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Ms. Wagner’s 7 Grade English Language Arts Syllabus

In seventh grade, we build on the strategies, skills, and positive habits formed over your past years of learning. By
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the end of 7 grade, it is my goal that all students will love to read, write, and will feel confident and enthusiastic
about their abilities in all aspects of language arts.

Materials:
• 2 Notebooks:
o One notebook for vocab/grammar, lecture notes (genre notes), reading/writing notes (subjected or not)
o One notebook for response journal
§ Current events reflection
§ Sustained writing prompts/exercises.
• 1 binder with tabs
o Tabs: Word Generation, Vocabulary HW & Tests, Genre Notes, Published Work, others TBD.
• 1 ‘pencil container’.
o This will house the vocabulary flashcards you write throughout the year.
Extra- If you are able, the class would be VERY appreciative if you could donate ANY of the following items; extra
pencils, tissue/Kleenex, hand sanitizer (foam is preferred), and/or band aids. Thank you! J

Academic Routines:
As best as we can, the class will follow this 3-week routine:
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

-Introduce Word -Genre Study -Genre Study -Genre Study -Word Generation
Generation article assessment/application activity
WEEK 1

-Take WG notes
EC: Word Gen ‘essay’. 3-5
HW: WG sentences on HW: WG sentences on DUE: WG sentences due paragraphs answering WG
vocab worksheet, due vocab worksheet, due focus question with ALL words.
Wednesday tomorrow
-Introduce new -SSR reading day -Genre Study -Genre Study -Genre Study
vocabulary set -Work on SSR bookmark…
WEEK 2

collecting and defining

words HW: Expanded/Revised
HW: Vocab sentences HW: Vocab sentences due DUE: Vocab sentence due Journal Entry due MON
due Wednesday tomorrow
-Genre study -Genre Study -Vocab study day -Vocab test day SSR Project Due Date
-Kahoot -Opportunity to turn in and/or
DUE: Expanded/revised -Study guide Words include: present
Journal Entry (5) Word Gen words -Read SSR book for project
WEEK 3

HW: Study guide due tomorrow. (10-15) Vocab words -Work on project *in class*
nd
EC: Turn in a 2 journal Flash cards are due tomorrow. (5) SSR vocab words -Missing work
entry. EC: Independent reading vocab -Free write
(up to 10) DUE: Study guide due
*can not be turned in No HW!
late*

• Reading Logs- part of being a prepared reader and writer depends on practicing! Like any other skill (if
not especially for), reading and writing take A LOT OF PRATICE! Each week and month, you will focus on
creating and sustaining positive reading habits. You will be tasked to read 100 minutes per week (only 5 days
of 20 minutes! or just over 3 days of 30 minutes!) , then record your minutes on your reading log. At the
beginning of each new month, you will turn in your reading packet for credit of your hard work.

• W ord Generation: There will be 10 Word Generation topics assigned throughout the year. We will spend
the first Monday of WEEK 1 reading and unpacking our WG packets. In class, we will read and interpret
the main article, take notes of the vocabulary words (definitions, synonyms, example sentences), and then
do a real-life application activity on Friday. W hile W G is not a district-required initiative anymore,
I think it is a great ‘pre-SAT’ activity to learn new cross-curricular words! I make it a priority
to guide students to make real world connections a wide range of new words.
o WG words will also be incorporated into the vocab tests during WEEK 3.

• Vocabulary/Grammar- aside from the WG words you will learn this year, you will also focus on other
vocabulary. During WEEK 2, you will get at least 15 words. It would be ideal to study these separate words
on off weeks to Word Generation. Your vocabulary will be a mix of general grammar, curriculum words,
and ‘age appropriate’ memorization words. Vocabulary notes will be written in your notebook.

