Wednesday, August 17th

5:30p.m.

Curriculum

•Language Arts – Text: Prentice Hall• Writing- narrative essay, persuasive essay, research, descriptive,

and informational.• Reading- core novels ( Wrinkle in Time, The Cay), 4 books outside

of class per semester, short stories, poetry, informational, reading strategies, comprehension, vocabulary

• Grammar- daily warm-ups, parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, usage, spelling.

• Critical thinking- activities- debates, projects, class discussions, creative writing, etc.

•Social Studies – Text: McDougall Littell• Ancient Civilizations: geography, early man, Mesopotamia, Egypt,

Kush, Israel (First Semester)• Civilizations: China, India, Greece, Rome (Second Semester)

• Objectives: Patterns in civilizations• Geography, politics, economy, religion, culture

What are some features of a successful class?

Tasks and experiences are challenging, require creativity, and are not always alike for ALL learners

Instruction is varied to meet the abilities of all students to guarantee success

Instruction is project based and students are given choices in their learning.

Instruction is based on higher level thinking for each child’s ability

The focus is on quality vs. quantity! Advanced students should not be punished with more work, but rather should be challenged to think at a deeper level and produce a higher quality of work.

Qualifying For Advanced Courses

Based upon State and District AssessmentMust maintain a C or betterPlease read and sign the Curriculum

Agreement letter with your child Turn in the letter to the office

Grading Policies: What the numbers mean…

Grading for Language Arts: Tests 30% Projects, Presentations 25% Quizzes 20% Homework/Class work 10% Journals/Writing 15%

Grading for Social Studies: Tests 30% Projects/Presentations 25% Quizzes 20% Homework/Class work 10% Interactive Notebook 15%

Most weight is put on tests (studying important!), projects, notebook organization, and writing!

Homework Policy

Importance of Homework

Reinforces what has been learned in class.

Prepares students for upcoming lessons

Teaches responsibility

Helps students develop strong study habits

Allows the teacher to effectively evaluate student independent working skills

Late HomeworkLate homework will not be accepted.

Example: tic-tac-toe spelling, vocabulary worksheets, social studies worksheets, reading logs, etc.

Projects and Presentations Any projects or presentations that are not

completed will be reassigned as an essay and completed in class while other presentations are going on.

Study hall will also be assigned to students who have incomplete assignments.

Significant AssignmentsThe NotebookInteractive notebooks: collected at the end of each

unit in S.S on test day.Need a 3 prong/ ring folder .Requires a completed assignment log (we fill out in

class and is updated on my website) and 3-hole punched notes/handouts/activities in the correct order.

All notes and handouts must be saved for notebook.Notebook serves as a study tool for tests and quizzes.Keep up to date as we go along. Worth 1o percent of

grade and 5 extra credit point on tests.

Significant AssignmentsThe I-Search PaperSecond semester: started in Jan. Due before Spring

break.Students ask a ? related to any civilization we will study

this year. Ex: Who built the Great Wall of China and why?

Student task: to answer this ? using numerous resources. They will write a research report, create a visual display/model related to the topic, and teach what they learned to the class.

This assignment requires higher level thinking, organization, reading/writing/research/presentation skills.

It counts for both a S.S. and L.A. grade.

Significant AssignmentsOther projects and readingAncient Man Project (1st semester)—completed in

groups. Each student will have 2 tasks to complete.

Archaeology DigNovels and book reports: Students are required

to read 4 books per semester …8 total (outside reading). They will need to complete a reading log due every 2 weeks for 2 weeks of reading. 1 book report (pick 1 book to report on) is due at end of each semester.

Narrative Writing: Spooky or Fall story in October.

Visual/Performing Arts component

Based on an extension of the curriculum To develop student’s cultural awareness To have fun while learning!! Addresses students multiple intelligences May include: drawing, painting, skits,

reader’s theatre, pantomimes, puppet shows, technology, public speaking, debates, in the learning process.

Students given choice in how they show their knowledge of the CA State Standards.

My Website and Contact InfoI will update my website weekly (Friday nights

for the following week) and daily as needed.When able, I will attach notes, powerpoints,

directions, and handouts.Please have your child check my site often. http://

www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/mcelhinney/ knuez

E-mail is the best way to contact me and get a quick response! knuez@murrieta.k12.ca.us

My home email for parents only is k_nuez@yahoo.com.