Parents,

Here is the script from a sheet I tucked in your child's folder. Please read and/or bring it to the meeting tomorrow night. I do have more to add but this is the gist of the class!
thanks,
Kathleen

The Five Components of English 8

Grammar: this will take 5-10 minutes a day. Parents will correct each lesson. Numbers 1-4 may be done orally. # 5, which incorporates sentence combining, needs to be turned in. these exercises serve as a review and a way to see if a weak area exists. Students are encouraged to look for the answers in a grammar book or on the internet or to get an explanation from their parents for the ones they miss. This feedback is important. We will occasionally go over some of the sentence combining in class.

Vocabulary: The vocabulary textbook has 15 units of 20 words each with quests (a cross between a quiz and a test) for each one. There are review pages and cumulative tests every three units. Students will write 20 sentences per unit, typed and double spaced, and turn these in when indicated on the syllabus. Parents will correct textbook pages. This is one area students may work ahead as long as they remember to study for each quest and test.

Reading: students will read approximately 50-60 pages a week. Limited discussion will take place in class. Each week students will either write a summary of what they read or answer 1-2 questions. Students are encouraged to look up words they don’t recognize. Parents will make sure they have quiet time each day to read and are keeping up.

Writing: The majority of class time will be spent on writing. Parents will edit and initial assignment stages as requested. Checklists are vital part of this process, although as the year goes by I will wean them off these to prepare them for high school. I will do my best to explain and/or capture goals in writing for each assignment. Please ask if it’s not clear.

Outside reading: three outside books will be read, each with a timetable, project and presentation date. The goal is to foster the ability to discover books not on a reading list and to expose them to different genres. Parents will enable them to choose a book and monitor reading progress.

Other essentials
Every sheet turned in must have a name and a date
Everything must be typed and double spaced unless otherwise indicated
A thesaurus is essential for writing, computer or hard copy
Contact information: 302.475.1650 Please do not call after 9pm
plantaseed@ipmhomes.com I always answer my email unless there are technical difficulties. If you email me check for an answer, otherwise I will not have seen it.
money: CGA will bill you for the vocabulary set, I will bill you for the Shakespeare book and copy fees at a later date.
I am available for tutoring should more help be needed. The Brandywine library has great study rooms and I am flexible with advance notice.