Late W ork:
Work that is later than 2 weeks past the due date will not be accepted. Any other late credit within two weeks
after the assigned due date will be accepted for full credit.
 Reading/W riting Units : (In no particular order- novels/stories are TBA)

Independent Reading- SSR projects and reading logs
Word Study- Word Generation & Vocabulary notes
Argumentative- Claim/Evidence/Reasoning writing
Research: Cause and Effect- Historical Event
research
Creative Writing- Memoir writing
Poetry- reading and writing poetry/slam poetry
Mystery- 10 minute mysteries, short stories,
collaborative spooky story writing
Mythology- short stories, Gods/Goddesses study, genre
study
Speaking and Listening- SSR presentations, book club
participation

Powerschool
Each quarter, grades will be weighted by total points earned instead of categories being weighted themselves.
This is because one quarter may have more activities focused in one category than the other, depending on which
units we were working on. Listed below are the main categories assignments will be listed under.
Reading- Speaking and Listening
• Participating in SSR/group books • Participation: SSR presentations
• Completing SSR project (4 total) • Participation: Listening
Writing- Vocabulary and Spelling-
• Journal • Vocabulary activities/tests
• Genre writing assignments • Word Generation
• WG Writing

SSR Books:
You will be required to have your own Silent Sustained Reading book (of your choosing) with you at all times. You
will need to have something to read during bell work time, “down time”, advisory time… any time!

You will be required to complete one “SSR Project” per quarter. Refer to the YELLOW handout given at the
beginning of the school year with all of the requirements.

Technology Agreement:
We use technology a lot in ELA! We use iPads for Kahoot review, research, and collaborative typing. If a student
chooses to misuse technology during an assignment or work time, an immediate deduction to that specific assignment
(if applicable) will be made. That will serve as a warning for technology usage. A second offense will result in a loss
of privileges and work time for the remainder of that unit.

Cell phones- cell phones should not be brought to or used in class. The first time they cause a disruption in class I will
hold onto the phone until the end of class. If it disturbs class again, the cell phone will be available for pick up in the
main office.

Citizenship:
Each quarter each student will be assessed on their ‘school citizenship’ in each class. This is my interpretation of the
scale. Please refer to this chart when citizenship marks are recorded each quarter.

1- Excellent 2- Above Average 3- Average 4-Below Average 5- Poor

Noticeable enthusiasm to Active and frequent
learn and participate, participation, asks for
volunteers to help others, help if needed. Timely and
works above and beyond. responsible with almost
all work.
Where students ‘should’ Pays attention sometimes, Needs frequent
be. Typically focused, could pay attention more. redirection, not usually
respectful, responsible. Has some missing/late prepared. Is not
Shows effort and assignments. May be compliant with class or
participation. distracting or disruptive. school expectations.

Communication
Beyond communicating via phone or e-mail about specific students day-to-day, I send out an ‘update’ e-mail blast that
describes the cycle’s worth of topics and assignment reminders at the beginning of each new cycle. This should
answer many questions you might have!

Rubric Grading
On many assessments, students will be graded on a 4 point ‘mastery’ scale. This is an abbreviated scale to refer to.
0 1 2 3 4
50% and < 60-69% 70-79% 80-89% 90-100%
No evidence of skill Inadequate demonstration Moving in the right Meets target with some Independently understand
application. of skill. Beginning to direction. Demonstrates support. Shows and applies skill. Shows
understand skill, not ready partial understanding. Is understanding. Needs clear mastery.
for concrete application. still developing. minimal practice to master.
 th
Ms. Wagner’s 8 Grade English Language Arts Syllabus

In eighth grade, we reinforce the strategies, skills, and positive habits formed over your past years of learning. By
th
the end of 8 grade, it is my goal that all students will feel more confident and enthusiastic about their abilities in all
aspects of language arts.

