Study Skills I
LaFayette High School Monday-Friday Fourth Block
Mrs. Sarah Booth -- Room 602

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This class reinforces a variety of linguistic and mathematical topics. Major emphases are given to building English vocabulary, honing English grammar skills, analyzing reading samples, and writing for different purposes. This course also highlights technical American Sign Language vocabulary.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this class is to teach:

• Definitions, spellings, synonyms, antonyms, usage, and etymology of selected English vocabulary.
• How to write relevant English paragraphs with proper structure.
• How to analyze a reading selection for author’s intent and tone.
• English parts of speech.
• Mathematical formulas and problem solving, similar to what appears on the SAT.
• American Sign Language vocabulary used in specialized settings.

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Define over 175 English vocabulary words with correct usage.
• Correctly spell over 175 English vocabulary words.
• Identify synonyms and/or antonyms for over 100 English vocabulary words.
• Identify Greek/Latin etymological roots and use these roots to decode over 30 English vocabulary words.
• Write an English topic paragraph with proper structure and relevant, supporting details.
• Identify an author’s tone and purpose in more than 12 writing selections.
• Give examples of 8 parts of speech.
• Correctly label and/or diagram 8 parts of speech within sentences or phrases.
• Correctly solve at least 50 math problems similar to those on the SAT.
• Correctly express and/or receive at least 125 technical ASL signs.

TEXTBOOKS

Required: Mather, Susan M. and Carroll, Cathryn. Movers and Shakers: Deaf People Who Changed the World. DawnSignPress: San Diego, 1997.

Required: Mather, Susan M. and Carroll, Cathryn. Movers and Shakers: Deaf People Who Changed the World: Student Bilingual Workbook. DawnSignPress: San Diego, 1997.

Recommended: Stewart, David A. American Sign Language: The Easy Way. Barron’s: Hauppauge, NY, 1998.

Recommended: Orgel, Joseph R. Building an Enriched Vocabulary. Sadlier-Oxford: New York, 1995.

(All other material will be in the form of handouts, classroom reference books, CD’s, videos, or online information.)

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to follow the school absence policy recorded in the school handbook. Late work must be made up according to the guidelines in the school handbook.

GRADING SYSTEM

Tests/major assignments – 50% Quizzes/minor assignments – 25%

Homework/participation – 25% Please see school-wide policy for end-of-course and semester exams.

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

sarahbooth@walkerschools.org
(423) 384-0033 (before 9:00 p.m.)