We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.
Ernest Hemingway
Course Description 7th grade English at Del Mar Middle School operates as a transition year in English. We consider it a bridge from developing the passionate reader to developing the passionate analytical reader, thinker, and writer. Students regularly practice analytical ways of reading literature and composing written work to interpret what they've read; students are also asked to argue for or against ideas and beliefs conveyed in course texts. Students focus on effective written and spoken communication, whether expository, argumentative, fictional, or poetic. A command of the English language is emphasized through the development of vocabulary and grammar--including parts of speech, parts of a sentence, and punctuation.
7th grade students use reading strategies as well as the inquiry model of constructing meaning in texts to tackle increasingly complex reading material. These strategies provide students with the foundation for effective life-long reading comprehension across the genres. 7th grade English reading begins with a focus on short works of fiction in order to review and master the literary elements of story and to provide a common language students will use in middle school, high school, and college to analyze literature. We will transition from the short story to the novel with our reading of Wonder. We will study the various roles conflict plays in the lives of individuals and communities. We will look at conflict resolution or problem solving as a catalyst for innovation as we read biographies and autobiographies.
Writing units will include personal and fictional narrative, argument, creative nonfiction, expository texts, dramatic works including playwriting and screenwriting and poetry. Students will expand their notion of genre by producing written work such as blogs, podcasts, and websites in order to become well-versed in 21st century skills.
Lastly, 7th grade students will improve their public speaking skills through the practice of various forms of public address. Students will use some of their written work for this purpose. Units for public speaking will include personal statement, original prose, and argument. In addition, students will be expected to participate in Socratic Seminar discussions of the literary works we consider in class as well as some of their independent reading.
Materials Students are required to have the following materials for class each day.
Several #2 pencils with erasers Two pens (black or blue) 2-inch binder College-ruled notebook paper Single-Subject notebook/composition book Standard colored pencil set (8+ colors) Charged and properly functioning laptop w/ a charger USB Storage Drive Headphones
Grading Policy Projects and Essays (50-100 points) Classwork and Homework (10 points) Quizzes and Exams (20-100 points)
Student grades will be posted regularly on Powerschool.
Guiding Questions Multiple classroom assignments and activities will be designed towards students developing the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply their learning to the specific essential questions listed below.
How are stories formed? How does society influence and shape us? How can I remain an individual within society? What is my role in society, and how do I fit in? How does one persuade others?
Through the course of this year, students will complete assignments that answer each of the questions listed above using the information they have gained from their studies in this classroom.
Writing All students will keep an organized writing portfolio and reading journal. Specific instructions on how to organize these instruments will be provided in class. Students are encouraged to make updating and reviewing their portfolios and journals a regular routine. Checks will be conducted regularly.
Class Participation Activities designed to help students master the Common Core standards will be a part of every class period. These activities vary in scope and include skill builders, experiential exercises, problem solving group and partner work, class discussions, debates, writing exercises, and role-plays.
Projects Students are expected to complete one major project each trimester along with several smaller ones throughout the trimester. The main project will be to produce a collaborative product with a team. Students will also be expected to deliver high-quality individual work to the assigned project. Students will be graded for their individual work and will receive a team grade. The team grade WILL NOT impact a students individual grade.
Exams Exams are designed to assess the material students are learning and will be given at the end of each unit.
Homework Students can expect to have homework regularly. Students are assigned 30 minutes of reading every night (as per district policy). In addition, all students are expected to review writing genres, vocabulary, and English grammar, usage, and mechanics. Short writing assignments that encourage students to critically think about content will be assigned. Often students will be asked to complete a project or activity they began in class for homework, and they may be required to collaborate with other students out of class to complete assignments. Any assignment not submitted will initially be recorded as a zero in the grade book.
Make-Up and Late Work - Students should arrange with another student, or check the class website, to get class information in case of absence. Assignments and due dates are posted on the course website. Students are responsible for the material missed during an absence, and if a student misses an exam, a make-up exam will be given once the student returns. Major work will be accepted with 5% of the total grade deducted for each day late (with exceptions for excused absences). Students may retake assessments on which they score 70% or below.