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7th Grade Language Arts 2010-2011 School Year
EACH SECTION IN ITALICS MUST BE COMPLETED ACCORDING TO THE INDIVIDUAL TEACHER’S PREFERENCES. TEACHERS SHOULD REMOVE THESE DIRECTIONS (IN ALL CAPS WRITING) BEFORE DISTRIBUTION OF COMPLETED SYLLABUS TO STUDENTS. Charlie Smart, [email protected] COMPLETED BY INDIVIDUAL TEACHER Phone: (772) 987-6543 Fax: (772) 123-4567 Class Texts: Elements of Literature First Course (Holt, Reinhart, and Winston) Writer’s Choice Grade 7 (Glencoe McGraw-Hill) Novels (Choose two from the suggested novel list below or others you have available to teach the concepts): Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick Holes by Louis Sachar Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton Hope was Here by Joan Bauer Course Description: Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing competencies are integrated throughout students’ learning experiences. Benchmarks for the Sunshine State Standards are repeated as needed in course sequences. As students progress from one course to the next, increases should occur in complexity of materials and tasks and in the students’ independence in the application of skills and strategies.
Learning tasks and materials accommodate the individual needs of students.
Technology is available for students to develop competencies in the language arts. Course Content: The purpose of this course is to provide integrated educational experiences in the language arts strands of reading, writing, listening, viewing, speaking, language, and literature. The content should include, but not be limited to, the following:
Daily Writing Opportunities 1. Essay Writing
Participate in multiple FCAT Writes simulations (in class and school-wide)
Practice the writing process through various examples of expository and persuasive writing
2. Journal Writing
Respond to a given prompt/situation or free, personal writing in an informal collection
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3. Response to Literature
Create formal and/or informal written responses related to a piece of fiction or nonfiction
Daily Reading Opportunities 1. Fiction and Non-Fiction analysis
Practice and enhance reading comprehension through reading, discussing, and responding to various forms of text
2. Class Novel
Read and examine a selected novel through, independent reading, teacher read aloud, and/or literature circles
Construct responses relating to the novel through discussions and various written activities
3. Independent Reading
Practice and enhance reading comprehension through personal selection of a variety of texts
Create personal analysis of selected texts 4. Writing Critique
Build awareness of the writing process through reading and evaluating sample pieces of writing
*NOTE: As we read selected novels in the classroom this year, you may choose to purchase your own, personal copy. Please take note of the novels listed for the year to make your purchases in advance if you choose to do so.
Materials: COMPLETED BY INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS
2 inch binder
Dividers (Labeled: class notes, writing, grammar, vocabulary, graded papers)
marbled composition book
notebook paper
Post-it notes
pens (blue, black, green)
pencils
highlighters
pencil pack
dictionary
thesaurus
Vocabulary Building 1. Word Wall interaction
Participate in building and maintaining personal and class word wall
Demonstrate accurate word usage in daily writing and word mapping activities
Grammar Usage 1. Grammar mini lessons
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Develop knowledge of correct usage of grammar in mini lessons infused with writing opportunities
Demonstrate accurate grammar usage in daily writing Assignments: COMPLETED BY INDIVIDUAL TEACHER
Homework is due at the beginning of class.
All homework and classwork is to be submitted on time and will otherwise result in a deduction of 5 points for each day the assignment is late.
When absent, it is the student’s responsibility to request and make up all missed assignments.
All submitted work should be headed appropriately: Name Date Period
Grading Plan: COMPLETED BY INDIVIDUAL TEACHER
Tests (30% of grade)
Writing Assignments (25% of grade)
Homework/Classwork (20% of grade)
Active Learning/Participation (5% of grade) Classroom Plan: COMPLETED BY INDIVIDUAL TEACHER
Be prompt *There is much for us to do in a short period. Let’s make the most of our time together.
Be prepared *My job is to be ready to teach. Your job is to be ready to learn.
Be respectful *It is NEVER okay to be rude, to ridicule, or to disrespect anyone in anyway.
Be productive *Be an active learner and just do your best. I am here to help you…just ask.
Dress code will be enforced.
