Materi als Needed

Notebook (to be used

as Journal)
Folder or binder to
store loose papers
Pencils
Erasers
Math Book
iPad

WELCOME TO 7TH GRADE LITERACY

The following pages contain a brief description of the class, my
expectations of students, class procedures, and the grading policy. Please
look over all sections and contact me (see contact info to the left) with any
questions you might have. I am so excited for the new school year and I
know that together we will have a successful year!
Cl ass Descri pti on
This class is a combination of English, language arts, and reading. We will
spend time reading short stories, novels and informational texts and
discussing the style and literary elements that authors use in their writing.
Writing assignments will include free writing journal prompts, and different
essays. In addition we will learn and implement the conventions of the
English language including grammar, usage, punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, etc.
We will have time in class to read, write, and share our work. In order for
class to run smoothly and unsure the success of all students there are
certain expectations.
Expectations
All students in the classroom will succeed by working together, asking
questions and exploring the texts and writing. To ensure these things can
happen I have the following behavior expectations for the class:
1. Do nothing to distract teaching or learning.
2. Be respectful of yourself, of others, and of your school.
3. Be a team player.
If a student fails to follow the expectations he or she will be given a
behavior worksheet to think about the cause of the behavior and possible
solutions. If behavior has not improved the student will be given a lunch
detention to further discuss a plan to resolve the behavior problem.


QUI CK FACTS
MS. SMI TH
7TH GRADE LI TERACY
ROOM 205
2014-2015
CONTACT INFO
E-mail:
smithk@lakeviewschools.net
(Best way to contact)

Phone:
(989) 352- 7221
extension 2205
Cl ass Websi te
http://mssmithlms.weebly.com/

Textbooks
There are two books, Heath Grammar and Holt Elements of Literature. In addition we will use
supplemental sources such as magazines, practice booklets, novels, and brochures, websites, apps., and
other handouts.
A normal day i n Li teracy. . .
Literacy class will begin with either a 5-10 minute free write topic or independent reading time. We will
then complete a short starter to review grammar or a specific literary element that we are studying.
The remainder of class time will be spent in various ways depending on our focus activity. This could
include reading as a class, reading independently, working in pairs to answer questions on a text, whole
class discussion of a novel, independent writing time, peer revi ews, book presentations, etc.
Homework
Some days students will have work to complete at home. Most homework will be an assignment that
students started in class, but needs more time to finish on their own. Students will also have some
longer projects throughout the year that they will spend time completing outside of school.
Attendance
Class attendance is essential. If you are absent it is your job to turn in the previous days assignment and
pick up any notes or materials you missed. Assignments will always be posted on the class website and
in the classroom. To turn in assignments from when you were absent be sure they are properly labeled
and dated. Fill out an absent sheet form, attach it to the top of the paper, and place it in the absent/late
work bin.
Gradi ng Scale
100- 94 A 89- 87 B+ 79- 77 C+ 69- 67 D+ 59 or lower E
93-90 A- 82- 80 B 76- 73 C 66- 63 D
86- 83 B - 72- 70 C- 62- 60 D-







Gradi ng Breakdown
NOTE: Grades for this class are given point values, not by percentages, so all of these parentages are
approximate and will vary each marking period depending upon the activities.
READING ACTIVITI ES ( 30%)
Reading activities include any short stories, novels, and informational texts we read in class and any
questions or activities students complete relating to a text. In addition students are required to read at
least one independent novel per marking period. They will share their novel with the class.

WRITING ACTIVITI ES ( 30%)
You will be required to write one paper per marking period. Paper categories include compare contrast,
argumentative, and others. We will study the components of each type of paper and look at examples
so you are aware of the paper expectations. In addition to papers we will have free write topics to begin
class. When we begin to use our iPads, each student will be able to create a blog to use as their free
writing journal.

SP EL LI NG AND VO CABULARY (15%)
You will receive a spelling and vocabulary list every other week. With the list you will get a spelling
contract with activities. You will have approximately two weeks to complete the spelling contract. The
list of activities may change throughout the school year and with the addition of technology.

GRAMMAR ACTI VI TI ES (10%)
In order to write so others understand, we must use proper English writing conventions. We will work
on short grammar lessons by completing book work, studying examples in our independent reading
novels, or looking at our own mistakes in our papers.

DAI LY STARTERS ( 5%)
You will receive completion points for coming to class and doing your best to complete the warm-up
activities. This may include mini -grammar lessons, short readings with questions, posting on a
discussion thread on Edmodo or other tasks that we do to begin our day.

PRESENTATIO NS AND DIS CUSSI ONS ( 10%)
Students will give a short presentation on their independent reading novel in order to share the book
with others and encourage everyone to read and discuss literature. We will spend some class time
discussing what we are reading and students are required to participate in on-line discussions about
texts. Discussions may be introduced with a specific question or they may be a simple "what do you
think about the text so far" question.
Technology
This year students will be provided with a school issued iPad. Technology is a great resource to further
our understanding of the topics we are studying and a wonderful tool to aid in the mastery of the
learning targets. Parents, please be sure you review the school's acceptable use policy with your
student as we will frequently be using the iPads in class. They should be brought to class each day along
with your other learning materials. We will use a few different websites in this course, including:
EDMODO
In class we will create an Edmodo account and students will be given the code to access the math
content for their specific hour. Only students from their hour will be in this group. Once students are
on edmodo I will e-mail parents with the code so they can view the site. This site will store electronic
copies of all assignments, short videos of lessons, and some on-line quizzes and assignments. More
information about edmodo will be sent out once students have their iPads.
WEEBL Y
Students and parents do not need an account to access the weebly site. I will post daily agendas on
weebly as well as links to any electronic copies of assignments. This is a great site to check if you are
absent and want to know what we are doing in class. You can access this page by going to:
http://www.mssmithlms.weebly.com/ or scanning the QR code of the first page.
BLO G STI E
As students get their iPads and become more comfortable with them they will have the option to
complete their free write and journal assignments as a blog. This site can be created using the school
issued student e-mail accounts and students will be able to continue their blog beyond this literacy
course. With blogs students are able to share their ideas with a much wider audience.
Parents,
Thank you for reading through the 7th grade literacy class information packet with your child. If you
have any questions or concerns please e-mail me at smithk@lakeviewschools.net. In addition if you did
not fill out the attached form at conferences, please fill it out and have your child return it me by
Friday September 5. Thank you and I look forward to a wonderful year.