7th GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS COURSE

SYLLABUS 2016-2017
Course Description: This course is designed to help you continue to develop an appreciation of written
and spoken language. We will use oral language, written language, and technology for expressive,
argumentative, critical, and literary purposes. We will read a variety of literature including short stories,
plays, poetry, essays, and novels. Writing assignments will include journals, essays, critiques, and creative
works.
WHAT WILL WE STUDY? Our class material is derived from the South Carolina College and Career
Readiness Standards. We have designed this class to be a challenging program that will help students
develop critical thinking skills and improve writing across many topics.
WHAT WILL WE STUDY THE FIRST MONTH OF SCHOOL?
Language:
Fragments vs. sentences
Parts of speech
Identifying phrases
Dependent/ independent clauses
Simple, compound, complex, compound-complex sentences
Modifiers: misplaced, dangling
Use of commas
Quotation Marks
Reading:
Inferences
Authors Word Choice
Predications
Summarizing
Vocabulary
Writing:
Model good paragraph format/ structure/content
Model good vs. bad informational writing: format/ structure/ content
Citation: credible sources & giving credit
Paraphrasing
Summarizing
Novel Study: We will be mostly sections of novels, magazines and articles. Students will have the
opportunities to read novels as well. Our first two weeks of school, we will read sections of books and
short stories.
Independent Reading: Students are encouraged to read 15 books for each nine weeks and record in
their reading log. Most of these will be read during our independent reading time. By them maintaining this
log, they will receive extra credit at the end of the nine weeks. Every day, students are expected to bring
their independent reading books to class. I also welcome magazines, articles and online materials as well.
As long as you are reading appropriate materials and above grade level, I am happy!
Projects: We will have some independent projects that will cover the entire nine weeks. Students will
create their concept and work on researching and completing it by the end of the grading period. They will
have time to work or review in class. Students will be made aware of the due dates and have reminders
posted. Rubrics will be given so review your rubric carefully when given an assignment.
** First project: Bring in your favorite piece of literature by the end of the week. This can
range from a favorite current book, to a childhood book, magazine article, or even a song.
Please make sure that you can bring in the item to use in class. If a song or poem, please type
or write it on a sheet of paper. You need to make sure that your piece of literature is
appropriate. Please edit and make sure it follows guidelines discussed in class.

Tests: Students will have many different types of tests in Language Arts, including grammar tests,
vocabulary checks, skill based tests, projects, writing pieces, journaling, tests related to class readings,
and quizzes. Please stay on top of all test dates to be sure you are prepared.
Absences: Students will have up to five days to make up any missed work unless he/she is out for an
extended amount of time. Please follow the handbook policy located in the planner. The missed work will
be placed in a folder designated by the student. It will be kept in their number slot.
Due Dates: Please note that while general requirements and standards are the same for each Language
Arts teacher, due dates may vary slightly. Please double check the due date for your team to be sure that
your work is on time!
Parent Communication: Parent/Teacher communication is essential for student success. Feel free to
contact me at Inman or at the school email listed on the syllabus.
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