Mrs. Klaerner’s 7th grade Reading Syllabus 2017-2018

E-mail: m 4

Phone: 830-995-6420 Ext 342

Tutorials: 7:35am - 8:00am and 3:30-4:00pm Conference: 2:41-3:30 pm

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I am so excited to have your child in my class this year! My mission is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment in which all my students are empowered to become responsible citizens, creative problem solvers, and life-long learners. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have a question.

GOALS: The ultimate goal is to help all of my students learn to love reading. Students will receive a solid foundation in critical thinking and reading. Students will work with all types of literature to help them recognize individual authors’ styles and to make logical conclusions about written text. Students will be introduced to an appreciation of the beauty of language. The students will be exposed to vocabulary, discussion and essay questions, and they will also learn to use in-text citations to support their answers when writing about what they’ve read.

"The more that you read,

the more things you will know.

The more that you learn,

the more places you'll go." ~ Dr Seuss

1st Semester

1st Six Weeks

  • Unit 1: Literary Nonfiction and Poetry

2nd Six Weeks

  • Unit 2: Fiction and Drama

3rd Six Weeks

  • Unit 3: Informational Text

2nd Semester

4th Six Weeks

  • Unit 4A: Persuasive Text
  • Unit 4B: Connections across Literary Texts

5th Six Weeks

  • Unit 5A: Connections across Informational
  • Unit 5B: Connections across Genres

6th Six Weeks

  • Unit 6: Generating Research

"The more that you read,

the more things you will know.

The more that you learn,

the more places you'll go." ~ Dr Seuss

Resources used will include Prentice Hall Literature, classroom books, handouts, novels, and computer resources/ Schoology.

NOVELS:

Among the Hidden

Where the Red Fern Grows

The Outsiders

VIDEOS:

To enhance our curriculum, we may view, discuss, and compare novels and videos.

GRADING FORMULA:

  • Daily Work/Literature Response Journals/Participation: 60%
  • Quizzes, Unit Tests, Projects: 40%

HOMEWORK:

Homework is an extension and application of lessons begun in class. The amount of homework will vary according to individual reading rates, the nature of the unit being studied, and the type of assignment. Students that plan for long-term assignments and use class time wisely, rarely average more than 20 minutes of work outside of class per day. Should any concerns arise about homework, please contact me.

Assignments and general daily agendas will be able to be accessed through Schoology.

MAKE-UP WORK:

Upon returning from an absence, students should check with each teacher for missed work. Students have three days to turn in make-up work for excused absences. Assignments made before an absence are due upon return to school. (See student handbook for more coverage) Some of the new technology will also allow assignments to be downloaded on Schoology.

LATE WORK:

Completed assignments are accepted up to three days late with a maximum grade of 70%. After three days the grade remains a zero. For projects and special assignment, late work guidelines will be explained in the rubric or instructions.

SUPPLIES:

All 7th graders need a binder (preferably 3-ring) and small notebook. Students need to bring a blue or black pen, pencils, highlighter, a grading pen or pencil, and notebook paper with them to every class.

BEHAVIOR:

Respectful and productive behavior is expected. Rude, sarcastic, obscene, or disrespectful speech and disruptive behavior have a negative impact on everyone’s learning. During lecture/instruction portions of the class, student will be expected to pay attention and take notes if applicable.

The Comfort ISD discipline management plan is outlined in the Student Handbook.

***Students are NOT allowed to use cell phones while in class. Phone ringers must be turned off and phones kept out of site***

I am looking forward to an exciting and fun school year!

Sincerely,

Amanda Klaerner

7th grade Reading

"The more that you read,

the more things you will know.

The more that you learn,

the more places you'll go." ~ Dr Seuss