Phoebe A.

Hearst Fine Arts Magnet School

6 /7th/8th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies
th

Room 203/ School Year: 2017-2018

Mrs. J. Harris
jdmcgee@cps.edu

The Readers Journey:

Where do we come from? Where are we going?
Class Description:

Welcome to English Language Arts and Social

Studies! This year, we will be reading many different fiction
and non-fiction texts that will tie into a particular idea or point
of view. We will be reading class novels that also tie into these themes; which will help us to comprehend
what weve read and support our thinking with text-evident responses. The future belongs to those who ask
questions and never settle for one response. To facilitate even more exposure to different types of texts, we
will also be using the literacy-based computer program NewsELA, which contains non-fiction based
articles, learning activities and text supported thought questions.
In addition to the reading requirements, you will also be focusing on Personal Narrative,
Expository, Persuasive and Poetry writing. Writing will center your thinking about your personal
experiences and elaborate your ideas into a structured, thoughtful, well-written essay. These essays will
also tie into the specific theme we will be discussing. In addition to helping you discover the power in your
own words.
Each one of the units in both the 6th /7th and 8th grade texts are centered around an Essential
Question; these questions will give us opportunities to have great discussions and writing ideas. It will
allow you to answer the question Where do you come from? by looking at your own ideas before you
were exposed to the concept and then after exposure, Where are we going?

6th /7th Grade Readers Journey Units 8th Grade Readers Journey Units

Unit 1: Truth/Fiction and Nonfiction Unit 1: Truth/Fiction and Nonfiction

What is the best way to find truth? Is truth the same for everyone?

Unit 2: Conflict in Greek Mythology Unit 2: Conflict and Utopian Societies?

Does every conflict have a winner? Can all conflicts be resolved?

Unit 3: Poetry Unit 3: Poetry

What is the best way to communicate? What is the secret to reaching someone with
words?
Unit 4: The Research Project
Community or individual: which is more Unit 4: Identity: How does society shape our
important? identity?
Is it our differences or our similarities that
matter most?

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
Materials

The following materials will be required for every class session unless told otherwise.

1. Student planner
2. Readers Notebook 5-subject notebook (We will be setting these up the first week of class)
3. (1 binder to organize handouts, notes for all classes)
4. Pencils or pens and highlighter
5. Composition notebook

Classroom Expectations

1. Classroom Number:
The first week of class, each student will be assigned a number.
This number will correspond to all assignments in class including: Readers Notebooks, Writing
Journals, classroom assignments, quizzes/tests, projects and homework. This number may also be
connected to your textbooks/books that you receive in class.
Any time any assignment is turned in, your number must be written in the upper right hand corner.
This will ensure that I receive all of your work and you receive the credit!

2. Homework
To prepare you for the expectations you will have in high school the homework schedule will be
as follows: Homework will be given on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Mondays homework will be due on Wednesdays
Wednesdays homework will be due on Fridays
Fridays homework will be due on the following Monday (after the weekend)
The rationale behind this is so that you have ample time to complete your assignments and be able
to ask for help with those things you dont understand in between assignments.
Homework is to be turned in to the assigned basket at the classroom door upon entry before the
bell rings to begin class.

3. Classwork
A timer will be used to help keep track of time on spent each assignment during class. (Believe
me.. its not as bad as it sounds! ) You will be given a reasonable amount of time to complete
your assignments, but if you get off-track, you can end up wasting time!
All classwork (work done during the class session) will be due before leaving the class unless
otherwise instructed.

4. Late work/Incomplete Assignments

Unless an extension is previously arranged with Mrs. Harris, all late work will receive 50% credit
the next day. This includes partially finished assignments.
If the assignment is not turned in at all, the assignment will receive no 0% credit. No exceptions
will be made.
If you are absent or need an extension, please arrange a meeting with Mrs. Harris to discuss your
options.

5. Quizzes/Tests/Projects

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
 At the beginning of the year each student in the class will an Assessment that will evaluate how
well you read and write using text evidence from a specific story. This test will let me know your
strengths and weaknesses in reading and writing in order to give you the help you need to succeed.
There will be a weekly unit test every Friday based on the concepts we have covered within our
class and random POP quizzes on some Wednesdays to check for progress during the week.
At the end of each unit there will be Performance project to evaluate what you have learned during
the quarter.
Taking notes will be required for most lessons. It is strongly encouraged that you maintain
accurate notes, as in some cases they will be allowed for some tests.

Classroom Grade Breakdown

Classwork 25%
Quizzes - 20%
Assessments/Projects- 30%
Homework 15%
Participation - 10%

Total 100%

Hearst Elementary Grading Policy

93-100% A

87-92 % B

78-86% C

70-77% D

69% or below F

Meetings/Conferences

Both students and parents are encouraged to set up times with me for discussions about the class by making
an appointment with me.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela