Language ArtsFall 2017
Mr. O’Leary/Mr. CunninghamRoom 110
Introduction
Seventh grade Language Arts is a class that will work to improve your reading, writing, and thinking skills, by having you read, write, and think! We will read a variety of materials, ranging from newspaper editorials to novels, from short stories to poems, and everything in between. You will write argument essays, short stories, narrative essays, poems, journal entries, and a few surprises (like how to spot “fake news.”
While all of these activities are designed to improve your skill level in the areas of reading, writing, spelling, and grammar, they are also designed to improve your creativity and your willingness and ability to think “outside the box.” Thinking outside the box means that you are willing to think about ideas, questions, and answers in different and unique ways! Never be afraid to take a risk—the rewards for successful risk-taking outweigh playing it safe.
Classroom Expectations
You are expected to come to class everyday with the following materials:
(Information about what is needed each day will be posted in class. It is YOUR responsibility to know this for each day.)
- Notebook (preferably 3 subject, but whatever works for you—I’ll ask you to divide it into 3 or 4 sections)
- Homework when applicable
- Any text required (could be a text, a novel, etc.)
- Silent Reading Book(not a magazine, not a newspaper-a BOOK)
- Something with which to write (a pen or a pencil—not crayons, colored pencils, etc.)
- In addition:
Highlighters, sticky notes, and a flash drive (though the use of Google Drive may minimize this)
You are expected to follow this basic rule of human behavior
- Respect everyone!!!!—I will explain what this means in class!!
Grading
The grading in my class works on a point system. Each assignment is weighted by the number of points it is worth. These are the typical values assigned to work given:
- Homework- 10 points, occasionally 20 for more time consuming work. Homework is typically given 2-3 times a week. Do your homework IN YOUR NOTEBOOK. In this way it will not get lost.
- Tests- 100 points (as needed)
- Quizzes- 15-50 points (as needed)
- Projects- 100 points and up
- Writing assignments- Grades will vary depending on length and purpose of the writing
Of course, the grading system is a basic outline. The reality is that sometimes these numbers may change depending upon the situation at any given time. You will ALWAYS know what an assignment is worth before the fact and for longer assignments a rubric will be given outlining requirements, due dates, and evaluation.
Access to Information
Virtually every handout, virtually every assignment, as well as tons of links and other information may be found on my website
My website is still a constant work in progress. Please check frequently for updates.
If you ever have questions about assignments, I am easily reached via e-mail. Do not hesitate to contact me . Of course your parents are also encouraged to reach out with any questions that they might have.
I will send out updates on a regular basis about what’s new and (hopefully) interesting about what we are doing, so don’t be surprised if your parents know before you do.