NAME:
John A. Taylor
SCHOOL:
Mountain View Middle School / email jtaylor@columbiasd.com
CLASS:
Language Arts / Literature
SCHOOL PHONE:
221-5224 (ext) 743
Textbooks and other materials used in class:
Prentice Hall Literature
Prentice Hall Selection Support Workbook
Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary
Step Up To Writing
Class Novel: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Write Source 2000
Dictionary
Note: All of my curriculum is aligned with California State Standards for
6th grade.If you have internet access, the CDE (California Department of
Education) has these guidelines available for you to print out. As well, it
has suggested reading lists for each grade level.
Student Required Materials:
Three ring binder organized by subjects
Pencils / erasers / markers / colored pencils
Black fine line marker/ planners (signature required daily)
Classroom expectations:
Students are expected to write down their assignments in their daily planner.
Students are expected to show up to class on time and be prepared to learn.
Students are expected to show self-control and work cooperatively w/peers.
Students are expected to contribute to classroom discussions.
Students are expected to comply with all MVMS policies and procedures.
English writing: We will be covering in-depth writing styles such as
narrative, expository and Literary response writing. In addition, we
will cover summary writing, research reports, note taking, as well as other
styles of writing.
Approximately every other week, your child will be assigned and challenged
to write a coherent, multiple paragraph essay on a particular topic.
Students will begin the assignment in class and be responsible for
completing it at home. I require an edited rough draft, final copy, and the
direction sheet attached with a parent signature. I use the Step Up To
Writing program.
Technology: Computers play a pivotal role in a child's education. I highly
encourage all students to type their essays on a computer since writing is
such a complex process. The computer is a wonderful asset to help aid in the
process of writing. It saves time!
English grammar knowledge is essential for writing logical sentences and in
recognizing confusing sentences. Approximately, every Friday, I test
students on adjectives, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions,
participles, subject-verb agreement, fragments, as well as run-on sentences.
In addition, students will also learn other necessary skills that will
enhance their learning for standard English. Students are responsible for
taking notes and practicing their daily language skills for homework every
night.
Vocabulary words are a basic building block of communication, and a strong
vocabulary is an essential part of reading, writing, and speaking well.
Approximately every Friday, students will be tested on vocabulary which will
come from their weekly Literature reading and other teacher-directed
lessons. Students should practice their vocabulary each night for homework.
Reading Requirements: In 6th grade, we require that students read 100
minutes a week, which comes out to twenty-minutes a night. We do allow
students to catch up on the weekends should they fall behind due to a busy
work week. Reading logs are due the second school day of the week.These
reading logs are worth five points each, so they are important to the
overall grade in literature. I do ask that you please sign them once a week.
Book Reports: A note should have gone home last week explaining all the due
dates and specific genres we will be covering throughout the year.
Directions for each book report will go home approximately two weeks before
it is due.
Approximately each week, your child will be tested on their reading
selection covered in class. The test is comprised of the following concepts:
Comprehension, Literary Analysis, Reading Strategies, Grammar, Vocabulary,
and Spelling Skills. Students are encouraged, if necessary, to check out a
literature textbook from the library and review the reading before the test.
Spelling units will be introduced to students on Monday, and the homework
will be due on Thursday. I test every Friday. In case we have a short week,
we will not have spelling that week.
Please note that I do have a teacher web page where weekly or daily homework
is posted. In addition, the Aeries grade program will enable you to check on
your child's homework and progress. I will try to update my gradebook once a
week. Should you need to get a hold of me, the best way is through email. If
you go to the MVMS web site, just locate my name and click on the link for
my web page and email address, and I will get back to you as soon as
possible.
I can also be reached by calling the school and leaving a message on my
voice mail.
I look forward to an exciting year working with your children and with you.
John Taylor
