^{7th Grade English - Byron Middle School}

Dear Parents,

            Hello and welcome to the school year.  My name is Mrs. Pamela Richardson and I will be your child’s 7^th grade English teacher.  This  is a general layout for what your child will be doing this year in 7^th grade English class.  I have listed some of the assignments and the general goals that I would like your child to achieve this year.

            I am asking that you provide a 1 1/2 to 2 inch binder and loose leaf notebook paper, and dividers, which will be kept in the students' lockers for their journal writing and pencils.  As an experienced middle school teacher, I can tell you that a student coming to class with something to write with is an issue.  Please help me in my effort to teach your child and make sure that they know they need something to write with EVERY DAY!  Pencils are the best choice.  Pens are sloppy and don’t allow much room for mistakes.

            There is no homework for my class, however, they will have to study their 20 vocabulary words.  The tests will be every other Friday.   

They can go to a vocabulary website to practice these words which is http://www.vocabtest.com . Another site that I am developing is http://www.quia.com/web/studentZoneBegin.html.  Students can also make flash cards to practice with if they don't have Internet access.  These words are recommended by the SAT for success on the SAT test.  The master list of these words is at the bottom of this page.

            When your child leaves my room in the spring, I want them to be ready to move to the 8^th grade confident in their reading and writing abilities.  I will do everything I can to help them in their efforts to be better readers and writers. 

The best way to contact me is through email, as our classrooms do not have phones, and I check my email every day.  My email address is richard1@byron.k12.mi.us.  You can also check the school website under middle school staff.  I try to periodically update my page on things that are going on in the classroom.  I encourage students to be independent learners who track their own progress on Power School, and turn in their assignments independently, without constant reminders from me or their guardians.

I am looking forward to working with your child this year and hope that we will all learn how much the written word influences all of our lives now and through the rest of our education as life long learners.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Pamela Richardson

7^th Grade English Teacher – Byron Middle School

7^th Grade English General Plan

I.                 Vocabulary Practice

a.      Goal-increase understanding of more complex words and increase academic vocabulary.

b.     Test over 20 words every other Friday.

c.     Practice with the words in warm up activities online----several quizzes and things to choose from:

Also – quiz games etc. using the words silent ball, etc.

II.               Grammar and Sentence Structure

a.      Goal-students will write sentences that are grammatically correct.

b.     5 perfect sentences due every Thursday. 

c.      Periodic Parts Of Speech Practice  (Grammar Tuesdays!).

III.             Writing Practice

a.      Goal-students will become proficient writers.

b.     Periodic 6 paragraph essay practice.

c.      Daily Journal Writing Warm Ups.

d.  Other writing assignments including poetry, newsletters, and Power Point, and assorted papers

IV.            Reading Practice

a.      Goal-students will improve their reading skills, including comprehension and reading speed.

b.     Novels Read As A Whole Class:

                                                    i.     The Diary Of Anne Frank  - (Memoir in Drama Form)

                                ii. The Giver (Science Fiction)

c.      Poetry – Students will be reading from different anthologies of well-know poets

d.     Drama- Students will be studying scripts and acting them out in class.

e.    Mystery - Students will read mysteries online and in class. 

f.    Greek Mythology-Students will be introduced to some of the classic myths of Greece.

g.   Timed Reading Practice Exercises with articles from the book, magazines, and Internet.

h.    Reading for student interest or choice----literature will be made available in the classroom--

i.    Periodic Comprehension Exercises will be conducted in class.