Teacher Information

Gwen Phifer
Phone: (480) 982-1110 ext. 5514
E-mail Address: gphifer@ajusd.org
Planning Period:  10:10 – 10:50
Subjects Taught: Language Arts
Grade Taught: 7th

Class Description

My language arts classes are aligned with the Arizona state standards for written language. They will focus on the writing process and traits of good writing, as well as reviewing grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Along with practicing Six Traits, we will be working on several longer pieces of writing, a research report, and end the year with a group project which will require group teamwork.

  
Classroom Expectations

     *  Be seated and quiet when the final bell rings.

     *   Be silent when someone else has the floor.

*   Do not disturb others who are working.

* Respect others and yourself.

* Homework it to be turned in during class when asked for (not after class)..

* NO GUM!!!

·         Listen to directions the first time they are given..


Class Materials

     *   Pencil and eraser
     *   Notebook paper

* Agenda
    * AR Book

AND

"sloppy copy" notebook (given to students by teacher)

"writing folder" (given to students by teacher)



Homework Policy


When it comes to homework, are you a

"Slacker Squirrel" or a "Super Squirrel"?


Homework will be given daily and is due the following day unless otherwise specified. If a student is absent for regular class work, the assignment will be due the next day. Students have 1 day for each day missed to complete homework.

Students who do not complete the assignment will have until the next class to turn in the assignment for partial credit. After three days, no credit will be given.

 




                                                                                                            Classroom Procedures

Students are greeted at the door by the teacher. Students quietly navigate to their assigned seats and start the mindset (mini-assignment) listed on the board. Students need to be in their seats and working quietly when the final bell rings. The teacher takes roll and then discusses the lesson on the board with the students as they fill out their agenda. After this, the teacher starts the lesson for the day's objective.

     A Note from Mrs. Phifer: 

Fourth and final quarter has ended and we had a very successful year!  Mini research projects and Poetry Anthologies ended our year.  Students each chose a biography to read, then took notes and wrote a short report about that person.  They placed their written report onto a “prompt” paper and added illustrations, picture captions, and a border.  These were then presented to the class be each student.  Your child should have his/her “prompt” at home now, so ask to see their hard work.   Students were then taught each of 12 different types of poems, practiced them in class, and wrote one or two for homework.  They copied their original poems onto new papers and compiled an anthology (collection) in which they had to illustrate each poem.  These anthologies contained some wonderful original poetic works, and I hope that you ask your child to read some of his/her poems to you! J

Using the Six Traits of Writing and the Writing Process, the students’ writing skills improved daily throughout the year, and I am very proud of the finished work the students did during 4th quarter.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your child’s educational experience.

Together we make education work.

 


Links


Language Arts Curriculum.  A list of the language arts standards your child will be learning in my class, can be found at the link to the left.

AZ Dept. of Education.   To find educational information for the State of Arizona, please refer to the State Department's link.