Class Syllabus

Semester I

Class website: Accessible through the Harrison Canvas system. All assignments, schedule, syllabus, and online turn-in system are a part of that. If you’re absent, it is expected you’ll check Canvas for class work.

Throughout the semester:

• Spelling/vocabulary – biweekly – all vocabulary words will come from the readings we do in class.
• Daily journal/reader response writings (journals are collected many times during a grading period – never announced) and are usually worth 15-30 points a collection.
• Independent reading - each student is responsible for reading an entire book (nonfiction, fiction, poetry, graphic novel) during each grading period. There will be an individual assessment related to the piece of writing you choose to read.
  • There will be independent reading time during class at least twice each week (usually Wednesdays & Fridays) for 20-30 minutes at a time. Participation is at least 5 points/day.
  • No newspapers and/or magazines – must be books
    • Individual assessments are worth 25 points. Additional responses made be completed for 10 bonus points each.
    • Books may not be repeated and I will record the book titles turned in by you.
    • Reading on devices (smart phones, tablets, school laptops, etc.) IS ALLOWED. HOWEVER, if I find even one time you violate my trust and are playing games, texting, or doing anything OTHER than reading, your technology use is GONE for the rest of the year. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE.

First Nine Weeks:

• Literature thematic unit of study #1 – Loss/Death and Perspective
  • Anchor Text: Tears of a Tiger, Sharon Draper
• Writing skills unit #1 (narrative writing)
  • The writing process and focus on developing ideas, organization of thoughts, and stronger word choices
  • Plenty of opportunity for peer response
  • Working effectively and cooperatively in writing groups
  • Writing conventions through the writing process
    • capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech – focus on nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs

Second Nine Weeks:

• Literature thematic unit of study #2 – Intolerance & Inequality
  • Anchor Text: Romeo & Juliet
• Writing skills unit #2 (persuasive writing)
  • Continue with the same writing skill concepts in the first unit
  • Using evidence from text as support for arguments

Assessment of Class and Homework

• Much of the assessment and grading in this class will be on an independent basis. Students will have the opportunity to conference with Mrs. Warner on a very regular basis in order to improve their writing skills.
• It is VERY easy to pass this class; as long as you turn all of your work in during the nine weeks, you CANNOT fail! It all depends upon YOU!

Approximate Grade Percentages

Journaling – 10%

Writing assignments – 25%

Reading comprehension and vocabulary activities, tests, quizzes, etc. – 40%

Participation/preparation for class – 5%

Independent reading - 20%