Seventh Grade Language Arts
Recommended Prerequisite: None
Grades Offered: 7
SDE Course Code: 0701
MNPS Course Code: ENG1037Y
Course Description
This course encompasses a correlated study of reading, language development, literature, composition, listening, and speaking based upon the adopted District Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Elements of Language, Listening, and Speaking. In addition, this course will prepare students to demonstrate success on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test. The study of language arts at the seventh grade level integrates the reading/literature skills with the study of language mechanics, writing, spelling, and vocabulary to create a well-rounded, balanced language arts program. The curriculum centers around the literature provided in the adopted texts and the literature designated in the Essential Literature initiative. The required and choice literary selections are read and studied in the language arts class, not the reading class.
Essential Literature (K-12) is designed to ensure that all students read a minimum number of quality literary works, discuss them in depth, and engage in writing opportunities related to the literature. There are four components to Essential Literature: the required reading titles, school choice titles delineated by grade level, alternative texts for use when a book has been challenged by a parent; and adapted texts for use with special needs students (special education and English language learners). http://www.mnps.org/AssetFactory.aspx?did=5997
The texts read in language arts are integrated with the skills delineated in the MNPS District Academic Standards for seventh grade. Students engage in process writing and timed writing. Each six weeks, a minimum of three writing assignments reflecting the various domains in the MNPS Writing Standards should be assessed using an analytical, holistic, and/or primary trait process.
Course of Study
The student will develop reading skills necessary for word recognition, comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and appreciation of the written text. The student will also develop the structural and creative skills necessary to produce written language that can be read and interpreted by various audiences. Additionally, the student will use, read, and view media/technology; analyze content and concepts accurately; express ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts; and apply active listening skills in the analysis and evaluation of spoken ideas. While this sample outline is arranged by theme, other formats may be utilized. Bulleted themes may require more, or less, than six-weeks of instruction.
MNPS Language Arts Website http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=2287
MNPS Academic Standards
MNPS Reading Standards http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3342
MNPS Writing Standards http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3247
MNPS Listening and Speaking Standards
http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3352
MNPS Academic Vocabulary http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3342
Required State or District Assessments
TCAP Achievement Test - Grade 7
http://www.state.tn.us/education/assessment/tsachhome.shtml
District Writing Assessment – Grade 7
Textbooks
Beers, Kylene, et. Al. Elements of Literature. Austin, Texas: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, 2007 (Basal Adopted 2006)
http://www.hrw.com
Carroll, Joyce Armstrong, et. Al. Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar: Communication in Action – Bronze Level. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005.(Basal Adopted 2004)
Kinsella, Kate et. Al. Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes – Bronze Level. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005. (Not an adopted textbook – Additional resource to complement the language arts basal)
Required Essential Literature Student Copies (Via Media Center)
· A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens (As a play in the basal textbook)
· Hoot – Carl Hiaasen
· Stargirl – Jerry Spinelli
· For school’s choice selection titles see English Department Chairperson or Media Specialist
Reminder: The required and choice literary selections are read and studied in the language arts class, not the reading class.
Essential Literature High Interest/Fundamental Vocabulary Student Copies (Via Media Center)
· Refuge Cove – Lesley Chouce
· Walk Two Moons – Sharon Creech
· Tennessee – Kathleen Thompson (Non Fiction Selection)
Essential Literature Adapted Texts (Via Media Center)
· A Christmas Carol
· The Moonstone
· The Time Machine
Recommended and/or Required Resources:
MNPS Graduate and K - 12 Academic Standards
http://www.mnps.org/Page3241.aspx
Curriculum Alignment Guide for Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking Grade 7
Classroom set of Dictionaries (25 per set)
Classroom set of Thesauruses (25 per set)
Independence and Identity
A Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, phonetic, skill based, etc.). The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
- Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Stargirl – Jerry Spinelli (Required Essential Literature)
o “Girls” – Gary Paulsen (Elements of Literature)
o “The Smallest Dragonboy” - Anne McCaffrey (Elements of Literature)
o “Barrio Boy” – Ernesto Galarza (Elements of Literature)
o Life Of a Teenage Drama Queen - film clips
General Reading Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Reading Standards)
o use a variety of reading strategies appropriate to the texts.
o address challenging vocabulary from text and develop an understanding of meaning through contextual analysis and graphic organizers (e.g., characterization, sentence structure).
o develop comprehension strategies to discern main idea, theme, and inferences; formulate a hypothesis, and make predictions.
o identify character traits through dialogue and character interaction.
