My English class is primarily focused on two areas: Reading and Writing.
There is no educational experience for students more vital than spending at least 20 uninterrupted minutes reading a book of their own choosing. Through this experience students gain reading fluency, encounter new vocabulary, build mental endurance that increases attention span and focus, and numerous benefits. For more information on the benefits of independent reading, check the For Parents tab. Currently denied access to my classroom library or the school library, students continue to have access to books through the Covina Public Library which offers curbside pickup, online bookstores like Amazon, or their StudySync library. Students have access to several novels in digital form in their StudySync Library. I've also added digital versions of about a dozen classics in the Reading TAB of their Google Classroom. Check out my Virtual Library! Parents can be tremendously helpful to their students by helping them choose a book and helping them develop a strategy to consistently read for at least 20 minutes a day. Student have a an AR goal of 15 points each quarter.
Students will gain experience writing in a variety of styles and formats this year. My goal is to prepare students to be able to write effectively in order to successfully tackle any writing assignment thrown at them in high school. This year students will have experiences writing narratives, explanatory/informational essays, and persuasive/argumentative writing. Through post-writing reflection on what they did well and where they need to improve, students will be supported in managing their own development as a writer.
Parents can be extremely helpful to their students during quarantine by making sure students are keeping to a regular schedule: getting enough sleep, getting exercise, attending all classes. What students get out of school is exactly what they put into school. This has never been more true than this year.
Class Expectations
1. Participate as much as possible. Be ready to respond to questions and be ready to ask your own questions.
2. Complete all work and assignments on time.
3. Ask for help when you need it. Ask me in class, email me, or message me.
4. Keep up. Don't fall behind. It is always better to keep up than catch up.
All assignments are posted ahead of time and students should record all assignments in the agenda each Monday. Every student is capable of earning an A. Grades are generally updated on a weekly basis and are visible through Parent Portal. If you do not know how to log on to Parent Portal or get the Aeries Mobile Portal app for your phone, please contact the office immediately.
Parents, please understand that I am an “old school” English teacher. I teach bell to bell, expect students to come well-rested, prepared to learn, and knowing how to behave in class. If you have any questions about my class, please call me at the school. You can also contact me by e-mail at [email protected]
Sincerely, mr.jgeorge.weebly.com
Joseph George