7th ELA

7th & 8th Grade English Language Arts                                       Ms. Bradley

Course Description:   Welcome to 7th and 8th grade ELA!  Over the course of this year, you will further develop the grammar and writing concepts you need to have in your “toolbox” to be successful communicators.  You will have many opportunities to write, from journals to paragraphs, cartoons to essays. Research has shown that good readers make good writers; therefore, we will read extensively.  We will read articles, essays, periodicals and other materials, many of your own choosing.

Texts:

• Write Source & Collections
• Various supplemental texts I’ll provide, including newspapers, magazines, short stories, novels, and poems.

Expectations:  As Desert Sky Dragons, we will follow the F. I. R. E. acronym to govern our classroom behaviors and expectations: Focus, Integrity, Respect, Excellence. We will discuss these often and decide what they look like in our classroom. A few things we will discuss include:

• Be in your seat, prepared and ready to work when the bell rings.
• Hand in assignments ON-TIME.  Take initiative when absent.
• Listen when I or others speak.  I promise you will have time to communicate with those around you for a variety of reasons. 
• Conduct yourself in a respectful manner.  Use appropriate language, positive comments and positive non-verbals.  We will work together, as a team, on many assignments and need a comfortable environment for everyone to feel free to contribute.
• Participate in your education!  Contribute your thoughts and questions often. 

Policies:

• Late work: Late work IS accepted; however, one letter deduction will be taken from score for each day late.
• Bathroom/water fountain:  maximum of 2 per day. Bring clear water bottles for classroom. 
• Cellphones:  leave in backpacks.

Materials Needed:

1. Pens/pencils  2. Two spiral notebooks  3. Loose leaf paper 4. Two folders   5. Earbuds (if possible)  

You will be graded on:                                                     Grading System:

• Participation!                                                                A  90-100%     
• Assignments, quizzes, tests.                                      B 80-89
• Semester exam.       .                                                C  70-79 
• Book/novel projects.                                                D  60-69
• Projects                                                                           F 0-59
• Homework 

GRADING SYSTEM: 50% Tests and Quizzes

                                    50% Classwork, homework, and/or Projects.                                                            

I look forward to learning with each of you!  I am available before and after school for any additional needs.  Also, please make sure to access Class Dojo, as I will communicate with you daily/weekly and be accessible through that as well.  With your participation, positive attitude and commitment, I believe we will have a wonderfully productive year.