State Language Standards
Grades in our class are weighted by category. Students will earn grades for assignments that assess their progress in four areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language skills.  Our class language skills come from the Michigan Common Core State Standards. This semester, we will be developing the following language skills:
  • Demonstrates command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • Applies knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
  • Utilizes appropriate strategies for understanding new vocabulary in context.
  • Demonstrates understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

Developing Grammar Skills
In addition to our weekly grammar skill study, we will be using the online website NoRedInk to help us grow our skills in effectively using English grammar and conventions. Students will complete both benchmark and unit assessments throughout our semester. However, understanding grammar and the mechanics of our language is not about memorizing a set of rules. Instead, it is more important that students can incorporate what they have learned into their own writing.  We  will employing what we have learned about grammar and writing through our weekly writing activities as well. 

Word of the Day
​Extra Credit
Every day there will be a new word of the day posted on our board.  Use the word of the day in a sentence, find it in song lyrics, find it in a book, and you'll earn a point of extra credit. Write down the sentence where you found or used the word of the day and bring it for the next class period to earn a point of extra credit.