Course Syllabus

 

7th grade Language and Literature
Mrs. Robertson Room 3103 614-237-4277 sara.robertson@bexleyschools.org	Mrs. Smith Room 3102 614-237-4277 Brooke.smith@bexleyschools.org

Class Description

 

This year in Language and Literature, students will be challenged to learn and grow in the areas of reading, writing, and speaking.  Using short stories, novels, and independent reading students will analyze how elements of literature work together to create a meaningful story and how author’s choices of specific language can affect the reader’s experiences. Students will also compare multiple texts (both informational and argumentative) on the same topic evaluating the validity and reliability of sources used by the authors and the overall effectiveness of the pieces.

In writing, students will be expected to follow the writing process of brainstorming, planning, drafting, revising and editing their writing to produce a finished, published piece that precisely conveys their ideas. Through individualized instruction and goal-setting, students will work on improving their skills in these written formats: narrative, expository, research, literary response/analysis, and argumentative writing. The students will also be expected to complete on-demand writing assignments.

 

 

 

Scope and Sequence

• The Middle School Language Arts team has been working on a revised Language and Literature curriculum map that aligns with Common Core and IB. This is the proposed schedule, although the instructional needs of children may require some changes throughout the year.
• Please refer to Canvas for more updated assignments and projects.

 

Novel Study/Literary Analysis Writing ·         Students will recognize how the author’s use of direct characterization and indirect characterization help readers understand the development of characters. In addition, students will learn close-reading strategies to identify character development, conflict, and theme within a novel and write effective responses with strong, evidence- based claims. Informational Unit/Expository Writing and Multimedia presentation ·         Students will discover that successful communication requires fundamental language and linguistic skills that are developed through intentional purpose and structure. After investigating and analyzing model texts, students will choose appropriate structures and forms of media to effectively organize and represent information.  Argumentative Unit/Debate Speech ·         Students will question author’s purpose in argumentative communication by looking for rhetorical techniques aimed at influencing the audience. Students will read and analyze the effectiveness of a variety of argumentative pieces and historical speeches. Students will use their knowledge to research, gather relevant and reliable sources, and prepare for a debate on a topic.   Short Story Synthesis/ Narrative Writing ·         Critical readers will understand that while short stories often share an established structure, the author’s creative power is expressed through manipulating essential elements like setting, character, and point of view which work together to convey a theme. Students will read and compare several short story texts noting important narrative elements to use while writing their own narratives. Historical Fiction Unit/ Research Writing ·         Students will use credible sources in order to evaluate the accuracy and realism of historical fiction novels, focusing on the portrayal of characters, plot events, and setting details. Students will research a wide range of aspects of the novel to give a detailed breakdown of the factual and fictional aspects the author mixed. Poetry Unit/ Writing meaningful poetry ·         In this unit, students will learn strategies to effectively read and analyze poetic devices used by authors including structural choices, figurative language, sound devices, and imagery.

 

   

  

 

Class Rules   Be respectful of others. Be prepared for class as soon as you take your seat (book, pencil, binder) etc. Avoid getting out of your seat during direct instruction. Wait for an appropriate time to reduce distractions. Do your own work. All school rules are in effect in this classroom.	Class Safety   No food or beverages in class. Water bottles are permitted as long as they are not a distraction. Be familiar with Fire Drill and Tornado Drill procedures (posted by light switch) Stay in your seat until the bell rings or you are released by your teacher
If you fail to follow these rules, discipline will be handled in the classroom as needed.  This ranges from warnings (verbal and non-verbal) to conferences with Mr. Caudill.

 

 

Be Prepared for Class

 

1. Always have your independent reading book, unless you have been specifically told otherwise by your teacher.
2. Always have a pen or pencil.  Please, avoid red and green ink pens.
3. Always have lined paper. 
4. Be in your seat when the bell rings for each period, to avoid tardiness.
5. Students may not leave the room for any reason without asking the teacher first. 
6. You will be assigned your seat.  You must use this seat unless instructed to move by your teacher.  Seating charts will be rearranged once per quarter.
7. Write your assignment in your assignment notebook.  Additionally, assignments will be listed on Canvas.

 

 

 

 

 

Grades and Homework

 

1. The previous day's homework is due at the beginning of class.  Homework that is not done at that time is considered late work.  Homework that is otherwise considered “late” may be turned in for 90% of the original achieved score for up to two weeks, or at the teacher’s discretion.
2. Final written pieces are worth significantly more points.  I believe that writing is a process; therefore, all students are eligible to revise final written pieces. In order to do so, they must meet with the teacher and revise the piece by the determined date set by the teacher.
3. Formative and summative assessments range in points.   A student who scores lower than a 70% on an assessment may be eligible to take an alternate and equivalent test, for a maximum score of 80%.  This does not always apply to all small quizzes or long-term projects.  Retakes must be arranged with the teacher and taken at an assigned day and time.  Furthermore, students must show evidence of study (either on their own or with the teacher) in order to be given the retake.
4. School and district rules regarding Academic Integrity apply in this classroom.  This means cheating, copying, and plagiarism is prohibited. Plagiarism is turning the work of another as if it were your own; this could be deliberate or unintentional. If plagiarism occurs, procedures will follow as scripted in the Student Handbook.       

 

Office Hours

 

Regular Office Hours:  This is a time designated for students to meet with the teacher for extra help or assistance with class concepts of difficulty. In most cases, students may show up on an as needed basis, but during high demand (projects, essays etc.), a scheduled time may be required.

• Study Hall (Monday- Friday) 7^th Period