Please act appropriately. Do not act in a manner that will warrant a parent phone call, removal from class, or a referral.
Failure to meet class expectations and inappropriate behavior will follow a “3 Strikes” policy:
Strike 1: Warning Strike 2: Seat Moved Strike 3: Lunch Detention and/or Administrative referral
*Serious misconduct will result in immediate Administrative referral. Academic Honesty Policy: Violation of “Academic Honesty Policy” includes willful or deliberate unauthorized use of the work of another person for academic purposes, or inappropriate use of notes, or other material in the completion of an academic assignment or test. In addition to disciplinary responses, the granting of credit for this assignment may be considered null and void.
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COMPLETED BY INDIVIDUAL TEACHER Everyone has the capability to choose his or her own actions.
With each choice follows a reward or a consequence. MAKE EVERY CHOICE A REWARDING ONE!
Course Topics 7th Grade: 1st Quarter
1. Response in writing (on-going) Obtain a writing sample as a baseline assessment (benchmark writing) Understand student response to a given prompt
Code of Conduct
Dress Code
Policy and Procedures
Journal writing-reading response logs Readings: Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook
2. Review sentence types, fragments and complete sentences Recognize sentence types and fragments
Identify declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences
Identify fragments
Identify complete sentences Primary Source: Writer’s Choice Grade 7, pp. 357, 500
3. Review study and test-taking skills (on-going) Utilize strategies for test taking and study skills
Note-taking
Highlighting
Summarize
Paraphrase Primary Source: Writer’s Choice units 24, 25
4. Practice of daily conventions, prewriting, journal writing, and the writing process (on-going) Continued practice
Modeling
Cooperative sharing
Journals
Essays Primary Sources: journals, student samples, teacher models
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5. Review the parts of a prompt using Write Traits/ideas, organization, voice, conventions, sentence fluency, word choice (on-going) Understand and write to a given prompt
Topic
Cue Word
Audience
Purpose Primary Source: FCAT workbook
6. Introduce vocabulary (on-going) Use higher level vocabulary to enhance the quality of the writing
Word walls
Bloom’s Verbs Primary Sources: Word wall, Bloom’s Taxonomy Readings; Holes (suggested novel)
7. Review characteristics of the variety of genres (on-going) Identify characteristics and recurring themes (Literature text collection 3)/bravery, friendship, loyalty, good vs. evil
Poetry
Short Story
Fiction
Suggested Reading: “The Runaway,” from Elements of Literature pg. 24; “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” from Elements of Literature pg. 2; “The Frog Who Wanted to Be a Singer,” “No Guitar Blues,” Amigo Brothers,” “After Twenty Years,” from Elements of Literature
8. Research writing (10-12 days) Complete various research projects
MLA
APA samples Primary Resources: Elements of Literature pg. 267; media center, internet sources
9. Introduce dramatic literature (on-going) Explore this new genre
Brainstorming
Book walks
Models Primary Sources: “The Dream of Good Fortune,” from Elements of Literature pg. 578 Readings: Island of the Blue Dolphins (suggested novel)
10. Review author’s purpose (on-going) Identify author’s purpose
Entertain
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Persuade
Inform Primary Sources: models, sample essays, student work Readings: “The Skelton Key,” from Elements of Literature pg. 65
11. Continue work on sentence expansion (on-going) Use appropriate word choice
Models
Sample essays
Elaboration Primary Source: Writer’s Choice pp. 367, 500
12. Review structure of paragraph, expository writing, and scoring rubric (on-going) Continue practice
Journals
Models
Rubric
Prompts Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice pg. 194; St. Lucie County Scoring Rubric, models; Elements of Literature pp. 328, 410
13. Introduce and review 5 paragraph essay format (on-going) 1-3-1 format
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice pg. 194; Elements of Literature pp. 328, 410 14. Focus on topic sentences (on-going) Utilize Write Traits’ Ideas
Model
Sample
Primary Sources: Write Traits 15. Implement transitions in writing (on-going) Utilize Write Traits’ Organization
Samples
Model
