Course Syllabus

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Blackmon Road Middle School

Instructors:  Mrs. Diana Allen and Ms. Johnnie Baker

allen.diana.s@muscogee.k12.ga.us

baker.johnnie.o@muscogee.k12.ga.us

7th grade English Language Arts

HELLO AND WELCOME to English Language Arts!  This year we will study literature, grammar, and composition so you will be prepared for the next level.  Now, you will find that the state, Blackmon Road Middle School, and I have many goals for you this year, and it is privilege to help you achieve those goals.  However, keep in mind that the most important goal-setter of all is you!!!

 

Our goal is to offer you the opportunity to succeed academically and personally in an environment that is warm, friendly, engaging, challenging, meaningful, safe, and interactive.  Our sincere hope is that you will become more of a(n):  enthusiastic and insightful reader, keen analyzer of the written word, effective oral and written communicator, precise editor of your own work, critical thinker, and active participator in the learning process. (Whew!)

Reading is a critical component of success—not only in English class, but in your other classes and in the work world. As with many skills, proficiency requires practice. It is extremely important that you have an independent reading book with you every day. You may bring your own book or check one out from the media. No catalogs or anime’ books, please.

Writing well is a skill that will serve you throughout life—whether you do it with pen and paper, computer, or cell phone. We will write in a variety of modes, focusing on the six traits of good writing: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.

Classroom Rules and Expectations

 

Enter each day with a positive attitude.  Bring all your materials to class every day.  (paper, pencil, pen, textbook and BRMS writing guide)

Take you seat and begin work on the day’s ‘Smart Start.’

  1. Be respectful – don’t be rude and don’t be mean.
  2. Do not talk when someone else is talking – teacher or classmate.
  3. Respect personal space. Your desk is your space, and no one has the right to touch things that belong to you.  Our desk and the front of the classroom is our space.  Do not touch our things nor get up (even to throw away trash) while I’m ‘on stage.’ We will show you the same respect.

Required Materials

  • 3-ring binder (2 inch)
  • 6 Dividers (Smart Start, Literature, Grammar, Writing, Vocabulary, Language Labs)
  • Ruled paper
  • Pencils and PENS (blue or black ink only – bring to class daily)
  • Highlighter

Grading – Your grade will be determined based on:

  1. Classwork and participation
  2. Homework
  3. Tests and quizzes
  4. Book reports
  5. Projects

 Homework

  • Homework is given to build skills. Homework may be checked for accuracy or completion.
  • If homework is not completed on the day it is due, you will receive a 0. If the missing assignment is turned in the next day, the highest grade you can receive on the assignment is a 70 in place of the zero.

 

Late work must be turned in within three days of an excused absence.

Independent Reading

Under Georgia State Standards, students are required to read a minimum of 25 books per year.

 We will go to the media center as a whole class every two weeks. Students may also go to the media center on their own with permission if they have a pass and their library card. (Student I.D.)

 Independent reading grades (book projects) will count as one test grade: Students are to read books that are on or above their Lexile Level.  There will be two book projects per 9-weeks.

Writing Assignments

Students will complete a variety of writing assignments, to include argumentative, expository, and persuasive essays

Movies and Videos

On occasion, students will watch videos or movies that correlate to the content being learned.  By signing this form, you agree to allow your student to participate in these viewings.

Parents, please check the teacher website for an outline of the daily class agenda, classwork/homework, upcoming tests and/or projects, reading deadlines, due dates, upcoming project details and deadlines, as well as other pertinent information.

This handout is to be kept in the very front of your ELA notebook for future reference. 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due