Syllabus for Literature and Language Arts

Mrs. Pollak

Class Description

         In this classroom, you will have the opportunity to learn reading and language arts along with your peers. Reading includes learning skills and techniques that will increase your comprehension, fluency and your vocabulary. This may be achieved by reading (independently and with the class) and by doing pre-reading activities pertaining to the chosen texts. We will be reading a variety of short stories, novels, non-fiction pieces, and poems while analyzing them to increase your understanding of literary terms.

          Language arts involves the process of writing and using proper grammar. You will have the opportunity to learn rules of proper writing and form. You will practice writing  by learning the writing process and writing for a purpose. The types of writing that you will learn include: essays; personal and expressive, narrative, expository, persuasive , and creative writing. In addition to these types of writing, you will have the opportunity to write news stories and features during our newspaper unit. During our poetry unit, you will create and design your own poetry books.

Evaluation

·       Quizzes- announced and unannounced quizzes based on content reading,  comprehension and note-taking. Based on a scale of 1-50 points

·       Tests/major writing assignments-100 points or more. They will be announced one week or more in advance for preparation.

·       Oral reports/projects-100 points or more. There will be many different opportunities to show your creative and artistic skills while reading and writing

·       Homework- In-class assignments and overnight homework which includes reading assignments, worksheets, packets, journal entries, or stages of writing a paper. Homework must be neat and legible (no gel pen writing or markers)

Note: Each of the above criteria will make up a certain percentage of your grade based on the emphasis of the quarter. Questions/rubrics and/or product descriptors will be handed out prior to the assignment for clarity. You will be informed of your grades by progress notices and individual conferences through out the quarter.

Supplies for both Lit and L.A.:

 In addition to your paper, pens or pencils, and your three ringed binder, you will have to bring your text books and a notebook that will be used for this class.

Seventh Grade Academic Accountability Form: Please refer to our Seventh Grade Webpage for details. Some assignment values are pending to teacher's discretion.