1. Mrs. Natalie Aspaas Academic Expectations
Language Arts 1-2 Honors
Mrs. Natalie Aspaas
Academic Expectations

2. Language Arts 1-2 Honors Writing
Writing Components:
Explanatory, informational as argumentation, literary analysis, and narrative.
Types of writing:
Timed writes, microthemes, journals (skills), research skills and essays, and time capsules
Revisions are welcomed!!! Use office hours!

3. Writing Skills as a Focus:
Write arguments to support claims in analysis
Use valid reasoning
Write to examine and convey complex ideas through effective organization
Develop writing skills in: word
choice, ideas, voice, sentence
fluency, conventions, and
organization

4. Questions About Timed Writes
To prepare for college level classes, students do timed writes for each unit we study. These are scored on the AP rubric. It requires the student to think on the spot and organize ideas, make a valid argument, use supporting evidence, etc. It mimics the AP test.

5. Vocabulary 15 words every 2 weeks. (Study more than the night before)
Quiz every other Friday. (Include definitions and sentences)
High-frequency words on standardized testing as well as class specific words such as rhetoric and words in context.

6. Language Skills Focuses on the following:
clarity (i.e. combining sentences and active-vs-passive verbs)
grammar (i.e. verb tense and the parts of speech)
Punctuation (i.e. apostrophes and semicolons)
Mechanics (i.e. abbreviations and italics)
Grammar will be taught in mini lessons with practice assignments.
Grammar will be demonstrated in student writing.

7. First Semester Reading
The Odyssey by Homer
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
Outside reading assignments
Non-fiction related texts
Other related readings
It is suggested that students get their own copy of possible for annotations

8. Second Semester Reading
Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare
The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
Persuasive Essays
Outside reading assignments
Non-fiction related materials
Other related materials
Again, suggested to purchase own copy.

10. Reading Skills as a Focus:
Analyzing texts for author’s style, central ideas, and author’s purpose
Citing strong textual evidence to support analysis

11. Outside Reading Projects
Students do quarterly outside reading assignments. Currently, the students need to have a novel 250+ pages with a living author.
#2-Biography
#3-Poetry
#4-Non-fiction about the Victorian Era

12. Speaking and Listening
Socratic Seminars
Agree/Disagree
Class discussions
Interviews
Participation is required.

13. Technology
Students can use calendar or notes on phone to save homework.
Students can take a picture of the weekly board on Mondays.
Students can use e-readers with permission
Weekly s
Students need ipads-charged
Students will submit essays to turnitin.com.
Checks for plagiarism, on-line discussions, verbal feedback.

14. Technology Canvas: used for notes and some assignments
Textbooks: Online
Remind: App for class texts.
Text the number 81010

15. Classroom Regulations
Daily:
Bell work, homework location, objectives
Absent work:
folders, calendar, , voice mail, etc. Office hours

16. What else? Class donations: Disinfecting wipes
Color copy/printer paper
Reward basket donations
Check newsletter for items as they are needed
Student Planners:
Important to stay organized
Important school information
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