Mrs. Pryor, 7th Grade Language Arts
My Educational Philosophy
I believe that in order to become contributing members of society, students need to have a strong foundation of general knowledge and be able to communicate effectively. I stress to them that knowing why is as important as knowing what. I encourage personal responsibility and respect for everyone; I strive to be the example for my students.
While I feel strongly that direct instruction is an integral component of teaching, I also believe that students can learn from one another. In my classroom, I create opportunities for students to work together to serve as examples and mentors for each other.
Learning becomes meaningful when the material being taught has context. I have a passion for history; I love sharing what I have learned and connecting it to the curriculum. If students are interested in and can relate to the material, it makes the learning experience meaningful for all of us.
Welcome to Seventh Grade
Language Arts!
Mrs. Jennifer Pryor
908-735-5511 ext. 6252
I am looking forward to a great year of reading, writing and learning! If at any time you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. School email is the best way to reach me!
This year in Language Arts we will. . .
*learn about elements of literature and literary terms.
*practice using context clues to determine word meaning and use.
*learn the meanings of prefixes/suffixes and Latin/Greek root words to broaden
our vocabulary and understanding of the English language.
*review the parts of speech and mechanics of grammar and use them
effectively in our speaking and writing.
*read fiction and nonfiction, and practice finding textual evidence and
supporting details.
*use the writing process to create various types of writing.
. . . and so much more!
Grading Policy:
Marking period grades will be weighted as follows:
40% - summative assessments (unit tests, cumulative vocabulary tests, writing pieces, projects)
30% - formative assessments (vocab unit quizzes, CommonLit, reading quizzes)
30% - classwork / homework
*Homework that is not completed will receive a zero. It is YOUR responsibility to complete missing work. Major writing assignments and projects will lose 10 points for each day they are late.
*Please check your school email and Google Classroom regularly for assignments and important information.
Materials students should bring to class each day:
*charged Chromebook
*LA binder with loose leaf paper and divider tabs (this can be an LA section in a larger binder)
*pencil
*choice novel
*class novel
*Root Word notebook (Monday / Wednesday)
*Vocabulary Workbook (Wednesday)
Absences:
*If you miss class, you should check the “Absent” bin in the back of the classroom for any assignments/materials you may have missed, as well as check the classroom homework board and Google Classroom for assignments.
Resources Used (including, but not limited to):
Vocabulary Workshop - Level B Enriched Edition; Sadlierconnect.com; various novels, which may include A Long Walk to Water; Chains; Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; The Giver; The Outsiders; Maze Runner (or another dystopian novel); Cracker, the Best Dog in Vietnam; Refugee; and others, including independent choice reading books; NoRedInk; CommonLit; various other short stories and non-fiction/informational texts/media
*Be kind. *Be respectful. *Be responsible.