Course Introduction and Requirements
Course
Title: English 7
Teacher: Mrs. Spafford
Textbooks:
The
Language of Literature (McDougal
Littell); Language Network (McDougal Littell); Novels: The
True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle; Dragonwings; The Adventures of Tom Sawyer;
The Giver; The Outsiders and supplemental novels if time permits.
Student
Expectations:
Each
day a student will have an orderly binder, binder paper, two blue or black
pens, two pencils, a spiral notebook with TWO sections (our Reader’s and
Writer’s Notebook), an assignment book and whatever textbook we are using. All work must reflect the student’s very
best effort.
Course
Description:
Reading
Comprehension and analysis
(an effort to read one million words this year) with the focus on informational
materials as well as classic and contemporary literature. (KBAR program and
classroom reading)
Word
analysis, fluency, and vocabulary development~~ Greek and Latin roots, idioms, analogies,
metaphor and simile.
Literary
Response and Analysis~~
students will read and respond to the classroom literature as well as reading
done outside the classroom (KBAR).
Elements
of literature~~plot,
character, setting, theme, point of view
Writing
Strategies~~ Organization
and focus, research and technology, evaluate and revise
Writing
Applications~~ narrative,
response to literature, research report, persuasive essay, summaries of reading
materials
Written
and Oral Language Conventions~~
sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling (Laguna’s
spelling program)
Listening
and speaking strategies~~
organize and deliver an oral presentation, evaluate oral presentation
Our
program is literature based and promotes self-confidence through skill building
in reading, writing, speaking and listening. A focus on combining paragraphs
into essays and comprehension and analysis of literature are emphasized.
Methods
of Assessment:
Written assignments; participation in small
group and class discussions; tests/quizzes; essay exams and COMPLETED
HOMEWORK.
HOMEWORK:
Homework
is assigned Monday-Thursday.
Assignments must be written in the student assignment book. The homework
is always listed on my web page as well as on the homework board in the
classroom. It is important that students have a time and a quiet place to
study.
Questions,
Concerns, Comments?
In
addition, my home phone number is listed if you need to contact me and cannot
reach me at school.