WCJH Syllabus 2010-20117th Pre-AP English Languages Arts

Contact Information

Evelyn S. Oros

7th Grade English Language Arts

Wood Creek Junior High

281.234.0800

evelynoros@katyisd.org

Class Website & Class Wiki

Follow me on Twitter & Goodreads & Diigo

Language Arts 7 PreAP English

Seventh grade PreAP English is an intensive study of grammar, writing, and vocabulary. Students learn to identify and use the complex grammatical structures necessary in developing their writing and literary analysis skills. Writing emphasis is placed on developing well elaborated multi-paragraph expository compositions. Vocabulary acquisition is stressed to build the language assessment skills needed for effective textual analysis and well-written, concise compositions.

Language Arts 7PreAP Reading

In grade 7, the student will become a skilled reader of a variety of literary forms. The student will develop analysis skills to interpret different styles of fiction and nonfiction writing. Through the use of vocabulary study and the study of the literary elements, the student will be able to understand the social and historical significance of the reading selections. The student will respond to the literature presented during the course of study in a variety of writing forms. Students enrolling in PreAP Language Arts Reading should also enroll in PreAP Language Arts English. The number of major works required of students during the school year will be 4-6. Students enrolling in 7th grade PreAP and PreAP/GT Language Arts/Reading courses have a summer reading assignment.

Entrance Guidelines for PreAP

PreAP and AP courses are designed to challenge motivated students and prepare them for success in college level coursework taken during high school and thereafter. The PreAP entrance guidelines provide a profile of students who experience success in PreAP courses.

• Prerequisite coursework is successfully completed.

• Current or previous performance in related content area course:

• An "A" (90-100) semester average in the academic course OR A "B"(80-89) semester average or better in the PreAP course

• Score in the 85th percentile or above on the most recent standardized achievement test or other district-identified testing measure. (TAKS)

• Teacher recommendation.

Exit Guidelines for Junior High School PreAP Courses

• Students who earn an “F “will be removed from the class at the end of the grading period unless otherwise recommended by the teacher and administrator.

• A student may choose to exit PreAP courses only during the first six-week grading period or at the end of the first semester (regardless of student performance) and must have teacher and parent approval. (Exception noted in #1 above). Teachers should advise students and parents of an impending below passing grade before recommending that a student be exited from a PreAP course.

• Students should consider exiting a course if they do not maintain at least a “C” (75-79) average for the semester.

• Course placement for students whose average falls below a “C” (75-79) for a six-week grading period will be evaluated through communication which may include: the student, teacher, counselor, and/or administrator.

Genre RequirementsBook Minimum: 40

350 Pages or more = 2 booksMinimum 1 novel per week

Requirement Genre Tally

2 Poetry (Anthologies)

5 Realistic Fiction

6 Traditional Literature (WCJH required books)

2 Historical Fiction

4 Fantasy

2 Science Fiction

2 Mystery & Suspense

6 Informational

2 Biography, Autobiography, Memoir

9 Chapter Book Choice

Required WCJH Reading by Six Weeks (Part of the above mentioned list of genres)

Pre-AP:

• Someone Was Watching by David Patneaude

• Baseball Stories in April and Other Stories by Gary Soto

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

• Choice of Call of the Wild OR White Fang – both by Jack London

Course Supplies:

• (1) Sketch Pad – Spiral Binding hard cover

• Something to write with

• Assorted Colored Markers, Colored Pencils, and Metallic, glitter, gel, or neon pens.

• Glue-stick

• Scissors

• (2) Package Post-it Notes

• E-Readers permitted (IPad, Nook, Kindle)

• Flip Video Cameras and Digital Cameras permitted (for class assignments only)

• Scrapbook supplies optional

Paperless Classroom Assignments will be submitted virtually

Some of the sites we will use• Wiki www.my.pbworks.com• Edublogs www.edublogs.com• Twitter www.twitter.com• Glogster http://edu.glogster.com• Wordle http://www.wordle.net• Voicethread https://katyisd.ed.voicethread.com/• Diigo http://www.diigo.com• Audacity (for podcasting)• Animoto http://www.animoto.com/education• Xtranormal http://xtranormal.com• Edmodo http://www.edmodo.com• Museum Box http://museumbox.e2bn.org/• Vuvox http://www.vuvox.com

Technology Requirements

• Internet Access – Chrome recommended

• KISD email account

• School Twitter Account

Guidelines for Success:

• Respect accept differences, talk nicely, be kind, take care of property, accept decisions, use appropriate language, listen to others, including the teacher, substitute or helping teacher or any adult in the school.

• Responsibility complete and return assignments on time, own choices, apologize sincerely when wrong, be on time to class, come to class prepared to learn (supplies and attitude)

• Learning ask for help, do your best, try hard even when difficult, contribute to class activities, work carefully and neatly

• Attitude accept correction, be a good sport, thank those who are kind to you, compliment others, share concerns in a helpful way, work together positively as a team, resolve conflict in a peaceful, non-aggressive way

• Honesty keep your word and commitments, stand up for what is right, be truthful with self and others, be honest in all academic activities and do not tolerate dishonesty

• * Learning is required. You can and will be successful. You may not choose to fail.

Classroom Expectations:

• Exercise RESPECT of people and property at all times (including outside of this classroom).

• Practice good listening skills at all times. This includes positive body language and appropriate eye contact.

• Be in your seat and ready to begin class when the bell rings.

• Bring all necessary materials (Writer’s Journal, pen, and/or pencil will be used every day.)

• Smile and enjoy our time together! Take advantage of this opportunity to learn and succeed.

Remember to be considerate at all times

Expect to be challenged while learning

Set high goals and work to reach them

Provide ideas and offer positive, constructive input

Enter with a positive attitude for learning

Commit to producing exemplary work

Take ownership over our room