LISA TURRILL

SEVENTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS

WARREN ELEMENTARY

373-4937 EXT. 121

 

 

Course Description

 

Language Arts consists of the following parts:

 

  • English – Grammar (parts of speech, punctuation, usage of language)
  • Composition – Writing (structuring  of paragraphs to fit writing prompts)
  • Literature – Exploring selections for information, such as the what, where, when, how, why, and who.  At this level, Literature does not usually include learning to read, but rather vocabulary and why things happen are primarily the focus.

 

Class Design

 

All aspects of grammar are taught for this level; however, specific lessons that affect student writing are mainly the focus.  Homework is usually brief and could actually be completed fairly quickly because the focus for grammar will be more apparent in writing assignments. 

 

Composition lessons are usually completed by the beginning of the second semester.  The how-to of writing is done in class with overhead transparencies and examples for students to look at as we read and discuss.  After the how-to lessons are taught, we focus on writing that is more enjoyable, such as projects dealing with creativity on the student’s part.

 

Literature is taught from selections in our text and some outside resources that I will be providing, such as articles and other books.  Vocabulary is given for selections read, for which students are responsible.

 

Major Course Projects

 

A book report each nine weeks is a major contributor to the student’s grades in Literature.  Students are responsible for finding books written by assigned authors and then completing a project over that selection, such as power points, brochures, and posters.  Much, but not all,  of the technology involved with these projects will be completed in our Technology class taught by another of your student’s teachers.  Some technology outside of class time may be required.

 

A research paper is also completed in the spring, wherein students will be assigned a research topic and be responsible for finding information that we will put together to form a research paper.  This assignment will be a major contribution to Composition class for the fourth nine weeks.

 

Resources:

 

Aside from our Literature text, we will be using a book called “Flipped” written by Wendelin Van Draanen.

 

Grading System:

 

Grammar - Usually daily homework is assigned very little points, as I am more interested in being able to know if students understand a concept. As a class, we will simply go over homework for students to see how well they understood.   Chapter tests for 100 points are given at the ends of each chapter.

 

Literature - Projects assigned that coincide with stories read will usually be worth 20-50 points, depending on how much work would be required to complete each one.  Tests in Literature are typically worth 35-40 points and will consist of five vocabulary questions, four choosing the best answer questions (comprehension), and one essay worth fifteen points.

 

Book reports are usually worth 150-200 points, depending on what the assignment is after reading the book.

 

Composition – There is usually a weekly writing assignment worth 100 points.  Students are generally required to correct mistakes for further points.

 

Additional Information:

 

Just because there may not be a worksheet, project, or test due at any particular time, studying and making sure students understand what was presented in class that day is imperative.  Reviewing notes and studying vocabulary words are an everyday assignment.