7th Grade Language Arts Syllabus
Mrs. Welch-Bucceri (Ms. WB) jwbLanguageArts.weebly.com
[email protected] Phone: 978-567-6210
Welcome to seventh grade! I am so happy and excited to meet you all. This year you will learn about the world through the lens of novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and non-fiction. We will read and reflect, write frequently, work in literature circles, give book chats and presentations, and hold whole class discussions. You will practice your skills as a writer: narrative, analytical, and informational. Here are some guidelines for success:
Be prepared. This means arriving with the materials that you need—your Chromebook, a pencil, a planner, an IR book, an ELA binder--but that is not all. The most important part of being prepared is the attitude that you bring to school. You are only fully prepared when you come to class with an open mind, a ready-to-learn attitude, and an awareness that you are part of a community of learners who need to work together with kindness and respect.
Have a "just right” independent reading (IR) book. I'll know your book is “just right” if you stick to it, make good progress each week, and finish your book in a timely manner. Having that book with you is an important part of being prepared, of learning about the world, and of growing as a reader.
Keep all of your materials organized. You should keep current handouts in your ELA binder. Remember that while there may not be homework due every day, you will need to plan for long-term projects and set aside time to do that work.
Do your homework! Choose a homework system that works for you. Most students write down homework and project due dates in an agenda and also check Google Classroom. You will often be asked to spend time reading and tracking your progress. You will also have some long range projects that you’ll need to schedule time to complete.
What to Bring to Class:
1. A 1 ½ inch binder labelled with your LA block, name, homeroom, and locker number
2. Several clear plastic sheet protectors (I have extras if you need them)
3. Pencils and pens
4. A small amount of loose leaf paper for note-taking and writing (I have extra if you need some)
5. An independent reading book labeled with your name, locker # and homeroom
6. A homework folder that may be shared with other classes--label with name/HR/locker#
7. Your charged Chromebook
Google Classroom is where homework and assignments are posted, but not a place to look for grades. Remember: if you do not check “turned in” after checking and completing assignments, you mayl get a missing work notice!
Aspen is the teacher’s grade book. It is updated approximately every two weeks. We use it to record grades for work that has been passed in or checked. This is where grades are recorded.
Assignment guidelines: All major papers and projects should be typed and stored in your school-issued Google Docs drive. Handwritten assignments must be neat, legible, and labeled with first and last name, date, and ELA block. Work that is too messy, incomplete, or poorly executed may not be accepted. Work must be printed or submitted electronically before the start of class in order to receive full credit.
After school sessions for ELA are held on Thursday. Students can stay to do homework, work on projects, get caught up, or ask for help in any subject.
During an absence: Students should check Google Classroom as able and do their best to complete the assigned work. Email your teacher and plan on staying after as needed.
After an absence: Students should use Google Classroom to view assignments, then see Ms. WB to schedule further assistance as needed.
Classwork/Participation: 40%
This includes being prepared for class, completing classwork promptly and thoroughly, keeping a portfolio of returned work, showing excellent effort, and participating appropriately in all classroom activities.
Homework: 20%
Homework must be on time, complete, and show good effort in order to receive full credit; late homework may not be accepted.
Other Assessments: 40%
Tests, quizzes, papers, projects, open responses, reading journals, and presentations.
Communication: Seventh grade is a great year for students to practice becoming good self-advocates. Students will benefit from learning to ask their own questions, and from staying after to do homework and get additional feedback and support. Students have Gmail accounts for communicating directly with teachers about questions or concerns. Parents can also stay informed by registering for a parent account. Parents can also contact Ms. WB at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
I'm looking forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
Ms. WB