ENRICHED LANGUAGE ARTS: MS. JACKSON'S CLASS

This class uses two main textbooks:

Elements of Language (First Course)

Elements of Literature (First Course)

We have a classroom set, so these books cannot be taken out of the class.

In addition, we will be reading class novels—again from a class set. All of the reading will be done (both silently and orally) in class. These novels will be selected from the following list:

Absolutely Normal Chaos, by Sharon Creech

Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis

Crash, by Jerry Spinelli

Flipped, by Wendelin Van Draanen

A Long Way from Chicago, by Richard Peck

Old Yeller, by Fred Gipson

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963, by Christopher Paul Curtis

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, by Kimberly Willis Holt

A few extra copies of the book we're reading in class will be available for students to check out as necessary to make up anything they've missed during absences.

Students will be selecting other novels each quarter to read for book share assignments. Details and tentative due dates will be discussed in class. Since the students will receive some time in class to work on that reading, those books should be brought with them to class every day.

Students are also responsible to bring their binders, class assignments, and appropriate materials (pen or pencil, paper, etc.) to class daily.

CLASS PROCEDURES:

  • Assignments are listed on the board each day.
  • Almost all required reading is done in class.
  • Whenever possible, time in class is provided to start assignments.
  • Most reading tests and quizzes are OPEN BOOK!
  • For most assignments, students can submit work late for partial credit.
  • Students are assigned DBW (Daily Board Work) to complete as homework each day. Friday’s DBW will be completed in class. The DBW will be due and checked for credit on Friday (or the last day of the school week). Except for reasons of excused absence, no DBW will be accepted late.
  • Students will also earn participation points for each day in class. These points are designed to help measure and reward individual student effort. If students are absent, they must “make up” those participation points by reading fifteen minutes (for each day absent) and completing the form.
  • Students can receive extra credit point any time they are the first to bring in a “document” or a copied quote correctly illustrating the use of one of the literary devices we cover in class. Extra credit can also be earned with additional short book reviews (format to be discussed in class).
  • If additional extra credit is offered, it is only offered to the entire class—not to individual students.

CLASS RULES:

Students are expected to follow all the rules in the student handbook. Failure to follow those rules will result in (a) a warning, (b) loss of daily participation points, (c) lunch or after-school detention, and/or (d) referral to the office.

We may take occasional breaks between the double periods—depending on class attitude and behavior. If we do, students are to remain in the 7th grade hall (at their lockers, the restroom, or the water fountain).

SUPPLY LIST

Materials you will need for this class:

  • a 3-ring binder (at least 2” thick)
  • loose-leaf paper for the 3-ring binder (preferably wide-ruled)
  • dividers for the sections of your notebook—to be labeled as follows:

◦REFERENCE

◦DBW/DOL

◦BOOK REPORTS & PROJECTS

◦STUDY SKILLS

◦VOCABULARY

◦READING

◦GRAMMAR/MECHANICS

◦POETRY

◦MISC.

  • pens, pencils, highlighter, erasers
  • one box of Kleenex

COMMUNICATION

Follow these steps to access Ms. Jackson’s web page for weekly plans, assignments, and announcements:

  • go to
  • under “Schools” in the menu near the top of the page, select “Madison Middle School”
  • in the left-hand column, select “Staff Web Sites”
  • select Ms. Jackson’s web site and your class

ALSO, check Infinite Campus weekly for your current grade and missing assignments!

Students: Please take the time to share and discuss this paper with your parents. If they have any questions, encourage them to call me at Madison Middle School (428-1196) or to e-mail me through the Infinite Campus website ()..

Thanks!

Ms. Jackson