Spelling & Grammar (2-3)

HERO Class Syllabus for 2008-2009

 

Course Text:  2ND Grade ABeka spelling and language books.  The teacher manuals are recommended but not required (parents are required to grade the weekly lessons).

Course Instructor: Kathleen Chara. Ph.D. 

Email:    paulkathleen@msn.com

Class Blog: http://kchara.wordpress.com

Course Description: This is a yearlong course that will cover grammar and spelling in addition to practicing some writing.  The class time will be roughly divided into the following segments: (a) Spelling test- 15 min.  (b). In-class spelling and vocabulary instruction-15 Min., and (c) Grammar instruction and practice (class will cover topics for 4 lessons to be done at home): 30 minutes.  The student will be given weekly homework, which the parent will correct.  Time spent on homework will be around 30-40 minutes a day and will break down into the following:  Spelling 15-20 minutes; Grammar 15-20 minutes.  Spelling tests and in-class exams will be grades by the instructor.

 

Supplies needed for this course:  A folder will be needed to keep final copies of writing assignments and tests.  Also, students will need to have pencils, erasers, and loose-leaf paper every week. Students will need to bring the Abeka books to class.

 

Grading Information:  Assessment will be through the following three methods:  (a) Spelling weekly tests (approximately 15); (b) Language tests (approximately 4), and (c) written and oral reports. Students can also earn bonus points and prizes by reading books at home and writing book reports. Students will be graded on a straight percentage scale, but no letter grade will be given.

 

Guidelines for Success:  Attendance and class participation is VERY important.  We will have a spelling test every week.  Also, we will be going over the weekly grammar topics ( 4 lessons a week that the students will be covering in their homework during the week).  Any missed tests will have to be made up on Monday in the afternoon when I am not in class or special arrangements can be made. IF YOUR CHILD HAS LEARNING DIFFERENCES — CONTACT ME ASAP.

Class Assignment Schedule:

The actual dates for assignments will be given in class AND posted on my blog (http://kachara.wordpress.com) by midnight on Monday.  The student can expect the following:

 

  1. Starting the second week of the semester a weekly spelling test will be given in-class (lists on in their spelling books). There are also vocabulary words on some of the weekly spelling lists that are for understand the meaning only – no spelling of vocabulary words are required. Remember to assist students in practicing their weekly spelling lists.
  2. Students are to complete weekly assignments in both the spelling book (lesson for the spelling lists) and language book (4 lessons each week) at home. These are to be completed and corrected at home by the next class.  An in-class language test will be given about every 2-3 weeks.
  3. For both the 1st and 2nd semester a written book report with an oral report will be assigned.
  4. A Spelling Bee will be held on the last day of class on each semester. Family members are welcome to come!! Students will earn ribbon for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!
  5. We will have a Student of the Month each month and students can earn prizes for reading books at home (optional) and completing extra book reports (bonus points will be given!!).