7th Grade ELA Syllabus
Mr.Bryant, Mrs. Hensley, Mrs.Morris, Mrs.Overboe, and Ms.Erwin
Course Description:
Seventh grade students will study reading and language arts curriculum, grammar, usage, and mechanics. The class encompasses the study of the art of writing and communicating effectively. We will be studying the writing process and how it is beneficial inside and outside of the classroom, the different parts of speech, the variety of writing styles, and reading a myriad of literature pieces that are important in day to day life.
ELA Grading Policy
Formal Assessments
(Tests, Projects, Essays, Presentations, Sourcebook Checks) = 45 % of grade
Informal Assessments (Quizzes, Class work, Homework, Participation) = 45 % of grade
9 weeks test = 10 % of grade
Writer's Workshop will be incorporated throughout every 9 weeks. This writing will be kept in a journal that will be kept in the classroom, but may be taken home if necessary. The purpose of the journal is to allow the students to reflect on open ended journal prompts and the writing of essays. They will need another notebook to keep other assignments in and also folders.Textbooks are not issued but are used sometimes and may be checked out if the student needs one. Class work/homework may be assessed for promptness, effort and/or accuracy at the teacher’s discretion. Quizzes and tests are administered throughout the 9 weeks. A periodic assessment is administered at the end of each 9 weeks.
When a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to find out what was missed. Students may also ask for make-up work from a neighbor. If an assignment was given from the teacher, the student must ask for the work before or after class, not during instruction time. Makeup work must be completed and turned in. Not doing any of the work that is assigned, is just not an option.
Having the right work ethic and attitude helps students achieve in and out of the classroom. In class, you take responsibility for your actions as well as your work. Make sure you make good choices, as they show your character.
Late work not caused by an absence may be turned in for a reduced grade. It is the student’s responsibility to show the work to the teacher to have the zero changed. In short, come to class prepared, on time, and ready to learn with a healthy attitude.
You can reach us during our planning time from 8:40 AM-10:00 AM by phone or email. Our email addresses are phensley@ gcbe.org., , , , and ,Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We are anticipating a wonderful year, and thank you for allowing us to work with your students. Please note: the syllabus is subject to change. Red Bud Middle phone # 706-879-5261.
Order of instruction for the year 2016-2017
1st 9 Weeks: Our extended text will be The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton). We will focus on narrative writing throughout the unit. Short stories will also be incorporated from time to time each of the 9 weeks.
2nd 9 Weeks: The novel for this 9 weeks will be Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. We will focus on informational writing about the novel we are reading.
3rd 9 Weeks: Our extended text will be various informational articles. We will go into argumentative research based essay writing.
4th 9 Weeks: For the last 9 weeks we will read The Devil's Arithmetic or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
***On demand writing prompts will be given for each of the 1-3 nine weeks.
*** SRI testing for lexile levels throughout year.
*** Media center for book checkout.
*** Scholastic Reading magazines will be used and leveled texts for lexile levels will be read.
Parents and students: Please sign below that you have read the syllabus and are aware of the grading plan, make-up policy, and planned course of study for 7th grade Language Arts.
Parent Signature______Date______
Student Signature______Date______
Permission Slip: Please express if your student may watch the following during the school year: The Outsiders, Unbroken, The Devil’s Arithmetic, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
______Yes, my student has permission to watch the films.
______No, my student does not have permission to watch the films.
______I haven’t seen the films, but I trust the teacher’s discretion.
*****Supplies: 1- journal for writer's workshop, 1- notebook for other work in class, 2- folders with pockets or prongs, loose leaf paper, pencils, and colored pencils.