1. Bell Work: “Do Now”
Parents/Guardians – Please fill out a “Happy Gram” for your student that encourages them to have a successful and productive year.
Be sure to write your student’s name on the front of the card as well as the class period. 
Period 2-3
Period 3-4
Period 5-6
Period 6-7

2. Welcome to Mrs. Smithson’s Language Arts class ELA7

3. 7th grade…
…a shift from early grades’ focus of learning to read and learning to write, to the next step of application of what they read and integrating it into their writing.

4. Class Objectives
Discuss, define, and explore unfamiliar vocabulary words [explore tier 2 (precise language)/tier3 (subject specific)].
Identify and analyze literary elements in a variety of text.
Paraphrase and summarize information from text.
Use evidence in text to support claims in writing.
Ask relevant and focused questions to clarify understanding (Essential Questions, Bloom’s, Costa’s).

5. Reading C.A.R.S. = Comprehensive Assessment Reading Strategies
Anchor novels each quarter
Stargirl
Touching Spirit Bear
The Outsiders
The Giver

6. Writing Writing across seventh grade classes
Constructed Responses
Understanding the Writing Prompt (incl. district & state assessments)
More Writing = Better Writing

7. Vocabulary Vocabulary list given on Monday Vocabulary test on Friday
Weekly vocabulary aligns with the texts and literary terms

8. Use of Class Materials
Stapley Planner filled in with daily KNOW & HW = direct daily communication
Look for my signature (A.S.) in the “DONE” box [HW]
3-Subject Interactive Notebook (I.N.B.) – class resource pages, notes, student work
Homework – daily practice of lessons
Typically 20 minutes

9. Expectations:
Students are expected to participate in class activities: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and class discussions.
Students are expected to complete assignments independently and on time.
Students will be expected to willingly work in groups or partnerships.
Be Prompt, Prepared, Polite, Productive, & Patient

10. Online Expectations: Daily – Read the Canvas Module Page for the week
Weekly – Check grade portal (Parent & Student)

11. Grading Categories & Policy
Vocabulary = Notes, Exercises, Tests Reading Assessments = C.A.R.S. D.O.L.’s (Daily Oral Language) = Warm-Ups & Focus Worksheets Writing & Sentences = Essays, Quick-Writes, Sentence Diagramming Product Assessments = Quizzes/Tests, Projects Daily Assignments = Study Guides, HW Quarterly Exam/Portfolio = Summative Assessments, Interactive Class Notebook
**Late assignments will be assessed at 50% of the original total points possible.
Once a unit has been completed, no late work will be accepted unless due to sickenss

12. Morning Passes for Class Extention
Before school from 8:00-8:55 a.m. with scheduled meet-up
Tuesdays & Thursdays

13. Questions? Please, email me for quick response.
Mrs. Smithson