page contents

Welcome to Ms. Gibson's English Class!

 

Reading & Homework:

●As a class, we will be reading and discussing various works of literature.

●Upon entering class each day, students will read independently and quietly.  

●Each night students must read independently for at least 20 minutes.  Reading at home establishes the habit of setting time aside every night for future classes that assign homework and require more study.

●Book Clubs: Students will read various novels in small groups.  Together, they will read aloud and discuss the book, while also making predictions and asking questions.

 

The more we read, the better we will write! Reading is exercise for the brain!

 

 

 

Writer’s Workshop:

Students will keep a writer's notebook in class.  They will develop, draft, and edit different types of writing (narrative, informational, argumentative, poetry, children’s books, short stories, memoirs, etc.)  

 

Journaling:

Students will also keep a journal/diary which will be used daily.  Some entries will be responses to prompts/questions, and others will be free writing.  Students will keep their journals with them throughout the school day, and are encouraged to write in them at home as well.  Journaling is a great way to express your feelings and emotions, to be creative, and to become a better writer! 

 

 

Google Classroom:

Google Classroom is used for assignments and discussions.  It allows the students to access their materials and assignments anytime and anywhere.  Students can engage in discussions and view real-time feedback from peers and teachers.  Our classroom collaboration and communication is most successful using this technology.  **You may log in at home using the student's information.

 

 

NewsFlash Friday:

On most Fridays, we will use NewsELA for "Newsflash Friday."  NewsELA solves the problem of student engagement in reading by offering an expansive selection of articles on countless topics.  Students can choose to read articles about anything from science to politics to sports and gaming.  The students are also able to alter the reading level to suit their needs.  Students share and discuss the articles they have selected which improves classroom collaboration, as well as speaking and listenting skills.  This tool is also useful for cross-curricular learning.  

 

 

Other:

Greek/Latin Roots Vocab: Most weeks, we will focus on a group of vocabulary words that have a Greek or Latin root.  Over 60% of English words have Greek or Latin root words (over 90% of science and technology terms have Greek/Latin root words).  Studying these roots will help students learn to break down and determine the meaning of unknown words.

Grammar: We will study various grammar skills in conjuction with our reading and writing activities.