Language Arts 7

Seventh grade students spend their Language Arts time immersed in reading, writing, and critical thinking. We use an integrated approach focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The students learn about themselves and others and test their assumptions and beliefs via reading, discussing, and writing about literature through narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository writing. We concentrate much of the writing on seven pieces for their portfolios, which include narratives, response to literature, procedural writing, persuasive writing, report writing, poetry, and reflective essays. The writing process of prewriting, drafting, revising, and publishing is employed with all writing pieces. The seventh grade curriculum also includes the study of word roots and prefixes, the structure of essays, and work with grammar, usage, and punctuation. In order to meet state requirements for reading, we use several class books and supplement those with independent reading books. Outside reading book reports (ORBRs) are due approximately every six weeks for seventh grade students.

Seventh grade classes use the textbook Elements of Literature. The students read a broad spectrum of literature covering universal themes in the genres of the novel, short story, poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, myth, and folktale. Depending on the year, class books include Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, Tangerine by Edward Bloor, Finding Buck McHenry by Alfred Slote, The Day of the Pelican by Katherine Paterson, Woodsong by Gary Paulsen, Deathwatch by Robb White, Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, The Revealers by Doug Wilhelm, and Dogsong by Gary Paulsen, among others.

In keeping with the Language Arts Department's policy on late work, 10% will be taken off for each day an assignment is late, down to 50%. If an assignment is over two weeks late, it will not be accepted and credit will not be given for the work. Participation in class discussions and activities is worth 10% of the total grade for each quarter.

With each writing piece, students will be able to access state grading rubrics, examples, and helpful tips both in-class and through this page. The files are in "pdf" format, making accessing them easy to achieve.

Grading Policy:

I will be using a standard point system where your final grade will be determined by dividing your points earned by points possible. The grading scale is also quite standard:

100-97% = A+ 89.9-87% = B+ 79.9-77% = C+ 69.9-67% = D+

96.9-93% = A 86.9-83% = B 76.9-73% = C 66.9-65% = D

92.9-90% = A - 82.9-80% = B - 2.9-70% = C - 4.9-0% = F

Expectations and Responsibilities for 7th Grade Language Arts Students:

* Arrive to class on time with all necessary materials (example: something to write with, class novel)

* Follow any and all directions by adult(s) in the room

* Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself and follow all safety rules

* Cursing, yelling, arguing, putdowns, and harassment are not allowed

We use a school-wide discipline system, with each teacher using the same set of consequences. Participating in class discussions, getting your work in on time, attendance, and tardiness all count towards your class participation grade. Class participation is worth a minimum of 10%.

What you will need for 7th grade Language Arts:

Three ring binder (with paper & tabs)

Dividers (Homework, Notes / Handouts, Tests/Quizzes)

Pencils (more than one)

Class novel that we are working on

A good attitude

SUMMER READING SUGGESTIONS for incoming 7th graders:

New and Noteworthy Titles:

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. The Boy Who Dared. New York: Scholastic Press, 2008.

Caletti, Deb. The Fortunes of Indigo Skye. New York: 2008.

Colfer, Eoin. Airman. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2008.

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press, 2008.

Connor, Leslie. Waiting for Normal. New York: Katherine Tegen Books, 2008.

Fleischman, Sid. The Trouble Begins at 8 : A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West. New York: Greenwillow Books, 2008.

Murphy, Pat. The Wild Girls. New York: Viking, 2007.

Pratchett, Terry. Nation. New York: HarperCollins, 2008.

Reeve, Philip. Here Lies Arthur. New York: Scholastic Press, 2008.

Schmidt, Gary D. Trouble. New York: Clarion Books, 2008.

Wendel, Tim. Far from Home: Latino Baseball Players in America. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2008.

Wood, Don. Into the Volcano: A Graphic Novel. New York: Blue Sky Press, 2008.

Realistic Fiction

Bauer, Joan. Backwater.

Bauer, Joan. Hope Was Here.

Choldenko, Gennifer. Al Capone Does My Shirts.

Dessen, Sarah. Keeping the Moon.

Deuker, Carl. On the Devil's Court.

Ehrenberg, Pamela. Ethan Suspended.

Evangelista, Beth. Gifted.

Henkes, Kevin. Olive's Ocean.

Hewitt, Lorri. Dancer.

Hiassen, Carl. Flush.

Howe, James. The Misfits.

Konigsburg, E.L. Silent to the Bone.

Korman, Gordon. No More Dead Dogs.

Lynch, Chris. Slot Machine.

Naidoo, Beverly. Web of Lies.

Perkins, Mitali, First Daughter: Extreme American Makeover.

Resau, Laura. What the Moon Saw.

Scieszka, Jon, ed. Guys Write for Guys Read.

Skull, Megan. Amazing Grace.

Historical Fiction

Avi. Cristpin: At the Edge of the World.

Bruchac, Joseph. Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two.

Rinaldi, Ann. A Break with Charity

Schmidt, Gary. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy.

Spinelli, Jerry. Milkweed: A Novel.

Mystery and Adventure

Abrahams, Peter. Down the Rabbit Hole.

Christie, Agatha. And Then There Were None.

Horowitz, Anthony. Stormbreaker.

Jocelyn, Marthe. How it Happened in Peach Hill.

Mowll, Joshua. Operation Red Jericho.

Peacock, Shane. Eye of the Crow.

Rabb, M.E. The Rose Queen.