7th Grade Language Arts Syllabus
Miss Nelson, Room 101
Materials Needed for Class:
* folder with pockets
* paper
* pencils AND pens
* Be prepared for class EVERY day!
Materials Provided:
* Spelling Connections textbook
* Assignment Journal
* Writing folder (stays in room)
* DWA notebook (stays in room)
Major Assignments/Units:
* completing a variety of writing assignments focusing on the 6+1 Traits of Good Writing (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation)
* learning the Writer’s Workshop process used in 8th grade
* writing specifically in the narrative, informative, and persuasive genres
* writing to community pen pals
* studying for weekly spelling tests
* improving standard punctuation, usage, and grammar
Course Rationale:
The elements of language arts, like reading, are essential parts of life. This class is designed to improve skills in writing such as ideas, organization, voice, word choice, and sentence fluency. Classes will also work to master the conventions of Standard American English to improve their writing.
Aim:
The purpose of this class is to help students become writers who can write in a variety of genres for a variety of audiences.
Grading Scale:
A+ = 100% A = 93% A- = 90% B+ = 87% B = 83% B- = 80% C+ = 77% C = 73% C- = 70% D+ = 67% D = 63% D- = 60%
Grades will be based on a culmination of all points earned, divided by the number of points possible using the above scale. Late work will result in a lower grade.
Goals:
* use an effective writing process for the given task, which may include topic search, multiple drafts, research, revision, conferences, editing, and publication
* write in a variety of genres for different audiences and purposes
* efficiently use the computer lab, network servers, and online resources
* write and speak with a command of Standard American English
* be able to write to a prompt
* be a reader… good writers are readers!