Materials:
• 2 Notebooks:
o One notebook for vocab/grammar, lecture notes (genre notes), reading/writing notes (subjected or not)
o One notebook for response journal
§ Current events reflection
§ Sustained writing prompts/exercises.
• 1 binder with tabs
o Tabs: Word Generation, Vocabulary HW & Tests, Genre Notes, Published Work, others TBD.
• 1 ‘pencil container’.
o This will house the vocabulary flashcards you write throughout the year.
Extra- If you are able, the class would be VERY appreciative if you could donate ANY of the following items; extra
pencils, tissue/Kleenex, hand sanitizer (foam is preferred), and/or band aids. Thank you! J

Academic Routines:
As best as we can, the class will follow this 3-week routine:
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

-Introduce Word -Genre Study -Genre Study -Genre Study -Word Generation
Generation article assessment/application activity
WEEK 1

-Take WG notes
EC: Word Gen ‘essay’. 3-5
HW: WG sentences on HW: WG sentences on DUE: WG sentences due paragraphs answering WG
vocab worksheet, due vocab worksheet, due focus question with ALL words.
Wednesday tomorrow
-Introduce new -SSR reading day -Genre Study -Genre Study -Genre Study
vocabulary set -Work on SSR bookmark…
WEEK 2

collecting and defining

words HW: Expanded/Revised
HW: Vocab sentences HW: Vocab sentences due DUE: Vocab sentence due Journal Entry due MON
due Wednesday tomorrow
-Genre study -Genre Study -Vocab study day -Vocab test day SSR Project Due Date
-Kahoot -Opportunity to turn in and/or
DUE: Expanded/revised -Study guide Words include: present
Journal Entry (5) Word Gen words -Read SSR book for project
WEEK 3

HW: Study guide due tomorrow. (10-15) Vocab words -Work on project *in class*
nd
EC: Turn in a 2 journal Flash cards are due tomorrow. (5) SSR vocab words -Missing work
entry. EC: Independent reading vocab -Free write
(up to 10) DUE: Study guide due
*can not be turned in No HW!
late*

• Reading Logs- part of being a prepared reader and writer depends on practicing! Like any other skill (if
not especially for), reading and writing take A LOT OF PRATICE! Each week and month, you will focus on
creating and sustaining positive reading habits. You will be tasked to read 100 minutes per week (only 5 days
of 20 minutes! or just over 3 days of 30 minutes!) , then record your minutes on your reading log. At the
beginning of each new month, you will turn in your reading packet for credit of your hard work.

• W ord Generation: There will be 10-15 Word Generation topics assigned throughout the year. We will
spend the first Monday of WEEK 1 reading and unpacking our WG packets. In class, we will read and
interpret the main article, take notes of the vocabulary words (definitions, synonyms, example sentences),
and then do a real-life application activity on Friday. W hile W G is not a district-required initiative
anymore, I think it is a great ‘pre-SAT’ activity to learn new cross-curricular words! I make
it a priority to guide students to make real world connections a wide range of new words.
o WG words will also be incorporated into the vocab tests during WEEK 3.

• Vocabulary/Grammar- aside from the WG words you will learn this year, you will also focus on other
vocabulary. During WEEK 2, you will get at least 15 words. It would be ideal to study these separate words
on off weeks to Word Generation. Your vocabulary will be a mix of general grammar, curriculum words,
and ‘age appropriate’ memorization words. Vocabulary notes will be written in your notebook.

Late W ork:
Work that is later than 2 weeks past the due date will not be accepted. Any other late credit within two weeks
after the assigned due date will be accepted for full credit.
 Reading/W riting Units : (In no particular order- some novels/stories are TBA)

Independent Reading- SSR projects and reading logs Argumentative/Persuade- Claim/Evidence/Reasoning

Word Study- Word Generation & Vocabulary notes
Research: Cause and Effect- Historical Event
research
Literary Analysis- Historical Fiction (Pairs with
Research)
writing (Real World Writing)
Creative Writing- This I Believe/ Speech Writing
Cloze Reading- Science Fiction (Jurassic Park)
Genre Study: Realistic Fiction (The Outsiders)
Speaking and Listening- SSR presentations, book club
participation

Powerschool
Each quarter, grades will be weighted by total points earned instead of categories being weighted themselves.
This is because one quarter may have more activities focused in one category than the other, depending on which
units we were working on. Listed below are the main categories assignments will be listed under.
Reading- Speaking and Listening
• Participating in SSR/group books • Participation: SSR presentations
• Completing SSR project (4 total) • Participation: Listening
Writing- Vocabulary and Spelling-
• Journal • Vocabulary activities/tests
• Genre writing assignments • Word Generation
• WG Writing

SSR Books:
You will be required to have your own Silent Sustained Reading book (of your choosing) with you at all times. You
will need to have something to read during bell work time, “down time”, advisory time… any time!

