COURSE GOAL
The main goal of this course is to help students develop proficiency in
various forms of writing through the study of grammar, usage, mechanics, and
the composition process.
TEXT/MAJOR RESOURCES
A variety of resources will be utilized, including Language Network
(McDougal Littell), Daily Oral Language, Edmond Sun newspaper, Word Roots
(Critical Thinking Books & Software), Mind Joggers, Write About It,
Thinkathon, Newspaper Scavenger Hunts, Mechanically Inclined, journal
prompts, and teacher-generated materials.
MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY
Topics to be covered include the nine major parts of speech, sentence
elements, proper word usage, capitalization, punctuation, spelling,
outlining, note-taking, paragraph construction, research report, and the
four types of writing: narrative, expository, descriptive, and persuasive.
EVALUATION/GRADING
The standard grading scale will be used: 90%-100%=A, 80%-89%=B, etc.
Daily work will count as 60% of the student's grade; exams will count as 40%
of the grade. Semester exams are cumulative; semester grades are
cumulative. Late work (anything turned in after the due date) will receive
half credit; the work will be graded, then the score will be halved. Since
the best grade a student can receive is 50%, it is obviously imperative that
work be turned in on time. Exceptions will be made for illness; the
standard Deer Creek School Board policy will be followed for sickness. The
student is responsible for obtaining make-up work after an absence.
Assignments will be posted on the agenda board. See the teacher for any
necessary worksheets and/or clarification.
SUPPLIES
white one-inch binder (no folders or spirals), one package of five
tabbed index dividers (for dividing the binder into sections), supply of
wide-ruled looseleaf notebook paper, supply of No. 2 lead pencils, black ink
pens (no blue ink), box of Kleenex (optional), baby wipes (optional), red
and black dry erase markers (optional).
EXPECTATIONS
My requirements and expectations for students are really quite simple.
By seventh grade, the following behaviors should be second nature.
1. Be on time and have necessary supplies.
2. Listen and try.
3. Turn in assignments on time.
4. Be respectful.
I firmly believe that every student deserves a proper learning
environment, and I deserve a proper teaching environment. I rarely have
discipline problems in my classes. In the unlikely event that a problem
should occur, I will first confer privately with the student so that we may
come up with a solution. If the problem persists, I will contact parents to
enlist their help. In rare cases, the assistant principal or principal may
need to become involved. If students are responsible and use common sense,
we will have no problems.
Students should bring their agendas to class daily. Time will be given
to write down the assignments. Agendas are a valuable tool for staying
organized.
All work will be kept in the white binder. Students should bring this
binder to class daily and keep it neat and organized.
It is very important that students have the necessary supplies each day
and that they replenish items when they run out. I will not furnish paper
or pencils for students, nor should they expect their classmates to do so.
If you ever have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call
or email me. My phone number and email address are: 348-4830, ext. 3655, and
terronezc@deercreek.k12.ok.us. I look forward to a wonderful year with
these seventh graders.
Connie Terronez
