7th Grade Language Arts Course Info
Ms. Callahan
Teacher Information
2011 Bachelor of Science (Interdisciplinary Studies), University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX
Pending Dec. 2017 Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction), Texas A&M Commerce, Commerce, Texas
Certifications:
All subject areas grades 4-8
Communication
Google calendar (updated daily): http://goo.gl/zjWyav
** Students must be logged into Google with their school accounts to access attached documents.
Social Media
School Twitter:@mscallahanela
(Note: to receive tweets as texts, even without a Twitter account, text to 40404 with the message "follow mscallahanela")
School Instagram:mscallahanela
(Note: this account is private, so if I do not recognize the username of the person requesting to follow me, I decline the request. If your name is not part of your username, send me an email to let me know you're requesting to follow me. Then, I won't turn down your request!)
STEAM Pilot Classroom
What is STEAM?
STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.
What will this look like in the language arts classroom?
Your student will learn the same learning targets as the rest of seventh grade. Throughout each grading period, our classroom will integrate in-depth learning experiences that tie in cross-curricular connections and real world applications.
For more information, please visit this website: https://www.steamathp.org/
Materials Not Included in Wrap Pack
Novels:
Please use the ISBNs for the correct version (printed copy ONLY)
- First grading period: Greek Myths by Olivia E. Coolidge ISBN-13: 978-0618154265
- Second grading period:The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton ISBN-13: 978-0140385724
- Third grading period: The Giver by Lois Lowry ISBN-13: 978-0544336261
- Fourth grading period: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling ISBN-13: 978-0439708180
Optional Materials:
Post-its—needed if you don’t like to write in your books
Laptop/Macbook/etc.—We have access to Chromebooks on a daily basis, but if you would rather use your own device, you are more than welcome to bring it to class
Earbuds—there will be opportunities to watch instructional videos and/or listen to music in class
Grading and Reassessments
Students receive scoring expectations prior to assessments. We use proficiency scales to track student learning, which better helps students to recognize where they are and what they need to do to get to the next step of the learning.
Skyward Breakdown
Minor Grades – 40% of the 9-weeks’ average (quizzes will count twice)Major Grades (tests, targeted writing assignments, major projects) – 60% of the 9-weeks’ average
Work Habits Grades (participation, preparation, behavior) - are displayed in Skyward but do not count toward the class average. Work habits grades will be posted every Friday.
Practice Grades - are displayed in Skyward but do not count toward the class average; initial assessments are changed to practice grades once in-class reassessments occur
Incomplete or missing assignments will receive a zero in the gradebook and be marked as missing until completed. When the assignment is submitted, the grade will be updated in Skyward. Students may not have any missing or incomplete assignments in order to pass the course.
Reassessments
Reassessments are built into the curriculum, and initial assessments are replaced with the most recent grade. This is to track student learning and assessment preparation.
Reassessments for larger assignments are done outside of class during office hours. Students must complete the reassessment form provided in class and attend a mandatory reteaching session in order to be eligible to reassess. Dates and times for reteaching and reassessments are provided on the form.
Targeted Writing Assessments and Digital Writing Portfolios
Students will complete four targeted writing assessments (TWAs) throughout the course, one each grading period. Each will have specific learning targets and objects that will be assessed. For specific learning targets for each nine weeks, you may visit the district curriculum website.
Students will add these writing products to their digital portfolios. The advantages of having student portfolios include the ability for students to see themselves grow as writers, reflect on their writing process, and readily receive feedback and instruction.
Absences
Google Calendar is updated daily with an agenda of what was missed (including notes and assignments). It will be noted if the student needs to print off or complete something on Google Classroom.
If the student knows of an absence prior to the day, please get all resources and assignments BEFORE the absence. This will help tremendously so that students don't fall behind.
For each day absent, the student will have one day to complete the assignment. This does not include long-term assignments with due dates provided well in advance.
Most Valuable Tips for 7th Grade Success
- Advocate for yourself and ask questions! The STUDENT should email with questions or concerns.
- If you email your teacher, check for a response
- Be a problem solver rather than giving up
- Make sure your printer is ready for the school year (includes ink and toner)
- Use your agenda
- Visit teacher websites and calendars DAILY
- Check on Skyward daily
- Take advantage of teacher's office hours
- Use advisory wisely
Classroom Rules
2. Be PREPARED with all assignments. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Failure to be prepared will result in an teacher detention and will be reflected in the weekly work habits grade.
3. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS on the board when entering the classroom.
4. CHOOSE GROUPS AND PARTNERS WISELY. Don't partner with someone who will jeopardize your learning.
Learning Targets and Course Objectives
First grading period: Literary study focusing on mythology as the inspiration for many works of art (both written and visual), insight into the human condition, a glimpse at an ancient people trying to make sense of phenomena they could not explain, and the source for many names and terms we use today. This study also includes a focus on Greek heroes, gods, and monsters with an emphasis on various themes, the hero’s archetype, and the hero’s journey.
Second grading period: Literary study exploring development of plot and characters in The Outsiders. Students will focus on the elements of expository writing combining their analysis of the literature and their writing skills.
Third grading period: Literary study in which students will read and examine the characteristics of the novel, focusing on various social issues, historical/societal elements, and components of dystopian fiction.
Fourth grading period: A literary study of allegory and extended metaphor. Students will read allegories and discuss the symbolism behind the stories and then create their own allegories.