English or language?

 

     Whatever you prefer to call it, these lessons will include learning skills to perfect writing compositions, word parts, punctuation, sentence parts and types, parts of speech, word choice, correct word usage, subject-verb agreement, and proofreading and editing skills. We will practice writing on a daily basis.

 

We will work on fiction and nonfiction writing doing both narratives and research. Nonfiction expository writing will follow the format below.

 

Much of our writing will concern what we're reading or learning about in reading or social studies classes. In writing we will follow the curriculum set by the LA state standards and supported by the Wit and Wisdom curriculum adopted by Livingston parish for the 2018 - 2019 school year.

 

GRADING - How? When?

     Students will be graded on their writing skills using checklists and rubrics that look for specific things in their writing.  Students will also be given traditional tests on specific skills in isolation or in combination.

     Students will often have two grades per week in this subject with one being given on the focus lesson for the week, and one based on the work done in our daily skills book of bell-ringer activities. Bellringer work is due at the end of the week for a grade.

 

     Spelling grades are considered part of the written language grade, though this is a small percentage.  The overall English grade is worth 40% of the total ELA grade on the report card and is averaged in with the overall reading grade.

 

 & GUESS WHAT ELSE...

     Cursive handwriting is once again a Louisiana standard to be taught in 3rd and 4th grades.

Students will work on practicing this is English, but will learn proper form in spelling. Please work on cursive (script) and manuscript (print) handwriting at home as well, stressing neatness. 

 

      It is very important that they take pride in their work and do it neatly. In the future, when your children get their first job, his/her handwriting on an application may be first impression he/she makes on a prospective employer and we want it to be a good one.

 

ACT 482 SB 275 – Written / Sponsored by Beth Mizell

Approved/Signed by Governor John Bell Edwards - 2016 Regular Session of LA legislature

CURRICULA: Requires cursive writing be taught in all public schools, including charter schools. Requires schools to ensure that such instruction is introduced by the third grade and incorporated into the curriculum in grades 4 through 12. Effective on July 1, 2017.