Syllabus

7th Grade Language Arts Syllabus 2011-2012

Instructor: Mrs. Jane Laux Contact Info: School: 356-2102; hom e: 205-8134 Email: jlaux@west-fargo.k12.nd.us Blog: [] Class Website: https://stemlaux.wikispaces.com/ Team website: https://sites.google.com/site/stem7thgradeteachers/

This course will incorporate reading, speaking and listening skills. Areas of instruction include listening skills, oral language skills, reading skills, vocabulary, literature, word parts, literary analysis, and research skills.
 * Course Description: **


 * Course Objectives: **
 * **Language: ** Usage, mechanics, spelling, definition, punctuation, sentence structure
 * **Communication: ** Listening skills, basic speaking skills
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Writing: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Write for a variety of purposes to different audiences, write in various modes and genres, resources for the six steps of the writing process
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Research: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Identify and narrow a topic, gather information from a variety of sources, present research results in a written report
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Logic: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Enhance thoughtful reasoning and facilitate learning, make inferences and draw conclusions, apply logic skills
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Informational Text: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Comprehend informational text, recognize the different features of informational texts (e.g., separate text boxes, diagrams, captions, charts, graphs)
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Media: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Recognize that media can be a source of information and/or entertainment, use media to publish and present information
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Literature: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading, various literary genres and their characteristics, basic literary terms (e.g., setting, point of view, simile, metaphor, rhythm)

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Classroom activities involve students in various performance tasks. Teaching approaches include modeling, lecture, class discussion, multi-media presentations, written assignments, small group work, games, and activities with manipulatives. Lessons include visual, auditory, and kinesthetic components whenever possible. Students are encouraged to work together and to discuss their thinking. Individualized instruction is offered as appropriate. Students will also be connecting our concepts to the Engineering Design Process, as well as other content areas.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Teaching Methods: **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Grades are based on writing assignments, journals, reading requirements, homework, projects, vocabulary, in-class assignments and quizzes. Grades reflect a standard A to F scale. Grades will be available on an on-going basis via the online access program. If an assignment is missing, it will be recorded as a zero and marked as missing. Missing assignments can be submitted within a specified time frame, but not after the quarter ends.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Grading: **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Extra credit: Students will be given a 10% early turn in bonus for any assignments turned in at least 24 hours before they are due.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">****You must not throw anything away in Language Arts class this year unless I ask you to throw something away. We will continually use assignments throughout the year and for conferences. **** **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">A classroom community requires specific behaviors that will provide an atmosphere conducive to <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">learning. The standards of conduct expected in each learning situation are as follows: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">● Be seated and ready to learn as soon as class begins. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">● Have all homework assignments, resources, and class materials ready. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">● Follow directions and pay attention during class. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">● Be attentive and respectful when another speaks.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Student Behavior: **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Students MUST always have a chapter book with them. The following materials are also necessary for success:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Materials: **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Lined Paper and or a notebook—need to re-stock regularly <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Pencils/Pens—need to re-stock regularly <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Index cards <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Agenda <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Thumb drive for use in all classes is very helpful <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">An email address

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">This course is scheduled to meet daily. WE may try other things like: Rotating classes daily on the schedule so that no class is always the first or the last of the day. We may also try to have an extended STEM time day to work more in-depth on global issues or STEM projects. We will also travel to the Cheney Library to check out books every other Monday.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Weekly Schedule: **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Classroom Library Policy and Procedure **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Students are welcome to check out any of the books in our classroom library. Each student can take __one book out at a time__. You can look up and search our classroom library by going to Mrs. Laux’s Blog and entering the virtual classroom library:

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Books are shelved alphabetically by title. To take out a book, place your paint stir stick in the spot of the book and check it out with Mrs. Laux or the classroom librarian. When a student is finished with a book, they should return it to Mrs. Laux.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">******Students are responsible for the care of books they check out. If a book is lost or too badly damaged to read, the student will be responsible for replacing that book.******** **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">PARENTS:

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">You can expect that I will provide a safe and positive learning environment in my classroom. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to speaking with you and would greatly appreciate your help and support in making this year a great experience for your child!

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">-

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Cut and sign here…please keep the syllabus for your LA binder and return the bottom half to Mrs. Laux by Friday, August 26, 2011.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">I have read this syllabus and understand the requirements, rules and responsibilities involved in being in this class. I am going to make this a GREAT year in Language Arts by being prepared, being responsible, and doing my best at all times.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Student signature ____________________________________________________________________

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Parent signature ____________________________________________________________________