English 7

Ms. Boyer

Murray Jr. High

Our Goal:

In English 7, we will develop the reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking skills of effective readers and authors. We will work together in small and large groups to critically discuss and analyze texts. We will also work on all aspects of the writing process, as we complete texts in various genres. Additionally, in the first trimester of English 7, we will focus on important study skills such as organization, planner use, and time management.

Year Overview:

The theme for Grade 7 English is Identity in America. The question that will guide our learning is: What can I learn about my own identity and identity in America by studying texts by American authors?

Trimester	Genre focus	Questions we will investigate	Our major writing assignments
1	Memoir   Short Story	How do our experiences define us?   What defines a character’s identity? How do authors create character?	Memoir   Writing about our readings
2	Short Story   Poetry	How do poets express who they are through their craft?	Response to Literature essay   Poetry project
3	Novel	How is the American experience captured and expressed in a novel?	Literary Analysis essay

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

  Students will:

• Learn study skills for academic success
• Develop reading strategies and skills
• Read, discuss and critique a variety of literature, fiction and nonfiction.
• Use the writing process for a variety of purposes including memoir, poetry and response to literature.
• Strengthen your writing by building spelling, grammar and vocabulary skills.
• Enjoy reading books of your choice and sharing them with your classmates.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Be prepared and ready to participate in small and large group discussions and projects.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

• Be responsible, respectful and safe

GRADING:

• Daily assignments
• Vocabulary quizzes
• writing projects
• Class participation
• planner is filled out every day and signed by parent every week
• Late unexcused assignments will be accepted until the end of the trimester, but for reduced points.

Murray Grading Scale

90  - 100%  A        80 – 89%  B   70 – 79%  C                  60 – 69%  D                  below 60% No credit

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• composition book
• Bring your silent reading book to class everyday.
• Student planner
• Pen/pencil
• Markers or crayons and other art supplies as needed
• Sense of humor

I hope you will appreciate how powerful words can be, your own and others.  I am excited to teach you.  If you have any questions/concerns please call me at 293-8740, or e-mail Elizabeth.boyer@spps.org

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I understand this class overview and agree to do my best to encourage my student this year.

Parent/Guardian__________________________________________________

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I understand this class overview and agree to do my best in English.

Student________________________________________________________

Date__________________