th
7
Grade Language
Arts
Mr. Randy Wallock
My (Academic) Goals
Literary
•
Challenge and push reading levels
•
Deepen understanding through analysis of abstract
concepts
Writing
•
Use writing as a tool for analysis
•
Emphasize the importance of planning
•
Highlight structure and organization
Units
Summer Reading and The Five-Paragraph Essay
Short Stories and Literary Terms
“Chains” and the Non-Fiction (Historical) Genre
Poetry and The Lives’ of Poets
Independent Reading
“Call of the Wild” and Allegories
Persuasion and Propaganda
Independent Reading
“The Outsiders” and Social Issues
Writing
Summer Reading
What factors influence a character’s view of the world?
Poetry
Poem analysis
Poet to poem connection
Assorted journal entries
Chains
Student generated essay topics
Character sketch
Assorted journal entries
Propaganda/Persuasion
Rebranding project
Assorted journal entries
Call of the Wild
Student generated- focus on London’s philosophies
Assorted journal entries
The Outsiders
Assorted open-ended responses
Daily- Vocab and Grammar
Participation Grade
Grading
Tests- Hooray! I never give 100 point tests.
Quizzes- About 3-5 ranging in point value from 10-75 throughout
a marking period.
Smaller value quizzes for reading checks
Larger value for learned reading and writing skills
Writing- One major five-paragraph essay (100) and 2-3 openended responses worth between 25-50 points.
Projects- Usually one per marking period, worth between 50-100
points.
Participation- 10 points per week.
A Brief Overview
Literature
We will explore multiple genres including: poetry, nonfiction, historical fiction, short stories, and multi-media
studies.
Novels:
Call of the Wild- Jack London
Connection to Science Curriculum
Chains- Laurie Halse Anderson
Connection to Social Studies Curriculum
The Outsiders- S.E. Hinton
Independent Reading
•
Biography
•
Personal Choice