English Language Arts 3 (Grade 7-8)

In this class, we will explore the craft and art forms of the English language through reading, writing, grammar study, and critical thinking. This class is designed to assist parents in meeting California state CORE standards for language arts. The goal of this class is to provide a full ELA curriculum, but this cannot be accomplished in two 50-minute sessions each week. Therefore, this class will include reading and writing that must be completed at home. If students need more time to work on projects due to significant absences, contact me so that we can discuss possible solutions. Additionally, as this is an enrichment program, you may feel free to engage with the assignments in a supplementary manner to what you are doing at home. In either case, good communication between you, me and your child can help me help you reach your academic goals. 

Recommended Grading

As an enrichment facilitator, I do not grade your students. You and/or your child’s assigned charter teacher will determine your student's final grade for the subject year. However, I will provide a recommended grade for student work performed in my class. Grades can be accessed by creating a parent or teacher account to observe your child’s progress in Canvas. Recommended grades will be given as a percentage based on work completed and participation in the course.

Canvas Learning platform:

I use the Canvas learning platform to provide feedback and recommended assignment grades. Additionally, I will upload classroom handouts and assignment details that you can access if your student loses something and needs a new one. Students will each need an account. Parents, you can also create an account, and I can set you up to monitor your child’s progress in Canvas. Register using the links below:

This course has enabled open enrollment. Students can self-enroll in the course through this URL: URL: https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/TEHNNB. Alternatively, they can sign up at https://canvas.instructure.com/register and use the following join code: TEHNNB

Quarterly Assignments: 

Each Quarter Students will be given a special assignment that fits within the quarter theme.  Assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. on the Friday of the week they are due. The Spring Semester is a continuation of the work we began in the Fall. As such only Q3 and Q4 assignments and books will be on this syllabus.

Quizzes: 

Quizzes will be given regularly to check reading comprehension, spelling,  and learning topics from class

Student Journal: 

Students must bring a composition notebook or other journal to class. Class will often begin with a 10-minute freewriting session. Journals will be collected at random times throughout the year to check for participation. Journals will not be graded on the content or structure; these checks are simply graded on engagement and participation.

Attendance 

As we only meet two times weekly attendance is incredibly important for students to remain on pace in this course. Students may miss up to 4 times without a negative impact on their grades. Beyond that attendance grades will be figured out on a case-by-case basis. All absences will be marked in Canvas during the semester for tracking purposes. The attendance percentage will then be adjusted at the end of the semester.

Student Engagement and participation 

Throughout our class, we will engage in discussions on the various course topics. Respectful engagement with critical thinking and debate is encouraged. Engagement is factored into the classwork grade and extra credit points may also be awarded for participation and leadership. 

Required Texts: 

Students will need the following novels to read together in class and at home. Please purchase the editions below by searching by ISBN to ensure students have the correct page numbers for class assignments and reading.

Q1 - The Hobbit – ISBN 978-0547928227

Q2 - The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – ISBN 978-0486474915

Q3 - Diary of Anne Frank – ISBN 978-0553577129

Q4 - The Scarlet Pimpernel – ISBN 979-8584335335