Course: 7th Grade English/Language Arts

Course Description

The focus of 7th grade English and Language Arts is understanding, analyzing and interpreting Literary and Informational Text. These lessons will focus on students mastering the skills of Main Idea, Author's Purpose, Genre, Character Traits, Identifying Details and Analyzing Details and Drawing Conclusions.

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Curriculum

9 lessons Once Upon A Genre
Students explore literary genres by reading different genres of literature. The concept of genres is introduced through class discussion, during which students determine the main characteristics of various genres. Students will read a variety of short stories and complete activities that help them explore what genre is.
- Lessons
- What is Genre?
  Students will be able to define and provide examples of genres of literature and fiction.
- Types of Genre
  Students will be able to identify genres of fiction based on their characteristics.
- Genre In The News
  Students will be able to compare narrative writing (short stories) to expository writing (news articles) and compose a news story article based on a short story.
- Genre Bingo
  Students will be able to define genre and provide examples of different types of genre
- Story Telling Festival
  Students will be able to write in different genres to demonstrate their understanding of genres of literature.
- Fiction Genres Project
  students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of different types of genres of literature.
- Non-Fiction Genre Jigsaw Project
  students will be able to identify, explain and analyze nonfiction genre.
- Genre Study to Report Writing
  Students will be able to identify and write about different types of genre.
- Identifying Types of Genre
  students will be able to identify different types of genre by working in centers
13 lessons Ties That Bind, Ties That Break - Novel Study
In this Unit students will complete a novel study using Ties That Bind, Ties That Break by Lensey Namioka to define, analyze and interpret plot, character traits, main idea, author's purpose and supporting details.
- Lessons
- Introduction to Ties That Bind, Ties That Break
  Students will be able to analyze a texts problem and solutions to justify the author’s purpose.
- Chapter 1 - The Family Tree
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences.
- Chapter 2 - The Setting
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences.
- Chapter 3 - Comparing and Contrasting Characters
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences
- Chapter 4 - Character Development
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences
- Chapter 5 - The Author's Message
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences
- Chapter 6 - Types of Conflict
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences
- Chapter 7 - Characters Change
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences
- Chapter 8 - Elements of Plot
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences
- Chapter 9 - Predicting & Foreshadowing
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences
- Chapter 10 - Genre of Fiction
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences
- Chapter 11 - Story Board of Events
  Students will be able to apply different learning techniques in regards to comprehension, character analysis, literary elements (character conflict, setting, plot, point of view), to make connections and reflections and to make inferences
- Scrapbook Project
  Students will be able to create a scrapbook based on Ties That Bind, That Break.
12 lessons Presenting The Great 8 Parts of Speech
Understanding and utilizing the proper parts of speech in writing is often difficult for students because there is less focus on it. This unit focuses on the basics of identifying, using and writing with the correct parts of speech. Student will learn the proper usage of parts of speech through game like structured activities.
- Lessons
- Colorful Parts of Speech
  Students will be able to identify the functions of words within a sentence.
- Adjectives & Adverb Taboo
  Students will be able to identify and use properly adjectives and adverbs.
- Tongue Twister Parts of Speech
  Students will be able to master their knowledge and understanding of parts of speech
  Students will be able to have explain the relationship between subjects and predicates.
- Appetiving Adjectives
  The students will be able to identify adjectives.
  The students will be able to effectively use adjectives in writing.
- Fortune Cookie Verbs
  Students will be able to identify verbs in a sentence and use them effectively in writing.
- Make Your Own Parts Of Speech Song
  Students will be able to define all the parts of speech.
- Parts of Speech Charades
  Students will be able to identify, describe and explain the different parts of speech.
- Cases Closed on Pronouns
  Students will be able to define, explain and use pronouns properly.
- Using Pronouns The Write Way
  Students will be able to effectively use pronouns in speaking and writing
- Grammar Hunt
  Students will be able to identify, describe and explain the different parts of speech.
- Sentence Rummy
  Students will be able to write sentences using correct parts of speech.
- Parts of Speech Project
  Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and ability to use the 8 part of speech by completing this creative project.
