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// **__Assigned Readings__** //**:** **Students will be asked to respond to their assigned readings. They may be asked to find and respond to examples of the element of literature that is the current area of focus in class. If we are looking at character development (How the author gives you a sense of who a character is and what motivates him to do what he is doing), the students may be asked to provide examples from the text showing the author providing insights into the character or they may be asked to compare and contrast major or minor characters from two different stories. Written work will be assessed on both content and form. Thoughtful responses are an expectation. An rubric for content will be provided for each response. The Write From The Beginning program rubric will be used to evaluate form.**
 * Welcome to ****Reading SAGE ****with Mr. Shelton. I now use the Weebly page listed here. You should be able to click on the link. If not, the address is mshelton315.weebly.com ****[|mshelton315] ** The SAGE reading program is designed to be an enriching literacy experience. For our students the skill of reading comes easily. Keeping reading a meaningful, enriching experience while expanding our vocabulary and knowledge is the goal of the SAGE class. To meet this goal we will be exploring the structure and style of various forms of literature, learning to analyze and question what we read from both the reader's and the writer's perspective. Classroom Expectations: ***Come to class each day prepared to join in the discussion, listening, watching, participating, and learning!**
 * Bring all necessary materials; pencils, completed assignments, assigned reading books and your current independent reading book.**
 * Apply the "Golden Rule". Treat others the way you want to be treated, being respectful toward other students, school staff, and classroom materials. CHARACTER COUNTS** __**Reading SAGE Grading Guidelines: **__ A majority of your child's grade each quarter will come from the following three categories.
 * // __Class Work:__ // The __Daybook of Critical Reading and Writing__ is our class language arts textbook. This series contains excerpts from good literature which we use to hone our reading and writing skill. Most work in the Daybook will be done in class. Occasionally the Daybook may need to come home due to the nature of the assignment or time issues. Entries in the Daybook must be __legible__, articulate and contain //complete thoughtful// responses. In addition to the Daybook we will be exploring analogies and word origins as way of strengthening our vocabulary.**
 * // __Theme/Genre Study:__ //**Each quarter students will be doing a number of activities related to the theme or genre we are studying. We do at least two projects during the year. The specific criteria for each project and a timeline for completion will be available on this site and come home before we begin the work.

// **Classroom Behavior does not effect the academic grade, however,** s //tudents are expected to actively participate in class daily, contribute to activities, come to class prepared, and be respectful of the teacher and classmate when conversing or listening. Positives and Negatives (behavior marks used by regular classroom teachers) are given based on my judgment. In most cases the student and I will be able to work through the behavior issue in class. If we are unable to solve the difficulty, I will contact you personally. ** Grading ** A = 90% to 100% B = 80% to 89% C = 70% to 79% No one should fall below a "C". We'll be talking long before that happens. I update my PowerSchool page fairly regularly. If you have any questions or concerns regarding grades or assignments please contact me.

__** Homework Guidelines: **__ **Regular homework will consist of daily reading. Students should always be reading a book, whether it's the assigned reading or a book of their choice and they should have another book "waiting in the wings" as they approach the end of the book they are reading. There is no grade for homework. Other work that needs to be completed at home will be given as work in the Daybook or on projects progresses during the quarter. This will be work that was not completed in class and as such will receive a grade as a part of one of the three categories listed above. //The work is expected on the due date.//** **ALL work receiving a grade may be "redone" for a better grade. Guidelines for "redos" will be posted on this site in the column of the right.**

__Parent/Teacher Communication__: Please feel free to contact me any time during the year if you ever have ANY questions, concerns, or comments. I can be reached at school and at home through e-mail **mike.shelton@dvusd.org** or by phone at **623-445-5564(School) or** **623-770-8348 (mobile)**

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