Mr. Zelle
English 7 Course Overview
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An Introduction: English 7 is a course that will focus on building student skills in the areas of reading and writing. The reading will explore a variety of genres, including the novel, short stories, poetry and drama. Writing exercises will range from creative writing to formal essay writing to weekly journal entries. Day to day class will involve students in discussions, peer editing, small group work and creative drama. Students will also work on study skills such as taking notes and highlighting texts as well as expanding their mastery of vocabulary and grammar. The success of the class will depend to a large degree on all of us creating a positive and safe learning environment where students and their ideas are treated with respect. By bringing language to life we will strive to gain a greater appreciation for literature while continuing to develop our own writing talents.
Supplies:
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Spiral Notebook
Daily Planner
2 Pocket Folders
Hardbound Journal
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Other supplies may be needed for various projects throughout the year.
Class Expectations: These guidelines will be keys to having a successful learning experience for all in this class.
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- Come prepared and be on time.
- Be an Active Learner.
- Treat others with respect.
- Practice good listening skills.
- Keep up with nightly assignments.
- Be willing to share your work.
- Take on a few risks and challenges.
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Homework and Grading: Students will receive an assignment nearly every night in this class. Some projects may give students more freedom in organizing their time, but due dates will be strictly enforced. Students will be busy whether they are reading a short story, writing in their journals or preparing for a vocabulary quiz. Students who are having trouble keeping up will receive homework notes, which will be sent home to keep parents informed. If a student knows in advance that they will have a hard time meeting a particular deadline I encourage them to talk with me about their situation.
Grading will be done on a point system with nightly work often worth 5 points and larger assignments worth anywhere from 25-50 points. Not all student work will be collected, nor will all collected work be graded. At the end of a quarter a student’s points will be added up and a percentage determined from this total. That percentage will be the primary factor in assessing a student’s grade, but things such as class participation, effort, attitude and improvement will be taken into consideration. I look forward to a great year in English 7 for what promises to be an exciting learning experience for all.
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| Unit | Sample Lesson/Activity/Assessment |
Reading Short Stories
(The No Talent Kid Raymond’s Run,
The Street, The Sea Devil, The Most Dangerous Game) | Short Story Test:
The Basic Elements of Literature |
| Creative Writing Workshop | Creating a Character |
Call of the Wild
by Jack London | Writing an Essay |
Poet in Residence
(John Micenski) | Poetry Boards, Publishing Poetry |
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
by William Shakespeare | Performing Shakespearean Drama |
Make Lemonade
by Virginia Euwer Woolf |
Social Action Project
(Issues to be determined by students) |
| Outside Reading: | |
| Books to Film | Compare and Contrast Essay |
| Book Ads | Media Literacy, Creating Advertisements |
| Journaling, Vocabulary and Grammar | Ongoing throughout the year
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