Primary Sources: Write Traits 16. Proofreading symbols Recognize and use proofreading symbols in an essay
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Indent
Capitalization
Spelling
Omissions/deletions
Run-ons Primary Sources: Write Traits, Writer’s Choice back cover
17. Review elements of fictional literature (on-going) Recognize the elements
Setting
Plot
Rising Action
Theme
Main Idea
Conflict and Resolution
Primary Readings: Song of the Trees,” from Elements of Literature pg. 28; “The Smallest Dragonboy,” from Elements of Literature pg. 46
18. Analyze elements of fictional literature, recurring themes, and vocabulary (on-going) Use and identify the tools
Descriptive
Idiomatic language
Figurative language
Allusion Primary Source: Elements of Literature xxiv, xxv Skills Page
19. Continue focus on building paragraphs using transitional devices (on-going) Utilize transitional words and phrases
Sequencing of details
Transitional words and phrases Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice pg. 128
20. Work on support, elaboration of details, and sentence variation (on-going) Practice utilizing the tools to strengthen the essay
Models
Samples
Peer examples Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice pp. 501, 367
21. Continue and review expository writing (on-going) Review the elements of expository
Samples
Peer work
1-3-1 essays
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Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice pg. 194; Elements of Literature pp. 672; monthly prompt
22. Locate author’s use of literary devices and word choice (3-4 days) Read to identify devices
Allusions
Figurative language Primary Sources: poetry, personal reading material, magazines, and newspapers
23. Review identifying main idea (on-going) Use text to locate supporting evidence Primary Source: Elements of Literature xxiv Skills Page
Course Topics 7th Grade: 2nd Quarter
1. Continue multi paragraph essays (on-going) Practice and share multi paragraph essays
1-3-1 essays
Persuasive
Expository Primary Sources: Student samples, FCAT anchor sets, models
2. Review sentence variety, support, and elaboration (on-going) Utilize strategies for essay improvement
Modeling
Sharing
Practice Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice pp. 367, 500
3. Ongoing practice of editing and revision (on-going) Continued practice
Partners
Cooperative sharing
Journals
Essays Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice back cover, journals, essays
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4. Review the persuasive essay (on-going) Understand the persuasive argument
Topic
Cue Word
Audience
Purpose
Modeling
Evidence Primary Source: Writer’s Choice pg. 256
5. Review and analyze vocabulary and literary devices (4-5 days) Use vocabulary and devices to enhance the quality of the writing
Sound
Meter
Graphics
Structure Primary Sources: Elements of Literature xxiv Skills Page Readings: Freak the Mighty (suggested novel) Elements of Literature Collection Five (The Runaway, Robert Frost, pg. 25)
6. Interpret a selection and show support with evidence (on-going) Identify characteristics and meaning of a selection
Evidence
Support Primary Sources: Elements of Literature pg. 582; Writer’s Choice pg. 294
7. Continue persuasive writing (on-going) Practice responding to a persuasive prompt
Topic
Cue words
Audience
Purpose Primary Source: District prompts
8. Locate, use, and analyze organizational text (3-5 days) Utilize techniques in analysis of text
Reports
Technical manuals
Table of contents
Headings
Captions
Bold print
Key guide words Primary Source: Elements of Literature xxiii Skills Page
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9. Continue work on study skills (on-going) Use graphic organizers
Two column notes
Highlighting
Summarizing Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice pg. 684
10. Review 1-3-1 format, continue editing and revision (on-going) Continue practice
Models
Samples
Rubric Primary Sources: Rubric, FCAT Anchor sets
11. Review scoring for the FCAT writing assessment (on-going) 1-3-1 format, continued use of rubric
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Rubric Primary Source: Writer’s Choice pg. 194
12. Compare and contrast informational text Utilize graphic organizers
Newspapers
Magazines
Biographies
Periodicals
Model Primary Sources: Elements of Literature xxiv Skills Page, newspapers, magazines, various biographies
13. Review elements of literature, use of literary devices, and effect on reader (on-going) Recognize and locate
Character
Setting
