English Roots Fall 2006 Bonus Assignments

 

How are bonus points used?  They are used to bring any test score up to 100% and

they are used in place of the final exam, with student and parent permission.  Bonus points cannot be used for missing work or to replace classroom presentations.

 

Week of

Bonus Assignment Due

JI&!¢¾

Points

 

Any

Bonus Paragraphs and Prizes

May appear at any time until 12/18.

Do not ask for these for extra credit!

Answer a bonus question on a test, write a 5-sentence paragraph on a given topic, or win a contest.

1-5

9/11

Bonus Preamble

May be recited for half credit until 12/11.

Memorize and recite the Preamble to the Constitution (in English).  No hints allowed.

20

10/9

Bonus Illustration

May be submitted for full credit until 12/11.

Create 10 illustrations for words approved by Magistra Nisan.

20

11/6

Bonus Pledge

May be recited for full credit until 1/15.

See www.roots.wikispaces.com for the words.

Memorize the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag (in Latin).  Two hints allowed.

20

12/4

Bonus Poster

e.g.   ' IGNIS = Fire

May be submitted for full credit until 12/11.

Ten word poster with short word meanings and illustrations.  Magazine or computer graphic illustrations may be used for half credit.  Only one poster allowed.

 

20

12/4

Bonus bank balances will be available for planning purposes.

 

Please note that any points earned prior to the Midterm Exam and Test #3 may be applied to these tests to earn a score of 100% and will not be available for the final exam.

 

12/11

Last day to submit parent permission to ¡°bonus out of the final exam.¡± 

 

You must have 80+ bonus points and 80+% overall with no missing assignments or incomplete root word cards and you must have parent permission in writing a week prior to the final exam.  This form is available on www.roots.wikispaces.com for your parent to print out, sign and send.

 

12/18

& Final Exam

Definitions and spelling for words 1-50, grammar, speech/drama topics

100

1/15

Bonus Derivatives

May be submitted for full credit at any time between 10/30 and 1/15. 

List 50 NEW derivatives, their definitions and roots words.  All work must be neat and legible.  Partial lists will not be accepted.

50

 

 

October 20, 2006

 

Dear Parent,

 

Your student has an important decision to make about an academic challenge in English Roots class.  With your permission and a notable amount of effort and learning, your student may accumulate enough bonus points to substitute for the final exam in December.

 

This is an optional challenge.  Help your student keep the work load in perspective.  A student who concentrates on regular class requirements and does well on the tests can earn an A in the course without undertaking any bonus assignments.  You can help by going over your student¡¯s lists or cards with them and helping with any words that he or she does not know automatically. 

 

For example, if you say, ¡°Tell me the Greek root for light,¡± your student should be able to immediately say, spell and write PHOTOS. 

 

Fifteen minutes a day is enough to review the eight parts of speech and fifty root words, their spellings and their definitions.  (Note: Students in their second or third year must also review roots 1-50 from all previous years.)   For homework help, visit www.roots.wikispaces.com

 

If, however, your student needs an alternate method of study, he or she may earn significant bonus points with optional assignments appropriate to different learning styles.  Many students have already earned 20 bonus points by reciting the Preamble to the United States Constitution, one of the most important documents of all time and an impressive use of English words based on Latin roots.  Others have submitted reports about Latin in history or illustrated root words. 

 

These bonus points have already been applied to the first two tests to bring the scores up to 100%, if possible.  Bonus bank balances were computed on 10/20/06 and given to students.  Updated balances will be available the first week of December.  Students must not ask for balances prior to this date.  Please note that bonus points apply only to tests and cannot be used for missing or late work or to replace quizzes, writing assignments or classroom presentations.  

 

Thank you for supporting our expanding vocabularies in speech, writing, and comprehension.

 

Sincerely,

 

Susan Nisan

 

 

 

My student ________________________________________________ has parent permission to substitute for the English Roots final exam with 80+ bonus points and 80+% overall with no missing assignments or incomplete root word cards.  This form is being submitted at least a week prior to the final exam and is subject to teacher confirmation of eligibility.

 

Signed _________________________________ Phone _________________ Date _________