Be present. Be safe. Be kind.
Teacher for 21 years
Grades 6-12
Best way to reach me:
sburkeliggett@psdschools.org
English Language Arts
Mrs.
M.Ed., Professional Leadership Regis University B.A., Technical Journalism Colorado State University Cert., Culinary Arts/Baking + Pastry The Art Institute of Phoenix |
* I believe that all students can become lovers of reading, writing, and even poetry! * My classroom space promotes creativity and growth within a calm, peaceful, safe environment. * I feel that middle school students need support with organization, time management, resilience, and communication, in addition to all things language arts. |
1. Narrative/Memoir Unit
Final product: A narrative poem that engages students with their own memories, stories, and lives and builds a community of writers.
2. Informational Text Unit
Final product: Writing that demonstrates close observation of reading and explains thinking through the added elements of maps, graphs, and diagrams.
3. Argument/Research Unit
Final product: A research- based position paper that includes principled arguments, cited evidence, and addresses multiple perspectives. *Novel study: Night by Elie Wiesel
4. Literary Analysis Unit
Final product: Writing that explores how theme and craft are related, incorporates text evidence, and elaborates on students’ thinking about complex texts. *Potential drama study: The Crucible by Arthur Miller
— Units of Study Curriculum —
— Ongoing learning (embedded throughout all units) —
1. Realistic Fiction/Narrative Unit
Final product: Short fiction that engages the reader, utilizes plot structure, and highlights symbolism, theme, and characterization. *Novel study: The Outsiders
2. Informational Text Unit
Final product: Writing that demonstrates close observation of reading and explains thinking through the added elements of maps, graphs, and diagrams.
3. The Art of Argument Unit
Final product: An essay that builds a convincing argument, balancing evidence and text analysis to persuade readers to shift their beliefs or take action.
4. Literary Analysis Unit
Final product: Writing that explores how theme and craft are related, incorporates text evidence, and elaborates on students’ thinking about complex texts. *Drama study: Twelfth Night
— Units of Study Curriculum —
— Ongoing learning (embedded throughout all units) —
COMMUNICATION
✹ EMAIL is the best place to contact Mrs. B-L
✹ GOOGLE CLASSROOM is where assignments can be accessed for HW/absences/info
GRADING POLICIES
PSD STANDARDS-BASED GRADING & FEEDBACK
Our goal: to give accurate feedback about how a student is performing in relation to the grade level standards and work habits.
4/Exceeds: Student has gone above and beyond the skills of the standard.
3/Meets: Student has met the standard but has not exceeded the standard.
2/Approaching: Student is close to meeting the standard but is missing some skills and concepts.
1/Below Expectations: Student has not met expectations or has not shown evidence on the standard.
✹ Late work is accepted and redos/retakes are an option - within the boundaries of a unit.
HOMEWORK?
✹ We strive to minimize homework for students, so homework (outside of independent reading) will not be frequent.
✹ However, students may have work to complete at home if an assignment is not completed in class.
GOALS FOR YOUR CHILD:
✹ Be engaged and invested in learning....be a lifelong learner!
✹ Grow effective oral and written communication skills, as well as student skills for years to come.
✹ Extend understanding beyond our classroom walls.
✹ Be a positive contributor to our community and the larger community around us.
HERE’S TO A GREAT YEAR!
This presentation can be found on the Preston website,
on the staff directory page.