Half-Time is Over!

With one half of the year gone, I think the students have a pretty good idea of where they stand in English. Honors classes have recently finished their most difficult project to date and the other classes are moving through their software and workbook studies at an admirable clip.

If I have one suggestions for you as parents, it would simply be to have your children read a little more at home. Many of our scholars are already on the right path when it comes to independent reading. However, many others still need a good push when it comes to being responsible for their own advancement.

One of the requirements in the regular English classroom is to read independently for 15-20 minutes a block. It is at this juncture that many of our scholars are struggling. This adds up to one hour of independent reading a week, which, in my opinion is not enough. Their brains are still sponges, and more quiet reading time at home has never hurt anyone.

On to the new curriculum:

Honors students are studying the media and its affect on consumers. This unit may go as long as the middle of the fifth marking period. The scholars will have two assessments in this unit: the first is an essay about a consumer choice and the second is creating a brochure that is supported with a persuasive essay.

I am also adding a rote learning part to the curriculum this marking period. Honors students will be coming home with a very large literature textbook. This type of instruction is not usually my style, but many of the skills I saw lacking on the midterm come from this type of Q & A. There will be ALOT of homework this marking period.

In the regular classes, it will be business as usual in class, but there will be an increase in homework here as well. Most of what I saw lacking in the regular classes was in composition. The kids will be completing graphic organizers that will be used for essay writing. All of this will be given at the first meeting of the week and will be due at the end of that week.

As always, if you have any questions, e-mail me: kjm@rochester.rr.com