7th Grade Literature
READERS are LEADERS at LMS!
by Jackie Tappan
7th Grade
Literature
Classroom Policies and Procedures
This class is designed to broaden your appreciation of literature and to strengthen your reading and writing skills. We will be reading a variety of literature genres and will be responding to our reading through class discussions, reading journals, and writing assignments. An emphasis will be placed on the following text types: narrative, expository, technical and persuasive. Students will also be taught reading strategies to help them increase their comprehension and fluency. Outside reading will be required. All reading standards set by the State of Kansas will be covered throughout the year.
Materials Needed
1. Agenda Planner– Bring your Agenda Planner every day. You are responsible for keeping track of your class and homework assignments and are expected to record them in your planner. Your planner also contains your hall pass and is needed to leave the room.
2. Writing Utensils – Please bring a pencil, pen (black or blue ink), and highlighter to class each day.
3. Notebook Paper–Bring loose leaf notebook paper or a spiral notebook with perforated edges each day.
4. Accelerated Reader Book/AR Reading Log– It is very important to bring your AR book with you each day. You will need your book so that you can earn points and complete assignments in your reading journal. You will need to keep track of your reading minutes on your AR reading log which is also your ticket to take a test. Don't forget it!
5. Classroom Text– Our classroom text is Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes(Prentice Hall).These texts will be kept in the room, but may be checked out as needed.
Grading Policy
Your literature grade will
be based on the number of points you earn. Class participation, effort, and
behavior will be a factor in your grade. Your grade is based on the
following:
1. Daily Work – Daily work consists of in-class assignments, entries in your reading journal, projects, and cooperative learning activities. All work must be legible and neat and contain the proper heading.
2. Tests & Quizzes – This category includes homework quizzes, lesson quizzes, and unit tests. Advance notice will be given for all unit tests.
3. Vocabulary –This class will focus on literary terminology, Greek and Latin roots and stems and figurative language. Students will record vocabulary in their reading notebooks.
4. Homework –In order to receive full credit, students are required to complete homework by the due date. Homework turned in one day late will be worth 50% of the total points possible. Homework turned in more than one day late will not receive points. Each student will be given one “Late Homework Pass” to use during each 9-week period. (We all make mistakes!) Assignments missed due to excused absences will follow the procedures outlined in the LMS handbook.
5. Accelerated Reader- In an effort to improve reading skills, all LMS students are required to participate in the Accelerated Reader program. 7th grade students are encouraged to meet their individual AR goals each nine weeks. AR grades will be based on the percentage of the AR goal met (total points and percentage correct). Students who meet their personal goals will also be rewarded with special incentives.
Classroom Expectations
Here are my rules, plain and simple.
I expect your best effort each day.
Remember--common sense and courtesy go a long way.
1. Respect Yourself
- Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
- Bring all needed supplies to class each day.
- Make sure your work is neat and completed on time! The work you turn in should be your work, not the work of others. Cheating and plagiarism are not acceptable. Students caught cheating will earn a zero for the assignment.
2. Respect Others
- Follow directions the first time they are given.
- Stay on task without disturbing others.
- Speak to everyone in a positive way.
- Appreciate the differences and opinions of others.
3. Respect Your School
- Keep gum and food outside of the classroom.
- Keep the classroom/school clean and safe.
- Follow all of the LMS rules that are outlined in your planner.
Students-Please do not be afraid to ask for extra help. That’s what I’m here for! Success in school takes a lot of hard work. Coming to class prepared, asking questions, and doing your best will earn you important points. Be responsible and take charge of your own learning—you deserve to get the most from your education!
Parents -Please encourage your student to do his/her homework and to read each night. Please e mail me or call if you have questions or concerns. The best times to call me are before or after school and during the day from 10:15-10:45 AM.
It is my philosophy that every student has a right to a safe education and that all students can learn in a positive, respectful environment. Active learning is a partnership between teachers, students, and parents. Together we can work to make a positive difference!
My Story
I love to teach and am passionate about reading. I received my
teaching degree from the University of Kansas and I am a huge Jayhawks fan! This is my
fourth year teaching at LMS. Before coming to Louisburg, I taught 6th and 7th grade
literature for ten years in Oskaloosa, Kansas. My husband is the
principal at LHS and I have
two children. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my
family and friends, traveling, scrapbooking, exercising, going to the
movies and reading (of course)!