7 lessons The Color Purple - Novel Study
In this Unit students will complete a novel study using The Color Purple by Alice Walker to define, analyze and interpret plot, setting, character traits, main idea, author's purpose and supporting details.
- Lessons
- Introduction To Color Purple
  Students will be able to:
  Understand the setting and cultural context of when "The Color Purple" was written.
  Explain the general plot of the novel.
- Chapters 1 - 47
  Students will be able to analyze the novels plot, character development and author's purpose.
- Chapters 48 - 56
  Students will be able to analyze and interpret the novel thus far and express their observations and conclusions verbally in a large group setting.
- Chapters 57 - 81
  Students will be able to analyze and interpret the novel thus far and express their observations and conclusions verbally in a large group setting.
- Chapters 82 - 90
  Students will be able to analyze and interpret the novel thus far and express their observations and conclusions verbally in a large group setting.
- Watching The Movie - The Color Purple
  Students will be able to:
  Compare and contrast the film version to the novel.
  Synthesize the information learned from the unit of study with what they see in the film.
  Analyze a quote and how it reflects Celie's growth
- Writing With Alice Walker
  Students will be able to write persuasive or informative letters to Alice Walker describing their interpretation of a color purple
8 lessons Using Thank You M'am To Explore Plot, Character, Theme & Author's Purpose
In this Unit Students will use the short story Thank You M'am to explore the 5 elements of plot, the traits and motivation of characters and author's purpose. Students will do a close reading of the short story, plot the story, build character profiles of the main characters, discuss the theme and complete a performance task asking students to relate the text to real world.
- Lessons
- Close Reading and Making Predictions
  Students will be able to analyze the short story Thank You M'am's by doing a close reading and making predictions before they read.
- The Elements of Plot
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.
- Theme & Mood In Thank You M'am
  Students will be able to describe and analyze theme and mood in a text.
- Characterization of Roger & Ms. Jones
  Students will be able to identify character traits in a text by completing a characterization chart to better understand how characters change throughout a text.
- The Purpose of Thank You Ma'm
  Students will explain how author's purpose effects the readers understanding of a short story.
- Analyzing POV, Dialect and Sterotypes
  Students will analyze a short story to better understand point of view, dialect and sterotypes.
- Conflict in Thank You M'am
  Students will be able to identify and explain different types of conflict in a text.
- Thank You M'am Performance Task
  Students will defend the actions of Roger in Thank You Ma'm by using details from the text.
11 lessons The Pigman - Novel Study
In this Unit students will complete a novel study on The Pigman by Paul Zindel. This unit will allow students to read, listen, and respond to the work assigned. The main focus of the lessons is on reading and comprehension. After completing this unit, students will be able to:
- describe literary elements in the novel (theme, plot, setting, character, point-of-view, etc.
- determine various conflicts in the novel
- compare and analyze similarities/differences between characters
- discuss the author and his style of writing/effects of that style
- draw conclusions/make predictions about characters based on readings
- demonstrate an understanding of setting in relation to the mood, tone, and meaning of text.
- Lessons
- Introduction of The Author - Paul Zindell
  Students will be able to:
  • establish a connection between the author and his works
  • make predictions about the plot based on the author's biographical sketches
  • explain how the author used his literature to teach there readers a lesson
- Setting and Characters
  students will be able to:
  • locate (on a map) where the story took place in order to locate setting
  • examine pertinence of setting (place, time, customs) in relation to the mood, tone, and meaning of the text by exploring New York on a virtual field trip
- Main Characters & Vocabulary
  students will be able to:
  • define meaning by using context clues
  • list and discuss the main character of chapters 1-4
  • describe and list differences in characters
- Point of View
  students will be able to:
  • distinguish between the characters' personalities
  • define first-person point of view
  • describe the "two person" narrator system
- Character Relationships
  students will be able to:
  • define the relationship between characters like Mr. Pignati and his pet friend, Bobo.
  • define symbolism and give an example from Chapters 5-6
  • reflect their comprehension by creating a visual representation
- Vocabulary Review
  students will be able to:
  • correctly define and spell vocabulary
  • know and use their vocabulary words correctly in a creative story
  • use cooperative learning and teamwork effectively to answer questions
- Conflict and Plot
  students will be able to:
  • define and apply conflict
  • understand and identify five types of conflict
  • make a prediction about resolving the conflict
- Reading To Comprehend
  students will be able to:
  • correctly define and spell vocabulary words
  • understand the main idea and plot of chapters 9 and 10
- Realism
  Students will be able to make predictions on what will happen in the novel.
