Frequently Asked Questions
What does grading look like in this class?
In this class, there are a number of ongoing assignments that form the majority of a student's grade. Here are those assignments, as well as how often I will check them:
- Reading Journal (10 points/week)
- Poetry Scorecard (points vary/month)
- Personal Dictionary (up to 5 extra credit points/marking period)
- Literary Lexicon (points vary/marking period)
What is homework like in this class?
Your homework will be to read your independent reading book regularly and complete your weekly reading journal if you do not complete it in class. Check the HW Link each night to double check homework for all of your classes.
What should I do if I miss class?
If you miss class, be sure to check the HW Link and Welcome Backs. Additionally, speak with Mr. Ecker via email or in person the next day to get your questions answered.
What are achievements?
Achievements are reading-related goals you may reach throughout the school year. They are not a part of the grade, but are represented by badges that celebrate your work and progress as a reader! Check the Achievements page for more details.
What will we learn in class?
In 7th Grade Reading, we will focus on developing skills related to key literary and informative reading concepts including:
- Main Idea
- Textual Evidence
- Key Details, Sequence of Events, and Plot
- Point of View, Author's Purpose, and Bias
- Text Structure
- Argument and Logic
- Theme
- Conducting Research
- Communication and Collaboration
- Comprehension Strategies and Vocabulary
All of these skills will be learned in the context of developing our reading identities and making reading a lifelong habit.
What is reading workshop?
Reading Workshop is one of the central components of our reading class. It involves students learning a small and valuable lesson and then applying that lesson to a book of their choosing. This method has been developed and advocated by Nancie Atwell and many other of the best and most experienced reading teachers around the country.
What will we read?
As a class, we will read three books: The Shakespeare Stealer, The Diary of a Young Girl, and The Outsiders. We will also read many poems, short stories, and articles. Students will read even more independently, with every student setting a reading goal for the school year.
What are book bucks?
Book Bucks are extra credit points students can earn for a variety of reasons, from helping a classmate to going above and beyond on an assignment. To redeem Book Bucks, a student must write his/her name on the back, as well as the name of the assignment to which s/he would like to add the point. Book Bucks will be accepted any time throughout the school year.