You will be required to complete one “SSR Project” per quarter. Refer to the YELLOW handout given at the
beginning of the school year with all of the requirements.

Technology Agreement:
We use technology a lot in ELA! We use iPads for Kahoot review, research, and collaborative typing. If a student
chooses to misuse technology during an assignment or work time, an immediate deduction to that specific assignment
(if applicable) will be made. That will serve as a warning for technology usage. A second offense will result in a loss
of privileges and work time for the remainder of that unit.

Cell phones- cell phones should not be brought to or used in class. The first time they cause a disruption in class I will
hold onto the phone until the end of class. If it disturbs class again, the cell phone will be available for pick up in the
main office.

Citizenship:
Each quarter each student will be assessed on their ‘school citizenship’ in each class. This is my interpretation of the
scale. Please refer to this chart when citizenship marks are recorded each quarter.

1- Excellent 2- Above Average 3- Average 4-Below Average 5- Poor

Noticeable enthusiasm to Active and frequent
learn and participate, participation, asks for
volunteers to help others, help if needed. Timely and
works above and beyond. responsible with almost
all work.
Where students ‘should’ Pays attention sometimes, Needs frequent
be. Typically focused, could pay attention more. redirection, not usually
respectful, responsible. Has some missing/late prepared. Is not
Shows effort and assignments. May be compliant with class or
participation. distracting or disruptive. school expectations.

Communication
Beyond communicating via phone or e-mail about specific students day-to-day, I send out an ‘update’ e-mail blast that
describes the cycle’s worth of topics and assignment reminders at the beginning of each new cycle. This should
answer many questions you might have!

Rubric Grading
On many assessments, students will be graded on a 4 point ‘mastery’ scale. This is an abbreviated scale to refer to.
0 1 2 3 4
50% and < 60-69% 70-79% 80-89% 90-100%
No evidence of skill Inadequate demonstration Moving in the right Meets target with some Independently understand
application. of skill. Beginning to direction. Demonstrates support. Shows and applies skill. Shows
understand skill, not ready partial understanding. Is understanding. Needs clear mastery.
for concrete application. still developing. minimal practice to master.
NAME: _____________________ DATE: ____________ HOUR:____

Syllabus Reflection. Try and complete with your parent/guardian/adult/mentor, if you can! Use the back if necessary.

1) What are your first thoughts after going over the syllabus?

2) There’s something important referring to the Technology Agreement. Before we discuss it in class, please
answer this question: Do you believe it is important to have technology accountability? Why or why not?

3) Read the “paragraph” about late work. Describe your understanding- (in your own words). What do you think
about the 2-week rule?

4) Look over the 3-week cycle calendar. How many opportunities do you have for extra credit? What are they?

5) What is one of the most important things Ms. Wagner stressed about the SSR Project packet/rubric?

6) Describe your understanding of the SSR Project presentation requirements. Where can you sign up for a
presentation slot?

7) Read the few sentences about Rubric Grading. What is your experience and thoughts about rubric grading
from last year?

8) What questions do you have as we begin our year? (Pertaining to the outline of the class).

Agreement-

I _____________________(print your name) agree that I have read the syllabus (at least once in class) and have

reviewed it with my parent/guardian/adult/mentor _____________________________ (signature). I am eager to

have a GREAT year! J

****Parent/guardian/adult/mentor: W hat is your PREFERRED way to be contacted during the school

today to communicate with you about your child? Please clearly list your preferred e-mail or phone
number that I can reach you, or another adult at(especially during school hours!).****