Advisory Advisory period: Mondays & Thursdays: 2:41-3:15pm  Executive Functioning  Peer Relationships Role of Advisor  Your child’s adult advocate at school  Can assist with general questions and concerns  Help students deal with absences both planned and unplanned Specific class questions: ask teacher Specific administrative questions: ask Mrs. Wallace How to reach me:  ext 

7 th Grade English Language Arts Joseph Sears School Linda Tiesse

7 th Grade English Language Arts (ELA) Common Core State Standards  The Common Core is a set of high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA). These learning goals outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade.  The Sears ELA curriculum is aligned with the Common Core (Illinois Learning Standards)

Writing The writing process: pre-write draft revision editing final copy Six Traits: idea, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions/presentation

Writing Writing instruction will focus on these forms: writing good paragraphs analytical thinking personal narrative argumentative research comparison/contrast Helping students at home…

Critical Analysis Students will analyze texts through a variety of written responses. The objective is to develop evidence-based explanations to questions. Instruction will focus on developing strong, well-organized responses.

Grammar Text: Elements of Language  Grammar will be taught using mini-lessons.  Lessons will emphasize sentence structure, parts of speech, and punctuation.

Literature  Literary Elements and Devices  Close Reading  Critical Analysis  Vocabulary

Literature Literary Elements  Setting, plot, character, conflict, theme Devices  Symbolism, foreshadowing, flashback, imagery, metaphor, simile, personification, mood, tone, author’s purpose

Close Reading “Close, analytic reading stresses engaging with a text of sufficient complexity directly and examining meaning thoroughly and methodically, encouraging students to read and reread deliberately.” (PARRC, pg. 7) Understand central ideas & key supporting details Reflect on the meaning of individual words & sentences Understanding the development of ideas Author’s purpose and meaning

Critical Analysis A focus in literature instruction is the critical analysis of fiction and non-fiction texts  Literary elements within texts and between texts: characters, events, setting, themes  Author’s use of literary devices  Finding evidence to support claims

Literature Selections  Short Stories  Nonfiction Articles  Realistic Fiction: The Outsiders  Historical Fiction: Civil Rights Unit: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry  Nonfiction: Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World  Shakespeare: Twelfth Night  Nonfiction: Chasing Lincoln’s Killer  Fantasy: The Dark is Rising, The Golden Compass, A Wrinkle in Time

Independent Reading Students will be assigned several Independent Reading Reports this year. They may choose any book they want to read, however, I must approve the choice. Students are required to complete a project for each book. Projects will include writing, art and oral presentations. The focus of the report is following directions and writing clearly about the book. Due dates for projects will be given approximately one month ahead of time..

Assignments Students are required to use an assignment book. Time will be given each day in class to record assignments. Homework includes vocabulary, grammar, reading assignments, and long-term projects. Long term assignment due dates will be posted on my web page.

Work Expectations If a major assignment is late:  1 day late – 10% grade reduction  2 days late – 20% grade reduction  3 days late – Final Grade 60%. Parents notified. Students will make up work and possibly receive a detention.  If work is not completed, student will receive a zero. Daily homework (grammar, vocabulary, literature assignments):  Students receive a minus in grade book for late assignments  After 3 late daily homework assignments, parents will be called.  Students are expected to make up all late work.  Students will not be allowed to retake tests or create extra credit to boost grades.  Neatness counts.

Grading Scale Supplies : A : A 92-91: A : B : B 82-81: B : C : C 72-71: C : D : D- 60-0: U Students are expected to have their supplies in class. These supplies include, but are not limited to: writing utensils, paper, assignment notebook and books. Each student must have a spiral for Language Arts. I will periodically check to make sure students have their supplies. Missing supplies will result in a “ zero ” for homework that day. After three zeros, I will call home.

Communication Phone number: ext: I am looking forward to a great year!!