English 7 Course: Syllabus (General expectations/content)
English 7: Course Syllabus
Mrs. Heckman
Welcome to 7th grade!
My name is Mrs. Heckman and I will be your teacher for the 2023/2024 school year. I am very excited about this year and I know it will be a great educational experience for you. During the school year, we will be focused on many aspects of the English language. The following will be a brief outline of English topics and classroom expectations. Keep this syllabus for future reference, especially in the areas of grades and homework protocol.
Expectations
There are several expectations I have for classroom management. You will find these expectations to be very similar to the expectations found in other classrooms. When class begins, you should be in your assigned seat, ready with your pencil, hallway pass, your free choice book, and computer. You will not be permitted to return to your locker once class begins to get any of these items. There will not be any food in my class but gum and bottled WATER are permitted (unless this becomes an issue). Respect in the classroom, both for fellow students and myself, is a major priority. Anyone being disrespectful will be warned only one time and then parents and administration will be involved.
Library Skills
Each 7th-grade student will be introduced to the library. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the resources that the Penns Valley Library has to offer. You will learn about the types of books, magazines, and online sources you can access during the school year. This will prepare you for using the library in all of your classes. I will work closely with you to assure that you have a positive library experience. You will be taking a lexile test (STAR) to determine your reading level. This will be used to select your free choice books.
Free Choice Books
Students are required to read 1 book for the first 9 weeks and 2 books for each of the other three 9 weeks (a total of 7). While you are reading your book, you will be completing a reading log. Reading log entries must be done at least four nights a week and consist of 10 minutes of reading. A reading log will be given to you each week and there will be specific requirements for each reading.
A free choice book must be at least 100 pages, 100 + or - from your lexile, and have a Reading Counts quiz. Once you finish a book, you must then take a quiz on that book. You can only take the quiz once. You must receive a 70% or better on the quiz to pass. If you fail the quiz, you then have the option of doing a book project. A folder will be shared with you that has all the book project options. Each free choice book is worth 50 points. In the first 9 weeks, you will either receive 50 points for passing or 0 points for failing or not doing a book project.
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th 9 weeks will each have a total of 100 points. Not doing your free choice book will result in a considerable lowering of your grade (up to 10-15%). If you have a problem finding a book that interests you, please see the staff members in the library or myself. Destiny Discover will be a valuable tool to use for book selections. You can also use books from home that matches your lexile (except for the 1st 9 weeks). You should always bring your free choice book to class. Do NOT wait until the last week to read your free choice book. Once you finish your required free choice books, you may then read any book of your choice but you are still required to complete a reading log each week. Free choice book quizzes are graded as a formative assessment while reading logs are graded as a summative assessment (this will be explained later).
Independent Reading Policy Acceptance
Students will be participating in independent reading throughout the year and a variety of reading material is available through my classroom library and the school’s library. Independent reading is an opportunity for students to read for pleasure and therefore decisions about appropriate material are to be made between students and parents/guardians. Mrs. Heckman will not be censoring students’ reading choices.
Literature/Non-Fiction
We will be reading several short stories in a variety of genres. These stories are usually 3-5 pages long and will correlate to a classroom discussion and questions that will be answered at the end of each story. There will also be a strong focus on the Reading Apprenticeship Program which focuses on how we read and strategies to use while we are reading.
Writing Process
We will be working on many different writing projects throughout the year. These papers will range from three-paragraph papers to six-paragraph papers. Topics will range from informational, argumentative, and narrative writing. You will have a short story unit that will involve a 15-20 page short story and also a letter-writing unit. A couple of the papers will involve public speaking within the classroom and presentations. The first half of the year is focused mainly on reading while the second half of the year has more writing.
Grammar
Of course, one of my favorite areas to focus on will be grammar. We will closely examine the parts of speech and broaden our understanding of the English language and how to become better writers and speakers. There will be a strong focus on correct punctuation and spelling. Grammar will consist of using the program IXL on a regular basis.
Grading
Students who turn in any assignment late for reasons other than absence, extended illness, or an approved educational trip, will have their total score penalized in the following ways:
For formative assessments, daily assignments like reading logs, or extended activities from a particular lesson, lateness will occur a 5% deduction for each day of the first 2 days but not exceed an 11% reduction in total as stated in the handbook.
For summative assessments, tests/projects/essays/free choice book quizzes, lateness can result in a zero for the assessment. These are assessments that must be completed in a timely fashion with specific instructions given as assignments are assigned.
Extra Support
There are several options available to you for help. I am in my room by 7:00 am every day. I usually stay after school until 3:45. The library is also open from 7:30 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. with support staff. Make arrangements with me or email me with concerns: [email protected]. I will provide you with every opportunity to succeed. Take advantage of the help that is in place. Do not wait until you are overwhelmed before you seek help. Entering high school is an exciting time; get organized, manage your time, and work hard.