Creating a middle school syllabus can be a simple task, but I know from experience how hard it is to condense all your classroom guidelines and expectations into a single page. One way I streamlined the process was by building my own editable syllabus templates. It took extra effort on the front end, but having a reusable template that incorporates my preferences from both a design and communication perspective has saved me hours of work ever since.
As a middle school teacher, I design my syllabus as a tool for both students and parents. The goal is to give both parties a roadmap of what we will be learning in language arts and what to expect regarding work requirements. My syllabus outlines what subject units and group learning projects we will work on at different points in the school year.
While it is important that I help my students increase their independence as learners, it is also essential to keep parents informed about the work we are doing in my ELA classroom. I distribute the same syllabus to parents on âMeet the Teacher Nightâ that my students received on the first day of school.
My most recent ELA syllabus…
What to Include on a Middle School Syllabus
A syllabus is not the place to put everything you want students to know this year. You want to prioritize the six or seven things a parent will ask you about in October. Here is what makes my list every single year:
- My contact information. Email, planning period, and the fastest way to reach me.
- What we will be learning in ELA. Unit titles and rough timing, not standards codes.
- Schoology information. Where grades live, where assignments live, and how to log in.
- Grading scale and policies. Weights, retake policy, and how late work is handled.
- Cadence of assignments and projects. How often homework goes out, and a calendar of when our big projects begin.
- Supplies needed each day. Short list. Keep it realistic.
- Absence and makeup work policy. This is the one I get the most questions about, so it gets its own line.
Syllabus Design Tips
I prefer to use PowerPoint to create and edit my syllabus templates. While Google Slides is a popular classroom program, I find that PowerPoint allows you to upload custom fonts and offers easier image options and text-box positioning.
I am a bit of a font junkie, especially when it comes to creative presentations. A good font will draw attention to the document right from the start while also leading the eyes through the important sections.
See below for a couple of different examples of syllabi I utilize with my students. You'll notice the difference the fonts make in capturing attention over the standard Arial font.
Of course, every teacher has their own unique taste, and even my favorite fonts change over time. This is what makes PowerPoint files so great. It is easy to switch between different fonts and sizes as your tastes change.
PowerPoint to Google Slides
It is possible to create a syllabus in PowerPoint and still use it with Google Slides. The easiest way I have found is to capture an image or screenshot of your final version and insert the image into Google Slides. This method prevents the program from automatically changing your font since it is not part of the program files.
Even if your school does not provide PowerPoint license keys, you may still be able to gain free access through the Microsoft for Educators program. Note that you will need to sign in with your school email address to get access.
ELA Syllabus Made Easy!
If you are interested in using the PowerPoint templates featured here, I have included them in a single inexpensive resource. My three editable syllabus templates are packaged together, and you can purchase them for only $3.50 on either my TPT Store or my Etsy Store.
Regardless of the subject you teach, I highly recommend taking the time to create a syllabus template tailored to your needs. While you can expect to spend a couple of hours building it the first year, the amount of time you'll save over the course of your career is well worth it!
