BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL English Department 2013-2014

COURSE: TEACHER:
English 7 Reading Jeff Mikalaitis Room - 230 Office hours Mon. Thurs. 2:30-3:30 School phone: 617-635-8895 E-mail: jmikalaitis@boston.k12.ma.us or jmik76@gmail.com

DESCRIPTION
In this reading course, students will work to develop skill as close, analytical readers; keen, active listeners; effective writers and speakers; skilled presenters; and critical thinkers. In addition to reading a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, students leaving this course will be able to identify common literary terms and their applications; use context and word-attack skills to expand vocabulary; engage in constructive peer discussion of literature; make connections in their reading to history, contemporary thought, and other works of literature and art; effectively cite evidence from a text to support an idea or argument; and effectively apply their knowledge of the themes, structure, and elements of literature. Students are responsible for reading the following texts: Let the Circle Be Unbroken, The Friends, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Friedrich, Dragonwings, A Midsummer Night's Dream, To Kill a Mockingbird, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Bible and Its Influence, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and The Pearl . Essential Questions: How do novels shape or reflect society and culture? How is a theme developed in a novel? How can employing different reading strategies help us make meaning of texts? How does knowing the historical and contemporary context of literary works aid us in making meaning of texts? How does an author use literary devices (imagery, symbolism, diction, figurative language) for specific effects in literature? How are the themes and subjects of literature relevant to our lives? How can we demonstrate our understanding of literature in small and large group discussions? How can we demonstrate our understanding of literature through writing? How do we use textual evidence to support our ideas in writing? 21st Century Learning Expectations Students will know and be able to demonstrate mastery of content and skills by: Grappling with essential questions that span disciplines. Engaging in inquiry based, self-driven, authentic learning. Utilizing higher order thinking skills that include the evaluation and synthesis of information and ideas. Collaborating and communicating with others while also self-reflecting on personal growth.

Applying appropriate technology and media literacy skills. Making connections to life and the larger world community.

GRADING
Grades each term will be weighted and based on these criteria: Tests- 100 points each Quizzes- 10 points each Homework- 10 points each Projects- 100 points each Final Grade: 1st term 20%, 2nd term 20%, 3rd term 20%, 4th term 20%, 5th term 20%

CONDUCT
Students are expected to be prompt, prepared and respectful. Failure to do so will result in misdemeanor marks and/or detention.

HOMEWORK POLICY
The purpose of homework is to emphasize the objectives and goals that are presented in class each day. Reading schedules and homework assignments can be found on mikenglish7.blogspot.com *Students can expect 20-25 pages of reading every night. Quizzes on these reading assignments will be given at least three times every week. *Late homework will not be accepted. *Late projects will be subject to a point deduction.

MAKEUP WORK
*Makeup homework is due the day after a student returns from an absence. *Seeing me for makeup work is 100% student responsibility. I will not see students about worked they missed during an absence. Quiz and test makeups should be scheduled upon a students return from his or her absence. Scheduling a makeup test or quiz is a students responsibility. *Students have five days to make up tests and quizzes. Once this period lapses the student is given a zero. Students and Parents: Please read the above information together, and indicate by your signatures below that you understand the purpose, format, and expectations of this course. Please return one copy to me and keep one for your own reference. Please feel free to see or e-mail me with any questions or problems you might have. Student: Your signature below indicates that you will adhere to the following: *I have read and I understand the course description and classroom expectations for English 7 Reading. I also understand that I will be held accountable for the return of my textbooks in June. *Honesty in all its forms is a core value at Boston Latin School. Intellectual honesty means that students claim credit only for work that they themselves have produced. Since all scholarship builds on the work of others, students must take careful steps in their writing to acknowledge and cite the source of any borrowed material or idea. To do otherwise is an act of plagiarism. *I hereby pledge that all work submitted for this course will be my own, that I will

respect the intellectual property of others, and that I will not plagiarize. Student signature____________________________Date____________Student email__________________ Parent: I have reviewed the course description and classroom expectations for this course with my son or daughter. Parent signature___________________________Date___________Parent email_____________________ Parent daytime phone/s_________________________________________