COURSE OBJECTIVES

CONTENT/TIMELINE OUTLINE

1. Students will be able to identify and apply the meaning of new vocabulary.

Standards:

R7.A.1.1/R7.A.2.1--Identify and apply the meaning of vocabulary in fiction and nonfiction. 

R7.A.1.2/R7.A.2.2--Identify and apply word recognition skills.

• properly use a dictionary to pronounce and define new words
• recognize common prefixes, suffixes, and roots and use them to “decode” words
• use a number of context clues strategies to define unknown words
• correctly spell new words
• properly use vocabulary words in sentences
• recognize multiple meanings of words
• identify and apply synonyms and antonyms of words used in text

2. Students will continue to practice learned grammar skills and learn higher-level grammar techniques that will help them to improve writing and reading skills.

Standards:

       1.5.F--Edit writing using the conventions of language.

• identify the parts of a sentence:  subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, predicate adjective, and predicate noun
• recognize fragments and run-ons
• apply knowledge of grammar in writing assignments
• analyze and evaluate sentence structure
• identify and correct grammatical errors in their own writing and in others
• use capital letters correctly.
• punctuate correctly (periods, exclamation points, question marks, commas, quotation marks, apostrophes, colons, semicolons, parentheses).
• use nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions and interjections properly.
• use complete sentences (simple, compound, complex, declarative, interrogative, exclamatory and imperative).

3.  Students will be able to create effective, logically organized writings demonstrating the writing process.

Standards:

A. Write short stories, poems and plays

B. Write multi-paragraph informational pieces 

C. Write persuasive pieces

D. Maintain a written record of activities, course work, experience, honors and interests.                

1.5.7

1. Write with a sharp, distinct focus.
2. Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.
3. Write with controlled and/or subtle organization.
4. Write with an understanding of the stylistic aspects of composition.
5. Revise writing
6. Edit writing using the conventions of language.
7. Present and/or defend written work for publication when appropriate

7.1.2

1. Produce work in at least one literary genre      

      that follows the conventions of the genre.

• apply varying organizational methods.
• write a narrative
• use imagery in descriptions and examples

• use relevant illustrations.
• utilize dialogue.
• apply literary conflict.
• include literary elements .
• use literary devices
• write logically organized persuasive essays
• include a clearly stated position or opinion.
• write effective introductions and conclusions Include convincing, elaborated and properly cited evidence.
• compare and contrast information
• write thoroughly developed body paragraphs, using sufficient detail
• use imagery in descriptions and examples
• write with a sharp, distinct focus.
• identify topic, task, and audience.
• develop reader interest.
• anticipate and counter reader concerns and arguments.

• write character and thematic analyses
• write detailed paragraphs relevant to the topic
• establish topic and purpose in introduction
• use a variety of sentences
• sustain a logical order within sentences and between paragraphs
• reiterate topic and purpose in conclusion
• revise writing: check content relevance, organization, word choice, support of ideas, description
• edit writing

4.   Students will be able to locate, document, summarize, organize, and synthesize information using source material. 

Standards:

1.4.7

A. Write multi-paragraph informational pieces 

• write an effective thesis statement
• locate and use appropriate resources
• paraphrase and summarize text
• know when to use direct quotes and when to paraphrase or summarize
• properly cite resources in text and in a bibliography
• recognize and avoid the “traps” of plagiarism

• include cause and effect.
• develop a problem and solution when appropriate to the topic.
• use relevant graphics (e.g., maps, charts, graphs, tables, illustrations, photographs).
• use primary and secondary sources.
• use MLA style

5.  Students will read independently in order to analyze and interpret different types of literature in relation to writing and research.

Standards:

R.7.1

A.  Locate appropriate texts (literature, information, documents) for an assigned purpose

• fluently read text, using appropriate decoding skills
• use a number of strategies to comprehend text
• recognize the elements of literature used in prose and poetry
• analyze characters, themes, settings, atmosphere, and point of view in literature
• evaluate literature in terms of quality, depth, and complexity of character, theme, and relevance
• make connections with related ideas, topics, or information
• read a variety of genres
• differentiate fact from opinion
• distinguish between essential and nonessential
• identify figurative language and other elements of literature

6.  Students will apply speaking and listening skills for effective communications.

Standards:

R.7.1.6

A.  Listen to others

B.  Listen to selections of literature

C. Speak using skills appropriate to formal speaking situations

D.  Contribute to discussions

E.  Participate in small and large group discussions and presentations

• ask probing questions
• analyze information, ideas, and opinions to determine relevancy.
• take notes when necessary
• relate to previous knowledge
• predict content/events
• summarize events and identify the significant points
• analyze selections
• use complete sentences
• pronounce words correctly
• adjust volume to purpose and audience
• adjust pace to convey meaning
• add stress and inflection to enhance meaning
• respond to relevant information, ideas or reasons in support of opinions expressed
• listen to and acknowledge the contributions of others
• adjust tone and involvement to encourage participation
• clarify, illustrate or expand on a response when asked.
• present support for opinions
• paraphrase and summarize when prompted
• initiate everyday conversation
• select a topic and present an oral reading

RESOURCE MATERIALS

ASSESSMENT

• Use selected novels/plays at ability level (minimum 2)
• Elements of Writing
• Supplemental materials
• Library
• Computer lab

• Tests
• Quizzes
• Writing assignments
• Discussions
• Oral presentations
• Journal entries
• Homework
• Research assignments
• Teacher evaluation