Course Syllabus 2013-2014
Class Objective: The objective of a language arts class is to encourage students to explore various works of literature and to develop a passion for reading and writing. In addition, students will expand reading comprehension, develop vocabulary usage, and enhance their writing skills.
Grading Policy
o Daily Assignments, interactive notebook, quizzes, class participation, enrichment activities and projects = 75% of grade.
o Six Weeks Exam = 25% of grade.
o A minimum of 2 grades per week, excluding the unit assessment will be recorded for each student.
o The semester grade will be the average of the 3 six-weeks grades.
o See Student Handbook
Materials needed: 3 Subject Spiral Notebook (Writing)
1½ in. Binder (Reading)
Pencils
Glue / Glue sticks
Colors or Colored Pencils
Highlighters
Class Rules:
1. Listen and follow instructions when given the first time.
2. Be prepared for class.
3. Respect others at all times.
4. Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.
Class Expectations: Throughout the course of the semester, you will be presented with very demanding and challenging coursework. The material is designed to make you a more confident communicator. Through thorough study in a constructivist environment, you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel, not only in school, but in life as well.
Late Assignments: Assignments that are received late shall be reduced by no more than 5 points per day after the due date to a maximum of 20 points. Assignments must be completed within 5 days.
Retesting Policy: See Student Handbook
Attendance: It is imperative that you attend class on a daily basis. If you miss the lesson, it is your responsibility as an EXCELLENT student to schedule a time with me to make up the lesson. Students will be held accountable for any missing assignments.
Participation: Participation in all class activities is necessary to gain a better understanding of the material being covered. A grade will be issued for participation.
EXCELLENCE! This will be a challenging year and you will have more responsibility as a 7th grade student. Your goal is to become a student with high expectations and who is EXCELLENT – that means doing the best in all you do.
Honors Reading/Writing 7th Grade Topics – 1st Semester
**Students will use Thinking Maps® as visual tools for learning critical reading and writing to assist in preparing for college entrance exams. Thinking Maps are based on eight fundamental processes. These include defining in context, describing qualities, comparing/contrasting, classifying, determining parts of a whole, sequencing, identifying cause and effects, and seeing analogies.
1st Six Weeks = Overview (types) of Narrative and Expository Essays
The Writing Process
Focus on Narrative Essay – Parts of an Essay
Types of Sentences (simple, compound, and complex)
End Punctuations and Spelling Rules
Difference between Phrases and Clauses
Dictionary/Thesaurus Skills
Novel: The Hobbit
2nd Six Weeks = Introduction to a thesis statement/controlling idea for Expository Essays
Sentence Combining; Coordinating Conjunctions
Comma Rules
Complex Sentences
Subordinating Conjunctions
Figurative Language
Drafting Expository Essay Based on Modeling
Dictionary/Thesaurus Skills
3rd Six Weeks = Review of Narrative Essay
Writing Effective Introductions and Conclusions
Adding Detail to Writing (Thoughts, Opinions, Emotions, and Senses)
Vocabulary Word Choice
Transitional Words
Dictionary/Thesaurus Skills
Please fill out and sign this page to return to Mrs. Barrera as soon as possible.
I have read and understand the syllabus for Mrs. Barrera’s Honors Reading/Writing class.
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Let’s have a great year!