Plot
Allusion
Hyperbole
Bandwagon
Emotional response Primary Source: Elements of Literature xxiv, xxv Skills Page Suggested Novel: Hope was Here by Joan Bauer
14. Review research skills
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Recognize Sources and citations (MLA/APA)
Course Topics 7th Grade: 3rd Quarter
1. Implement word choice, ideas, and trait of voice (on-going) Utilize correct word choice and voice to enhance a variety of expressive forms of writing: informal communication, persuasive text, expository writing:
Write Traits
Samples
Student work
Modeling
Literature models Primary Resources: Write Traits, Anchor papers
2. Recognize and use cause and effect in non-fiction (on-going) Utilize the organizational pattern of cause and effect
Models
Student work
Samples Primary Resources: Elements of Literature pp. 356, 434
3. Review author’s purpose (on-going) Identify author’s purpose in literature
Literature model
Samples Suggested Readings: “After Twenty Years,” from Elements of Literature pg. 192; “Madam and the Rent Man,” from Elements of Literature pg. 227
4. Ideas, values, and themes reflect historical literature (on-going) Explain and identify
Literature models
Write Traits Suggested Novels: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and/or Hope was Here Elements of Literature collection six (When the Earth Shakes, Dragonwings)
5. Recognize and use fact/opinion and compare/contrast as organizational patterns (on-going) Utilize these patterns for persuasive writing
Newspapers
Advertisements
Journal Writing
Samples Primary Resources: Writer’s Choice pp. 266, 270
6. Sensory Writing (on-going)
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Utilize and identify sensory writing
Similes
Metaphors
Onomatopoeia Primary Readings: “Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out,” from Elements of Literature pg. 257
7. Continue emphasis on elaboration and support (on-going) Use text examples to identify
Peer editing
Modeling
Anchor papers Primary Resources: Write Traits, student samples, journals, models
8. Select non fiction materials for presentations (5-7 days) Use a variety of subject areas from various genres
Historical accounts
Scientific reports
Real world Primary Resources: Newspapers, texts, biographies, magazines
9. Apply grammar skills and conventions in specified writing situations Primary Resources: Writer’s Choice, Selected picture books
Course Topics 7th Grade: 4th Quarter
1. Review figurative language (5 days)
Utilize and identify similes, personification, etc.
Write Traits
Samples
Student work
Modeling
Literature models Primary Resource: Elements of Literature pg. 520
2. Creative writing (10-12 days) Write in a variety of genres/Young Author’s Conference
Myths
Folk Tales
Poetry
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Fables Suggested Readings: “The Highwayman,” from Elements of Literature pg. 340; “Sky Woman,” from Elements of Literature pg. 426; “Dinorella,” from Elements of Literature pg. 568; “The Fox and the Grapes,” Collection 7 in Literature Book: King Midas, Labor of Hercules, Echo and Narcissus, Flight of Icarus from Elements of Literature; A Wrinkle in Time (suggested novel)
3. Review literary themes and compare in various genres (5 days)
Literature models of plays, poems, short stories, novels
Stories
Journals 4. Informational and organizational skills Demonstrate the use of these skills
Charting
Mapping
Summarize
Graphics
Structure
Compare/contrast
Paraphrase Primary Source: Elements of Literature xxiv Skills Page Readings: Freak the Mighty (Suggested novel)
5. Interpret a selection and show support with evidence (on-going) Identify characteristics and meaning of a selection
Evidence
Support Primary Sources: Elements of Literature pg. 582; Writer’s Choice pg. 294
6. Continue persuasive writing (on-going) Practice responding to a persuasive prompt
Topic
Cue words
Audience
Purpose Primary Sources: District prompts
7. Locate, use, and analyze organizational text Utilize techniques in analysis of text
Reports
Technical manuals
Table of contents
Headings
Captions
Bold print
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Key guide words Primary Sources: Elements of Literature xxiii Skills Page
8. Continue work on study skills (on-going) Use graphic organizers
Two column notes
Highlighting
Summarizing Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice pg. 684
9. Review 1-3-1 format, continue editing and revision (on-going) Continue practice
Primary Sources: Writer’s Choice, Write Traits