Ms. CalhounMs. Calhoun

English 3 not only addresses, but goes beyond the state and district standards in the area of English/Language Arts. Students will read diverse and demanding literature from a variety of genres including novels, plays, poetry, non-fiction, and narratives. The curriculum for this course will incorporate themes and authorial intentions in American Literature. Focusing on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and preparing students for the various writing techniques expected at the university level, this course will accelerate and strengthen student writing as they prepare for the tasks placed upon them by the demands of college.

--La Cañada HS Student Handbook

What is this class all about?

Who are we?

Where do we come

from?

What do we stand for?

Required Materials Recommended Materials

 

1. An open mind and inquisitive nature

2. Three-ring binder exclusively for English with 5 dividers: journal, current unit, handouts/reference, major writing/tests, notes

3. 8 ½ x 11” college ruled paper—NO SPIRAL EDGES

4. Blue or black pens (only ink acceptable for written assignments)

5. Current text

1. Dictionary and Thesaurus2. Highlighter markers3. Multicolor pens for

annotation and notes4. Post-it notes and tabs5. Academic planner

What do students need to do well?

What will we read?

In short, yes. You may check out books in the textbook room, but I highly recommend that you purchase your own books so that you may liberally annotate text as we read. Annotation will be required, but may be done on sticky notes if you use a borrowed book. These notes will be invaluable for open book quizzes and major writing assignments.

Should students buy their own books?

Annotation is simply marking up the text: key ideas points of clarification things you can relate to questions vocabulary

What is annotation?

Where can I buy books? Cheap?

The English department has agreed upon the following weight percentages for various types of assignments:

Writing/Oral Presentations (50%) – Major essays, creative writing projects, and presentations assigned quarterly Assignments and Projects (25%) – Most in-class assignments including group work, homework, response papers and binder checks Tests and Quizzes (25%) – Literature exams, reading quizzes, and vocabulary and grammar tests

Grading/Weights

Joe StudentEnglish 3Period 3August 29, 2012

Sample Paper

Ms. Calhoun is very particular about how her students

format papers, so it is important to pay attention. Major

writing assignments should be typed on 8.5” x 11” paper

with 1” margins in 12 point standard font. All work should

be double-spaced, with proper punctuation, capitalization,

and spelling—spell check alone is not enough! Be sure to

proofread your work.

This is what student papers should look like:

A proper heading will

contain student’s full name, class

information, and the date.

A proper heading will

contain student’s full name, class

information, and the date.

Every assignment should be given a

title. Titles should be capitalized.

Every assignment should be given a

title. Titles should be capitalized.

Make it readable.Make it readable.

Students will have homework EVERY day, though it won’t always be specifically assigned. Homework may include:

Completing work started in class Writing and revising drafts Reading (class texts and independent selections) Studying reading notes and vocabulary Written responses and worksheets

Homework is always due at the beginning of class.

Homework

It’s not a good idea.

Work not turned in on time will negatively impact student grades.

Late work is not accepted unless an “insanity” pass is used!

Late work?

Our mutual goal this year is to nurture a classroom that supports, respects, and honors individuals and group productivity. To achieve this, students and I have agreed upon norms for working together throughout the year. Certain classroom rules are non-negotiable, while others have been negotiated to create the best possible learning environment. Please review your child’s syllabus for expectations and negotiated rules.

Classroom Expectations

Check Pinnacle regularly for updates to student

grades. I generally update grades over the weekend, though I will sometimes add assignments during the week. NOTE: blank scores mean I have not logged a grade. “Z” (zero) means an assignment was not turned in on time.

Assignments and a class log can be accessed through my teacher web page on the LCHS site.

Any questions, comments, or concerns? Please contact me at tcalhoun@lcusd.net.

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