Course Description: This is a class for students
who enjoy writing and want to improve the quality and quantity of the writing
they do. To accomplish that we will
both write and read a lot. We will
practice various kinds of writing that could include memoir (personal
narrative), poetry, short story, description, novel chapters, picture or short
chapter books for children, directions, newspaper articles, dramatic scenes,
letters, blog and wiki posts, and humor.
For a plethora of information
about our class, go to Ms. Dorsey’s Creative Writing classroom web page at cavewriting.blogspot.com. To access it from our school home page, select
“Faculty & Staff,” “English,” and “Claudia Dorsey.”
Texts Used: Reading improves writing, so we will be
reading “mentor texts” (translate that to “good examples of writing”) of many
kinds. We will read from Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine and Spilling Ink by Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer.
Students will be able to refer to classroom textbooks for help in revision and
editing: The Write Source, Great
Source; Writing and Grammar, Prentice
Hall.
Materials and Fees: Students, it is your
responsibility to come to class each time with pencils, blue or black pens,
and lined paper. Also bring a book to read. You will
need to purchase a composition book
to leave in class. A binder with
dividers to organize assignments can be very helpful. This binder could be used for more than one
class. Keep all assignments until after you have
received your final grade that term. Some
assignments may be filed in the classroom.
Technology: We
will be using school computer writing labs a time or two a month, but in case
you don’t finish work in class (or during Cave Time), you need access to a
computer and printer. We will use Kidblog
or another platform for posting, and may use MyAccess, Google Drive, Edmodo, and/or
other online platforms where students will be able to post some assignments
from school or from home (if you have an internet connection).
Cell phones should be turned
off during school hours.
ð Important: As
we begin the semester, bring a composition book to leave in class. &
Grading Policy:
Are you tired of reading disclosure documents?
Put a smiley face on the signature page and receive a treat. J Work that will be graded includes daily class work
(including appropriate participation in class activities), homework, quizzes,
exams, daily scribbles, and other short and long writing assignments.
Grading
Scale: 95-100% = A 73-76% = C
90-94% = A- 70-72% = C-
87-89% = B+ 66-69% = D+
83-86% = B 63-65% = D
80-82% = B- 60-62% = D-
77-79% = C+ 0-59% = F
Quality Standards for Work: Final drafts of major assignments will not be
accepted unless they meet the following criteria:
s Use 8 1/2x 11" paper unless otherwise indicated.
s The paper should be smooth-edged (no spiro-bits).
s Type, or write using standard blue or black ink.
s Write on only one side of the paper.
s The product should be neat and legible.
s Follow any
additional requirements in the assignment.
Homework Policy: You will be given time in class to work on most assignments. However, if you don’t finish in class,
your in-class work will
become homework.
Late Work Policy: Twenty percent will be deducted from points received for work
turned in more than a week after the original due date. Late work due to excused
absences may be turned in up to one week before the end of each term. These
dates are posted on the class blog calendar. No
late work or further revisions will be accepted during the last week of each
term.
However, some work is
prerequisite to other work, and not having it ready on time will keep you from
being able to complete other assignments.
If we make children’s books for younger students, those must be ready on
time when we take the books to those students, and I will deduct up to fifty
percent of the grade if that project is late.
Make wise use of Cave Time as needed to
complete or make up work.
Attendance Policy: See the student planner/handbook for school
policies. If a student must miss school,
a parent or guardian should call the school office or send a note to the office
to have that absence excused.
Planned absences should be
discussed with me in advance.
When a student is absent: Access
information about what we have done in class at our class blog at cavewriting.blogspot.com. The student is responsible for obtaining any
materials needed to make-up work.
Class Rules:
Follow the school rules and. . . F See your handbook for our school rules.E
1. Be on time. (Be in your
seat working on the bell-ringer by the time the tardy bell rings.)
2. Be prepared. (Bring needed
materials including a book to read, homework, or other work you should have
done, and readiness to learn.)
3. Be on task. (Be doing what you need to be doing when you
need to be doing it.)
4. Help maintain a positive
classroom environment by respecting yourself, the teacher, other students and
staff, as well as property.
5. Don’t bring food or drink (except water in a
clear bottle), unless the teacher specifies a treat or party day.
6. If you must, you may chew gum as long as I
don't have to see it or hear it, or find it under a desk or on the floor.
You can find the School
Handbook on our school website. Look
under “School Information” and click on “Student & Parent Handbook.”
Contacting Me: School
telephone: 801.610.8750, extension 200.
Classroom: 200
Before school by
appointment-- 7:30-8:10 a.m.; After school -- 2:45-3:30 p.m.; or otherwise by
appointment.
Creative writing class blog: cavewriting.blogspot.com.
My class blogs are linked from our school site, and
you can find a link to our writing class blog there.
Extra credit is occasionally available to those who read
the class blog (web pages).
š Note to Parents: Please feel free to contact me with any questions or
concerns (or to volunteer your help). My
favorite method of communication with parents is e-mail, so if you have an
account, please share your address with me right away by sending an e-mail with
the subject line – “Parent of [your
student’s name].” You could include other contact information in
the message instead of filling out that part of the signature sheet attached
here. However, I will still need the
signatures.
Your seventh grade student should be taking
on more responsibility for schoolwork, but he or she still needs your guidance
and encouragement to keep backpack and binder(s) organized, to keep up on
schoolwork, and to value the learning that’s available. Use our school website and Skyward to stay
current with what’s going on at the school and with your individual child. I’m looking forward to working with you to
help your child have a successful and enjoyable seventh grade year.
PLEASE KEEP THIS DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT.
Parent/Teacher Conference: February 9
Please fill out the attached signature sheet and VIP
Information sheet, and return to Ms. Dorsey
by January 18. The points for turning them in on time will
count on the grade.
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