Class Procedures

• Students will be completing most reading assignments outside of class. This is a major difference between regular English and Honors. Students will receive the reading assignments for the week on Monday, as well as due dates for each reading. The readings will come from a variety of sources. 
• We will utilize active reading and encourage students to use sticky notes to annotate their readings. This procedure will be taught in the first weeks of class and maintained year long. Most students have already used this technique in seventh grade.
• Class time will be devoted to a variety of activities that utilize the readings. Discussions, projects, response writing, presentations and other activities can be expected. 
• Vocabulary will be student driven. This means that students will be responsible for identifying, defining and sharing five words a week that they found in the week's readings (both independent and assigned) that they found confusing, or thought would be confusing for their peers. Words will be recorded in their SplashBook and shared on our weekly vocabulary wall. Students will find and record five additional words found on the vocabulary wall in their SplashBook.
• Students will be responsible for reading 20 books this school year (five per quarter). Sustained Silent Reading time will be provided; about one hour a week. During this time, the teacher will hold conferences (one on one, group and peer conferences) where students will discuss what they are reading.  Students are expected to read their novels as a standing homework assignment as well. I will provide a rubric and a model so that students will understand the expectations.
• Students will also be responsible for book talks, which will be presented (filmed or live) to 7th grade English classes.