Desert Shadows Middle School  7th Grade Reading

 

Mr. Blackburn – Room 401 / Phone 480-982-1110 ext. 5425

Homework  Hotline   480-677-7564     #5401

eblackb@ajusd.org

 

Course Description

The seventh grade Reading curriculum will allow students to learn and effectively apply a variety of reading strategies for comprehending, interpreting, and evaluating a wide variety of texts.  These texts include fiction, nonfiction, biographies, poetry, and contemporary works.  Skills and strategies taught will relate to daily life, both in and outside of the classroom. This class outline is subject to change.

 

Materials

In order to receive a “yes” stamp, students are expected to bring their three-ring binder, Daybook, their current AR reading book, pen, pencil, planner, stampsheet, and paper.  Students must also have completed homework.  Students will receive a “No” and possibly “Full Day” at 2:10 if all necessary materials are not in class.

 

Grading Policy                        Graded Items

90% - 100% ....A                      Daily work                         =    10%       

80% - 89%   ....B                      Quizzes                              =    10%

70% - 79%   ....C                      Accelerated Reader (AR) =    10%

60% - 69%   ....D                      Homework                        =    10%

59% or lower...F                       Projects                             =    15%

                                                  Midterm and Final Exam =    15%

                                                  Tests                                  =    30%

 

Homework is due on the assigned date.  In the event of an absence, homework is due upon returning to school.  It is the student's responsibility to make up all missed assignments. Students will have one day to make up missed work for every day absent.  Late assignments will not be accepted and the grade will become a zero.  Extra credit assignments are not available. 

 

Progress Reports

Progress reports are sent home to keep you informed on your child's status in the Reading class.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Attendance

It is expected that students attend class daily in order to keep on top of daily notes and lessons.  However, if a planned absence is anticipated, please ask for assignments in advance.  Parents/students are encouraged to call the homework hotline in the case of an unexpected absence.

 

Tutoring

Tutoring will be available at least once a week (reading tutor day is assigned to Tuesdays) after school from 2:15 to 3:05.   After school tutoring is for any student who has an unacceptable grade or needs extra time and help.

 

 

Proficiency objectives for seventh grade reading  2007-2008

 

       Identify author's purpose and author's bias

       Describe author's use of persuasion techniques and “loaded” words

       Apply literary terms to literary works (plot, characterization, conflict, irony, symbolism, foreshadowing, tone, and point of view)

       Identify theme and setting

       Describe motivation of major and minor characters

       Apply cause and effect strategies

       Draw conclusions/predict outcomes

       Summarize events in a sequential order

       Compare and contrast types of literary works

       Short stories/novels

       Fiction/nonfiction

       Biographies

       Poetry

       Myths, folklore, legends

       Expository text

       Informational text

       Functional text

 

*The above syllabus is subject to change. It is a modified guideline based upon the curriculum and allows you to view what your child is expected to learn over the course of the year.   Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classroom Rules

Mr. Blackburn - Seventh Grade Reading - Room 401

Classroom phone 480-982-1110 ext. 5425

Homework Hotline  480-677-7564  #4051

eblackb@ajusd.org

 

 

PARENTS –Please read the course syllabus, classroom rules, homework hotline, and discipline plan.  These classroom rules and syllabus are subject to change.   Students, please keep the syllabus and class rules for future reference. 

 

CLASS RULES

1. Be in your seat when the final bell rings – no running into or in the room

2. Display planner, stampsheet (correct side up), reading book, homework, paper & pencil immediately after the last bell.  Failure to have these items prepared at the time of stamping may result in a no stamp under “not prepared”.

3. Respect others and school property.

4. Raise your hand to speak or to get permission to sharpen your pencil.

5. Nothing extra should be in your mouth. No gum, food, or drinks (except water)is allowed in the classroom

6. Students must show their work on all homework or they may earn a “NO” stamp on their stampsheet.

7. No backpacks in or outside the classroom

 

DISCIPLINE PLAN

*** Severe disruptions will result in an immediate referral and the student will be sent to the office ***

1. First offense – verbal warning

2. Second offense – discipline plan or sentences

3. Third offense  - Removal from activity or class -  parents called

4. Fourth offense – Office Referral