General Listening and Speaking Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o reenact a scene using a dialogue portion from the novel.
o deliver presentations and use delivery techniques effectively.
o organize presentations effectively to convey message and purpose.
General Elements of Language Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)
o select a variety of sentences from the text and identify differences in sentence types.
o view film clips, identify and write dialogue using appropriate punctuation.
General Writing Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)
o analyze and justify responses to characters in the novel.
o write responses to literature related to personal experience.
o revise drafts using rubrics and participate in guided peer revision.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards) Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Character analysis based on a character from a short story or novel
· Narrative or e-mail entry about the student’s first experience with peer conflict followed by individual and peer editing using a rubric
· Comparison/contrast of two characters in a novel
· A timed writing in response to a problem-solution prompt with the inclusion of a counter argument
Power of Love
A Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, phonetic, skill based, etc.). The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
- Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Rules of the Road – Joan Bauer (Essential Literature- Choice List)
o “Ode to Family Photographs”- Gary Soto (Elements of Literature)
o “User Friendly” – T. Ernesto Bethancourt (Elements of Literature)
o “It Just Keeps Going and Going” – Joan Burditt (Elements of Literature)
o The Twilight Zone – “The Eye of the Beholder” – Video of a TV episode
General Reading Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Reading Standards)
o use a variety of reading strategies appropriate to the texts.
o address challenging vocabulary from text and develop an understanding of meaning through contextual analysis and graphic organizers (e.g., theme, inference).
o develop comprehension strategies to discern main idea, theme, and inferences.
o analyze cause and effect text structure.
General Listening and Speaking Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o use delivery techniques effectively.
o use appropriate language and creative techniques to engage interest.
o organize presentations effectively to convey a message and purpose.
General Elements of Language Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)
o identify prepositional phrases from a text and explain the effect of the phrase.
o identify synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms used in a text and explain the effect of those word choices
General Writing Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)
o practice a variety of prewriting and organizational techniques.
o develop a thesis statement or main idea expressing the writer’s purpose.
o maintain a reading log (respond, retell, rewrite, etc.).
o use sensory detail in writing.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards) Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Directions in paragraph form for the main character in a novel that will guide him/her from one place to another (Study maps in print and on the Internet.)
· Character sketch of one of the characters from a text read
· Poem in the voice of one of the characters from a text read
· Description of a setting or character using the “show don’t tell” technique
Facing Choices
A Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, phonetic, skill based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
- Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Hoot –Carl Hiaasen (Required Essential Literature)
o “Duffy’s Jacket” – Bruce Coville (Elements of Literature)
o “Rikki-tikki-tavi” – Rudyard Kipling (Elements of Literature)
o “Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out” –Shel Silverstein (Elements of Literature)
o “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” – Rod Serling (Elements of Literature)
General Reading Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Reading Standards)
o use a variety of reading strategies appropriate to the texts.
o formulate a hypotheses and make predictions.
o analyzes plot (rising and falling action, conflict)
o uses academic vocabulary (e.g., rising and falling action, conflict – external and internal)
o identify stylistic elements such as mood, tone, and symbolism.
o analyze the text in terms of the historical/social/cultural influence and writer’s purpose.
General Listening and Speaking Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o present findings from research to the class.
o read poems to the class.
General Elements of Language Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)
o combine words, phrases and sentences.
o identify similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole within a text.
