on plagiarism to help make ideas your own and cite authorities so your writing has more power.

https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/

G) Check back to see what you’ve missed. For each class, by the door, I put a folder called, “WHAT I MiSSED!” Each day, at the end of the day, I put the work into that folder for your class. Also, on the board, I try to maintain class assignments.

#3. My Third Wish: THE 3 R’s..(used to be “reading, riting, ‘rithmetic”)

RESPECT, RESOURCES, RE-CREATION. My 3 “Rs”

What do I mean by that? I will treat you with respect. I will give you resources. I will help you to “re-create” (hopefully, some fun..!)

I expect that you will treat your classmates and me with respect. Help each other find resources. Make sure that “RECREATION” doesn’t harm others’ chances to learn. Use your time to grow and learn! Thanks. The 3 Rs.

So these are my 3 wishes. You think I sound like a kid? Hey, basics. The smartest people in the world know how to use these tricks. Are they possible? It just takes a mindful choice, that’s all. Every day.

Again, welcome! And thanks for reading this.

Addendum: The classroom “store”! Ok, let’s get this clear. Purpose of classroom store is

1) To keep students in class and comfortable midway through long blocks of time.

2) To encourage a warm atmosphere, but NOT a distraction. If distractions erupt, the store is closed. (No messes, no arguments, no wandering…)

3) To encourage focus: if it doesn’t work, we close the store (need a pencil/pen, snack, etc?)

4) If there is any profit, it goes to a scholarship fund for those planning learning trips.

5) DO NOT come to class for store products outside of your OWN class time.