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The good teacher makes the poor student good and the good student superior. When our students fail, we as teachers have failed. -Marva Collins 7th Grade Language Arts 1st Nine Weeks Course Syllabus Instructors: Mrs. Hicks and Ms. Neeley (thicks@bessk12.org and sneeley@bessk12.org) Welcome to 7th grade language arts. We would like to welcome you and your child to this educational and stimulating learning environment. We are indeed elated to partner with you in the continuing education of your son/daughter. The 7th grade language arts team has high expectations that this will be an incredibly successful year for all students. Our mission is to Educate, Inspire and Captivate students through Language Arts. What is Language 7 and why is it important? The 7th grade Language Arts program is designed to foster and inspire life-long learners through writing and reading. Language Arts curriculum builds on communication skills necessary to function as an effective listener, reader and writer in our world. Students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills while expanding their use of language. The language classes highlight and explore various areas of grammar, writing, literature and vocabulary. During the course students will utilize listening and speaking skills emphasized beyond the textbook. The course is also structured to enhance students researching and study skills with the goal of each student becoming a better writer. Why reading novels is important to Language 7? Reading and Writing are indeed connected together. You need one to complete or master the other. Therefore, students will be required to read various novels throughout the school year. Assessments, writings and projects will come from these novels. A list of novels that will be read and discussed A great teacher is like a light bulb, they light the way for students. - Anonymous throughout the school year will be provided to students by each language teacher. It is imperative that students purchase or check-out the novels. A percentage of students' grades will come from the readings of the novels. Students will also be given a schedule of dates for reading each novel. Course Requirements: Each student is required to: •v Keep a Portfolio (folder) in classroom which will include samples of student's work. •v Keep a binder which will include sections for: notes, vocabulary, DOL'S, writing, class work/homework. •v Bring all required materials to class each day (textbook, 3-ringer binder, loose leaf paper, dividers, writing utensils, small dictionary, small pencil sharpener, colored pencils or markers and flash drive) •v Make sure make-up work due to absence is completed. •v Read assigned novels. •v Complete and submit all assignments by due date. •v Participate in class discussions. •v Log onto the school website occasionally to view assignments, announcement etc. posted by teacher. What will be covered? (Tentative list of skills that will be covered for the first nine weeks) Week 1: Orientation to the class, Diagnostic Grammar Test and Writing Sample Week 2: Common, Proper, Singular and Plural Nouns Week 3: Collective, Possessive, Concrete, and Abstract Nouns Week 4: Personal and Possessive Pronouns Week 5: Demonstrative and Relative Pronouns Week 6: Reflexive, Intensive and Indefinite Pronouns Week 7: Action Verbs, Direct Objects, Simple Predicates Week 8: Actions Verbs, Indirect Objects, Predicate Nouns and adjectives and Simple Predicates Week 9: Irregular Verbs How will grades be determined? Students' grades will be based on the total points system, with more point s given to major tests, activities, writing assignments and projects. Grades will be derived from: Class-work/Homework (100 points total per quarter), Projects (100 points total per quarter, one project per quarter), Quizzes (100 points per quarter, 4 quizzes per quarter), Writing assignments (100 points per quarter) and Tests (400 points, 4 tests planned per quarter).
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