Welcome
Mrs. Pam LoPilato
Masters in Teaching, Special Education
pam.lopilato@riverdell.org
English
2015-2016
Course Description
This course provides students with instruction that emphasizes
a variety of reading selections and differentiated skill development.
Individual conferences facilitate students' improvement, achievement, and
development as readers and writers. Students will write for a variety of purposes,
Including persuasive writing, expository writing, and narrative. Instruction for this
course also emphasizes building students’ stamina as readers. Students will develop a
greater affinity for reading through their reading and analysis of four
texts, and their opportunities for self-selecting at least four other titles.
Students will also think critically and be able to express understandings
concerning fiction and non-fiction texts and visual media.
Grammar and vocabulary are also learned and practiced in meaningful
contexts. Internet sites will be utilized to individualize and remediate reading and
language arts instruction.
Resources

Several textbooks, workbooks, websites, novels, and other supplementary
materials will be utilized to facilitate learning. Assignments will be selected
from the following sources: American Literature, English Composition,
Spelling Connections, Writer’s Solution, Written Basic English, Reading and
Reasoning, Reading for Concepts, Empower3000.com, MobyMax.com,
IXL.com, vocabulary.com and select novels.

Note: Class novels will be chosen based on the student’s abilities and interests
and will closely mirror the themes of the mainstream curriculum. We read
the class novels together and they are supplemented by audio,
comprehension activities, writing assignments and class discussion.
Supplies
Students are required to possess a one-inch binder
with 5 sections including Writing, Vocabulary,
Literature, Language Arts, and Nonfiction Reading. A
homework folder can be used on a daily basis if the
student chooses to leave the binder in the
classroom. An assignment book is also required to
keep track of homework, projects, and tests.
Class Routine
Students enter the classroom with a writing prompt on the
screen waiting for them. Students are asked to write their
response continuously for 10 minutes in the writing section
of their binder. Volunteers are requested to share their
responses with the class. Homework is then checked
individually and each student is given a sticker to show
appropriate completion. We review the homework together
as a class and each student is required to participate. The
teaching assistant and I circulate during this process to
ensure all students are focused and are correcting their
work. After the homework review, we begin our lesson. Each
day of the week focuses on a different aspect of English.
The Weekly Routine:

Day 1- Vocabulary Lesson

Day 2- Language Arts

Day 3- Literature

Day 4- Vocabulary Quiz, Reading

Note: When the week does not meet 4 times, we
will omit the vocabulary lesson and focus on a
writing assignment.
Book Share Project
Students are required to read an independent book
at home. They will have the opportunity to share
their own book with the class at the end of each
marking period. Choices will be provided and
include a book jacket, traditional one typed page
summary and opinion, a board game, character
poster and description, a time line or a Power Point
presentation. Students will also be assigned journal
responses to complete weekly.
Class Rules
1. Be on time.
2. Be prepared.
3. Raise your hand.
4. Sign out when leaving class room.
5. Participate during class.
6. Follow instructions.
7. Show respect for others.
In addition, I expect all students to listen attentively,
complete all assignments to the best of their ability,
seek help when needed and demonstrate an eagerness
to learn.
Grading
Students will be graded based on class work, homework, quizzes,
essays and projects. Points will be given in the following
categories:
Homework :
10
Class work:
10
Quizzes:
20
Formal Essays:
50
Book Share Project:
50
Partial credit will be given for incomplete or late work. Students
are welcome to retake any quiz and encouraged to come for extra
help at lunch or after school in room 911. Students can complete
assessments more than once, as needed.
Parent Communication:
Please email me when you have a question or concern. I will
do my best to address your concern as soon as possible.
Refer to Genesis to monitor grades, read my School Wires
page to see what your child is leaning about, and check your
child’s assignment book for homework completion. Please
encourage your child to do his/her best. If they are
experiencing difficulty, they should let me know and I will
provide additional time and individual instruction.
Thank You!