Grade 7 Language Arts Program
Course Outline
D. Rawding – 2004/2005
English Language Arts encompasses the experience, study, and appreciation of language, literature, media, and communication. It involves language processes: speaking, listening, viewing, writing and other ways of representing.
The English Language Arts curriculum engages students in a range of experiences and interactions with a variety of texts designed to help them develop increasing control over language processes, use and respond to language effectively and purposefully, and understand why language and literacy are so central to their lives (Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum Guide 1998).
Current Curriculum Guide: Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum 1998
Resources: Novels, Short Stories, Poetry, Current texts found in the Nova Scotia Board Book List, Videos, Newspapers, and other current and acceptable resources and media which I have found, or that have been given or shared with me.
Teacher: Deanna Rawding
Course Outline:
Novel Studies: The Island Keeper by Harry Mazer
Essay Writing: Format will be taught and then used throughout the year.
Poetry: What is Poetry? Reading and writing poetry
Introduction to Public Speaking, Reading and Writing Workshops
Research Papers: An introduction
Grammar: Concentration on sentence structure, paragraph structure, and spelling.
Themes: Often in teaching the students, I choose a theme to focus on. After the theme is chosen, the students and I will cover that theme through many types of text and learning.
The main difference between the three levels of the Junior High Language Arts Program is that the themes change according to grade level, skills begun in one grade will be built upon and developed in the following grade and new skills will be taught according to grade level as outlined in the curriculum guide section, Essential Graduated Learning.
Course Evaluation:
Class Mark 10%
Homework 15%
Book Reports 15%
Assignments/Tests 15%
Major Assignments/Projects 25%
Exam 20%
Total 100%
Assessment:
I often use rubrics to evaluate my students’ work. "Rubrics" very clearly state the criteria for student work. They may lead to a grade or be part of the grading process. They provide specific and detailed criteria and expectations for the assignment and why the student received the mark he/she did. They can show strengths and weaknesses in student work and it clearly shows and provides the student with what I want him/her to include and accomplish on the particular assignment. I also use quizzes and tests and an end of term exam.
Lateness Policy (of assignments, projects, etc.):
1. Assignments must be handed in on the due date. If the student knows he/she will not be attending that day, please inform me or hand the assignment in a day early if at all possible.
2. We start all assignments in class and the students are given time to work on an assignment in class, however they may have to finish it at home.
3. Please, if you do not understand the assignment, do not leave it to the day it is due to ask me for help. I am always available for extra help.
4. One day late – the student loses 10% of his/her final mark on that assignment.
5. Two days late – the student loses 15% of his/her final mark on the assignment.
6. Three days or more the student lose 25% of his/her final mark. Students must hand in all assignments for course completion.
7. Extensions may be given upon my discretion.
Class Rules and Expectations:
Ø RESPECT: Yourself, classmates, and teacher.
Ø BE PREPARED: Come to class with binders, texts, and any supplies you will need for that day.
Ø HOMEWORK/ASSIGNMENTS: Must be completed to the best of your ability and on time.
Ø The BJSHS Discipline Code will be followed concerning any problems that occur in class.
How to contact me:
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year please contact me at one of the following numbers or e-mail address: 541-8260 (school)
543-5164 (home)
How I will communicate with you:
Phone calls, parent/teacher conference, scheduled meetings, e-mail, letters home, and through my web site when it is up and running!
If you have an e-mail address that I can contact you through please write the e-mail address below. Thanks!
E-mail Address: ______
****I am in the process of setting up my own web page for school, as soon as it is set-up I will forward the web site address to you through your son or daughter.
Once you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) have read this Grade 7 Language Arts Course Outline together, please sign below:
Student’s signature: ______
Parent’s/Guardian’s signature: ______