Homework Policy: Homework Will Be Assigned Each Night

English Language Arts Mr. Spencer 2009-2010 Grade 7

Welcome to Seventh Grade English Language Arts class! I hope that you will work hard to have a successful year. We will go beyond our classroom, the textbook, and the other reading selections, working together with the entire seventh grade to make our school and our community better. This document includes the information that will help guide you along the way. I am looking forward to a great year!

Required Materials You will be required to bring the following materials to class each day. 1. A three ring binder (at least 2” wide) with dividers 2. Paper 3. Class textbook and paperback novels (provided by the teacher) 4. Pen and highlighter 5. Colored pencils, markers, crayons (optional but recommended)

Binder Your binder will be the key to success in this class. Everything you will need for homework, projects, quizzes, or tests will be found in the binder. Your binder should be divided into three sections: - Journal/Bell Ringer - Language and Literacy - Reader’s Notebook

Daily Agenda When you enter class, the agenda will be written on the front board. It will include an objective and outline of what we will accomplish. When you enter class, there will be an activity you must immediately begin to work on. It will vary, but may include a journal entry, study time for quizzes, or copying notes. This will happen EVERY class meeting. - Objective - Tasks - Homework

Homework Policy Homework will be assigned an average of three nights each week. I expect all students to complete homework on time. Late homework will NOT be accepted. When you miss an assignment, you will be required to make it up after school. If you do not show up, you will receive a zero. Homework will be posted daily on the bulletin board in the classroom.

After School Policy I am available for after school help. I will be available every Monday until 3:15 pm for extra help or make-up assignments. I am available most afternoons for an extended period of time following dismissal. I can be available other times if necessary. Grading Our grading policy is standards-based which means you will receive several grades each quarter. While some standards will be taught through out the year, other standards will be taught for one quarter.

The rubric below will be used to grade assignments, quizzes, tests, and writing. A list of each standard covered in the assignment can be found on the final draft rubric or with their materials. You will receive a 1 through 5 depending on how well you master the standard.

Language Standards How will it be covered? Grade Understands and uses new vocabulary Classroom, homework, & 1 to 5 writing assignments, quizzes, ORQ’s, & tests Analyzes standard English grammar & Classroom, homework, & 1 to 5 usage writing assignments, quizzes, ORQ’s, & tests Literature Standards How will it be covered? Grade Identify the elements of different types of Classroom, homework, & 1 to 5 literary genres writing assignments, quizzes, ORQ’s, & tests Identifies facts and main ideas for Classroom, homework, & 1 to 5 interpretation writing assignments, quizzes, ORQ’s, & tests Makes inferences Classroom, homework, & 1 to 5 writing assignments, quizzes, ORQ’s, & tests Composition Standards How will it be covered? Grade Writes with clear focus, coherent Classroom, homework, & 1 to 5 organization, and details writing assignments, quizzes, ORQ’s, & tests Plans, organizes, revises, and edits writing Writing Assignments, ORQ’s 1 to 5 Understands and applies research skills to Writing Assignments, ORQ’s 1 to 5 write reports Effort Everything you do! 1 to 5 English Language Arts Mr. Spencer 2009-2010 Grade 7

Textbooks and Reading Selections Prentice Hall Literature Textbook Prentice Hall Literature Reading Notebook Prentice Hall Reality Central (in conjunction with Mrs. Sabino in library) The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John Ritter The Giver by Lois Lowry Hatchet by Gary Paulsen So Far from the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins The Sherlock Holmes Mysteries by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Roll of Thunder, Hear Me Cry by Mildred Taylor Tales of Greek Heroes by Roger Lancelyn Green

Unit 1: Fiction & Nonfiction Essential Question: What is the best way to find the truth?

Unit 2: Short Stories Essential Question: Does every conflict have a winner?

Unit 3: Types of Nonfiction Essential Question: What should we learn?

Unit 4: Poetry Essential Question: What is the best way to communicate?

Unit 5: Types of Drama Essential Question: Do others see us more clearly than we see ourselves?

Unit 6: So Far from the Bamboo Grove Essential Question: What character traits do survivors of war have in common?

Unit 7: Themes in Oral Tradition Essential Question: Community or individual… which is more important? English Language Arts Mr. Spencer 2009-2010 Grade 7

Classroom Rules 1. If you have a question, please raise your hand. 2. No cell phones, PSP’s, or iPod’s. 3. Hats, jackets, and hoods may not be worn during class. Follow the school dress code. 4. Come to class prepared and on time. 5. Be respectful to others. No offensive language will be tolerated.

Classroom Procedures 1. Enter the classroom in an appropriate manner. 2. Sit down in your seat, take out your homework, and begin working on the daily agenda. 3. Stay in your seat unless told otherwise and listen attentively. 4. At the end of the period, I will dismiss you and tell you to gather your belongings. 5. Exit the classroom in an appropriate manner.

I have received, read, and understand the classroom rules, classroom policies, and grading policy for Mr. Spencer’s class.

______Signature Date

______Printed Name