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    • Course Description & Syllabus 2023-24                                                                                                                                                            Seventh Grade English Language Arts                                                                                                                                                      Course Instructor: Mrs. Laura Wilson                                                                                                                                                       Room: 204  Phone: (517) 689-1364                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     E-mail: laura.wilson@hillsdaleschools.org

      Course Description: 

      Seventh grade English language arts is a combination of lesson plans in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. Both Reading and Writing Workshops will be utilized, in combination with the Rebecca Sitton program for spelling instruction.  The Prentice Hall Writing Coach text will be used as a resource for teaching writing and grammar.  English lesson plans are standards based, using the Common Core standards and district student objectives for achievement as the guiding framework for instruction in this course.  Reading Workshop includes reading short stories/questions, vocabulary instruction, independent reading, class novels and discussions, lessons in comprehension strategies and other skills, and literature circle discussions. Through the study of literature, literary devices and techniques are also taught. Writing Workshop incorporates prompt writing, the writing process, mini-lessons in the focus areas of voice, style, correctness, adding sensory details, grammar skills, and other necessary revision skills. The following reading/writing genres are covered in this course: memoir, literary essay, research based argument (persuasive essay), informational writing, poetry, science fiction, and others.

      Required Daily Materials for This Course:

      • Pencils

      • Folder for English notes and handouts

      • 1 70 count one subject notebook 

      • Independent reading book 

      • Laptop (School provided)

      • Positive attitude

      • Work ethic

      Required (Supplied) Texts for English 7:*

      • Prentice Hall Writing Coach textbook for Grade 7

      • Class novel Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

      • Class novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

      • Class novel A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

      • Independent reading book

      • Variety of short stories, poems, children’s literature, and non-fiction articles

       

      *This list is tentative and subject to changes.

      7-8 District English Language Arts Grading Scale:

      Homework: 10%

      Coursework: 10%

      Essay/Unit Assessments: 40%

      Quizzes: 20%

      Projects/Presentations: 20%

       

      Course Requirements:

      Students will…

      • Read independently at home (20 minutes per night is required and will be logged.  

      • Complete “Bellwork”daily. (Grammar, spelling, or writing exercise)

      • Study for and take weekly spelling tests.

      • Engage in class novel discussions/Book Club discussion groups.

      • Complete prompt writing and reading responses weekly.

      • Take quizzes, tests, and other forms of assessments throughout the course.

      • Complete book projects and/or book talks quarterly for independent reading books and class novels.

      • Deliver book talks and other presentations in front of peers.

       

      Classroom Rules & Expectations:

      1.) Be respectful of teachers, peers, and yourself.

      2.) Follow directions the first time they are given.

      3.) Be in your seat when the bell rings and begin working on the Bellwork. (daily assignment on board)

      4.) Raise your hand and wait to be called on during class discussions.

      5.) At all times, allow your teachers to teach and the other students to learn.

      6.) Come prepared to class--Bring laptop charged, notebook, folder, and PENCILS to class daily.

      Mrs. Wilson’s English Late Work Policy:

      • For all homework assignments- Late homework WILL be accepted at 50% its worth UNTIL the day of the final assessment or final paper.

      • For all projects and/or final drafts of papers- Late work WILL be accepted with 10% counted off for every day it is late.

      •  On rare occasions, events occur that make it impossible for a student to finish his/her homework on time. If this happens, the parent should write an explanatory note or call me so that I will not penalize the student for circumstances beyond his/her control.

      • I expect all late work to be completed so that the students will still have a chance to learn the new material.