English 7 Course Syllabus and Guidelines

Welcome to the 7th grade! It is an exciting year for you as you get acquainted with and transition to a new school. The seventh grade English curriculum consists of exploring a multitude of texts for analysis and understanding and developing writing through the study of author’s craft and purpose. Vocabulary and grammar are also key components that will be important in developing your literacy and writing skills. It is imperative to establish good work habits and to be organized to make this year a successful one!

The following is a breakdown of the curriculum content:

Literature:

· Independent reading

· A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

· “A Christmas Carol” Adaptation by Israel Horovitz

· Witness by Karen Hesse

· Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

· The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

*There will also be a variety of short stories, poems, and articles that will be read this year!

Writing Genres:

· TIED paragraphs

· Personal narratives

· Argument essays

· Informative presentations

· Creative writing

· Poetry

· Reader responses (daily)

· Free writes (daily)

*You will be held accountable for seventh grade writing standards. Proper capitalization, punctuation, and spelling are expected on every assignment.

Vocabulary:

· Vocabulary in context

· Biweekly vocabulary units

Grammar:

· Parts of speech

· Verb phrases

· Subject/object pronouns

· Phrases and clauses

· Subjects and predicates

· Sentence structures

Grading Policy:

· Tests = 40%

o Formal: essays, multiple-choice exams, finished writing pieces, projects, presentations, etc.

· Quizzes = 30%

o Informal: may or may not be announced; weekly

· Class Work = 15%

o Informal: class preparedness, work habits, participation, completion of daily class assignments, work ethic; daily

· Homework = 15 %

o Informal: timely completion, quality of work, legible writing, best effort put forth, etc.

Materials:

· Three subject notebook and/or binder

· A marble notebook

· Post-it notes

· Highlighters

· Colored markers

· Pens/pencils

Extra Help Policy: Times and day will be posted on the board in class and may be subject to change.

Grading Policy:

• Tests = 40% o Formal: essays, multiple-choice exams, finished writing pieces, projects, presentations, etc. • Quizzes = 30% o Informal: may or may not be announced; weekly • Class Work = 15% o Informal: class preparedness, work habits, participation, completion of daily class assignments, work ethic; daily • Homework = 15 % o Informal: timely completion, quality of work, legible writing, best effort put forth, etc.

Homework Policy

: Homework is given daily, Monday -Thursday.