- Plot Structure
  students should be able to:
  • define climax
  • finish reading the novel
  • explain plot line/pyramid of action
- Pigman Project
  students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the text by completing a performance task which requires summary, creativity and analyzing the text.
11 lessons The Author's Point Is.....
In this Unit Students will focus on Main Idea, Author's Purpose, Identifying supporting details and Organizing details. Students will read a variety of Informational Text (non-fiction) to understand how stated and implied main idea effect the understanding of a passage. Students will also analyze how an author's purpose effects the reading of a text. Students will also work on a variety of activities to strengthen their understanding of main idea, author's purpose and point of view.
- Lessons
- Idenfying The Main Idea
  Students will be able to:
  identify and explain the main idea of a passage
  clearly define and write the main idea of a passage
- Implied Main Idea
  Students will be able to identify, explain and analyze the implied main idea of a text.
- Purpose & Point of View Through TV
  Students will be able to:
  explain and identify author's purpose and point of view.
  analyze the author's purpose of popular television shows
- What's The Author's Purpose
  Students will be able to identify and explain the author's purpose of selected text.
- Analyzing Purpose of Poltical Cartoons
  students will be able to:
  Evaluate an author or artist's meaning by identifying his or her point of view
  Identify and explain the artistic techniques used in political cartoons
- Mood & Tone of An Author
  I can explain why mood and tone is important to author author’s purpose.
- Just the Facts Please
  I can describe how facts and evidence are used to support an argument.
- Main Idea and Titles
  Students will be able to identify the main idea of a text by only using the title, introduction and conclusion of the passage.
- Main Idea Centers
  Students will be able to identify and explain stated and implied main idea of text
- More Implied Main Idea
  students will be able to explain the main idea and author's purpose of informational text (non-fiction) text.
- Analyzing Point of View Through Fairy Tales
  Students will be able to:
  -Describe key information of a text from a prescribed viewpoint
  -Discuss differing viewpoints
  -Discover the importance of viewpoint in a text
8 lessons Character Traits
Traits are aspects of a character's personality, background, or physique that make him better at some activities and worse at others. In many ways, traits resemble feats: A character can have only a limited number of traits, and each trait provides some benefit. Students will learn about characters and why authors give them specific character traits
- Lessons
- What Are Character Traits
  Students will be able to identify character traits of characters in a story.
- Choose A Trait for A Character
  Students will be able to determine the BEST trait to describe a character and explain why they chose that trait.
- Character's Action
  Students will be able to identify the actions that drive the trait of a character
- Using Dialogue to Infere Traits
  Students will be able to identify take what characters are saying in a text, use their dialogue to infer a character trait based on those characters actions are words.
- Creating A Character
  Students will be able to create a character with well developed character traits.
- Understanding Character Traits and Emotions
  Students will be able to
  - identify and explain a variety of character traits
  - analyze characters traits and emotions
  - write about character traits
- Know Your Characters
  students will be able to analyze a characters thoughts and actions to predict the end of a short story, novel or passage
- Characters R' Us
  Students will be able to identify character traits to write stronger and better characters.
9 lessons Reading Short Stories To Understand Plot, Character & Author's Purpose
In this unit students will practice comprehension skills while enhancing their knowledge and understanding of plot, character and author's purpose. Reading comprehension doesn't just involve fluency. It also involves deconstructing a story to understand the character's motivation, the plot and the reason why an author chooses to user a certain point of view or setting. This unit will use short stories to explore these themes.
- Lessons
- Flowers For Algeron
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.
- Tell Tale Heart
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.
- The Lottery
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.
- The Landlandy
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.
- The Treasures of Lemon Brown
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.
- Raymond's Run
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.
- A Rose For Emily
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.
- The Pit and The Pendulum
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.
- Cora Unashamed
  Students will be able to recognize plot elements in short stories and analyze characters- their traits, motivations, conflicts, points of view, relationships, and changes.