Rules & Expectations
"Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices."
- Alfred A. Montapert
I created this website in part because I want you to know exactly what I expect from you. In order to maximize the greatest potential for learning in our classroom, we must work together and in accordance with my rules and expectations so that all students are given the opportunity to learn. I have not created these rules because I am mean; rather, I have created them so that we can all make the most of our learning. You are all young adults. I will respect you from the moment I meet you, and I expect you to respect me in return. Please read the following rules and expectations so that you have an idea of how I expect you to act during class time.
Rules
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Expectations
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English Rules
- Purchase a dictionary. It takes a few seconds longer to find a word in the dictionary than it does to look up a word online, but a dictionary is a life-long companion that you should use throughout your life.
- During your readings, circle any words you are not familiar with and keep a journal of these words. You will use these lists to look up and write down new definitions.
- If you are unsure of spelling or of a definition, use a dictionary.
- Use proper grammar. I have included plenty of writing guides under the 'Resources' tab.
- It is required that you annotate books. Yes, you have my permission to write inside any books you own (notes, ideas, definitions, reactions, etc.).
- Read as much as you can. This is not for me but for you. A person who spends much of his or her time reading will have a wide vocabulary and the ability to understand more and more things in life. You must read all assigned readings, but I would advise you to spend at least a half hour each day reading something of your choosing for pleasure.
- Write as much as you can. Again, this is more for your benefit than it is for mine. Not only will you understand the things that you read, but you will be more skilled at writing things such as arguments, stories, reviews, speeches, etc. A good writer will have a fuller understanding of life. He or she will also be a better communicator than those who do not write. Writers are needed in all professions, especially those pertaining to more creative or academic areas.
I understand that no one is perfect. We are human beings and we make mistakes. In fact, making mistakes is sometimes a good thing because one of the best ways to learn is from our mistakes. During our class time, all I ask that you try to do your best. Try to follow the rules, try to respect others, and try to make the most of your time in our class. By giving 100% in your efforts and studies, you are only helping yourself.
"Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader - not the fact that is it raining, but the feeling of being rained upon."
- E. L. Doctorow
- E. L. Doctorow
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Canter, L. (1988). Assertive Discipline and the Search for the Perfect Classroom. Young Children, 43(2). Print. Canter, L. (1994). The High Performing Teacher. New York: Canter & Associates. Print.
Kohn, A. (2005). Unconditional Teaching. Educational Leadership. Retrieved April 13, 2012, from http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/uncondtchg.htm