General Writing Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)
o revise writing for word choice, appropriate organization, and consistent point of view.
o practice using transitions to connect paragraphs, passages, and ideas.
o practice sentence combining.
o complete incremental steps in a long-term research and/or writing project.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Formal research report based on a question of interest to the student · Sequel to a short story such as “Duffy’s Jacket”
· Poem based on a text model such as “Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out”
· A timed writing in response to a problem-solution prompt with the inclusion of a counter argument
Living Many Lives
A Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, phonetic, skill based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
- Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens (Required Essential Literature)
o “A Rice Sandwich” – Sandra Cisneros (Elements of Literature)
o “A Day’s Wait” – Ernest Hemingway (Elements of Literature)
o “Madam and the Rent Man – Langston Hughes (Elements of Literature)
o Antwone Fisher – film/clips
General Reading Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Reading Standards)
o develop comprehension strategies to discern main idea, theme, and inferences.
o develop and use graphic organizers to enhance comprehension.
o identify character traits through dialogue and character interaction.
o use academic vocabulary (e.g., inference, characterization).
General Listening and Speaking Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o discuss, add, and listen as students present presentations.
o demonstrate effective group interaction skills.
o orally respond and connect literature to real world experiences.
General Elements of Language Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)
o combine sentences using a variety of strategies.
o recognize and differentiate among simple, compound, and complex sentences.
General Writing Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)
o write frequently for a variety of purposes including narration, description, persuasion, exposition, and personal, creative expression.
o practice and use various introductory techniques (i.e., question, quote, dialogue, anecdote, current event, startling statement, and general to specific commentary).
o edit for fragments and run-on sentences.
o edit for targeted homophones such as it’s/its, your/you’re, their/there/they’re, affect/effect, accept/except, and others.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards) Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Expository essay in which students compare and contrast their life with that of a story character.
· Journal entry that details how Dickens’ A Christmas Carol reflects the author’s desire for social change in the London of the day
· Several summaries of texts read
Mystery and Suspense
A Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, phonetic, skill based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
- Sample Texts for regular classes might include but are not limited to…
o Wolf Rider - Avi and/or The Westing Game –Ellen Raskin (Essential Literature Choice List)
o “The Highwayman” – Alfred Noyes (Elements of Literature)
o “I Was Sleeping Where the Black Oaks Move” – Louise Erdrich (Elements of Literature)
o “The Naming of Names” – Ray Bradbury (Elements of Literature)
o “The Last Dinosaur” – Jim Murphy (Elements of Literature)
o Vertigo, Psycho, Rear Window, Rope, North by Northwest – Hitchcock film clip
General Reading Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Reading Standards)
o reflect on reading strategies he/she has used to determine which ones have been most helpful.
o develop comprehension strategies to discern main idea, theme, and inferences.
o use academic vocabulary (e.g., conflict – external and internal).
o label characters as antagonist or protagonist and defend their decisions.
o identify stylistic elements such as point of view and tone.
General Listening and Speaking Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o orally respond and connect literature to real world experiences.
o use delivery techniques effectively.
o organize a presentation effectively to convey message and purpose.
General Elements of Language Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 7 Writing Standards)
o use appropriate transitions to connect ideas within and across paragraphs.
o edit for fragments and run-on sentences.
o edit for targeted homophones such as it’s/its, your/you’re, their/there/they’re, affect/effect, accept/except, and others.
General Elements of Language Objectives - The student will…
o write frequently for a variety of purposes including narration, description, persuasion, exposition, and personal, creative expression.
o practice and use various introductory techniques (i.e., question, quote, dialogue, anecdote, current event, startling statement, and general to specific commentary).
o use appropriate transitions to connect ideas within and across paragraphs.
o develop an effective thesis statement.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Writing Standards) Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Suspense story including an antagonist and protagonist
· Transformation of a newspaper article into a narrative with an antagonist and protagonist
· A timed writing in which students respond to a prompt asking them to reflect upon a time when danger was eminent and determine a way in which the event might have been prevented
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