WELCOME to 7th grade Language Arts!

 3rd quarter 2010

Reading Block: Students in Reading block recently began to read Torn Thread by Anne Isaacs. This novel is a combination of realistic fiction as well as memoir. The author was the daughter-in-law of Eva Buchbinder. Eva was a survivor of the Bedzin labor camp and this novel is based upon her actual experiences. We read about this terrible time in our history and complete several extension activities related to this novel.

All Blocks:

Reading: 3rd quarter focus in reading is centered around argumentative works. Students will study the author's word choice, his/her purpose, and stance. Students will study reading material that reflects fact vs. opinion and the problem-solution process. In their reading materials, students will learn to identify the audience, theme, supporting details. Overall students will be able to not simply read a novel (or an excerpt) but will discuss it in order to analyze it.  

Grammar: Students will review the different roles of different parts of speech in sentence structure and will continue to expand their ability to write more detailed and interesting sentences in their works.

Writing: Students' writing focus this quarter centers on the argumentative evaluation/persuasive process. Students will participate in their third writing test in February writing a piece about the effects of obesity in today's society. Science and social studies teachers will again help students research material. 

Vocabulary: We continue with Word Skills and other supplemental vocabulary including Vocabulary Workshop and Vocabulary/Spelling workbooks. Expanding your vocabulary is a sure step to academic success!

Library Day: Our library day is every other Tuesday. Students are expected to check out library books and to keep their account clear.

AIG students: 2nd quarter book project involved reading books from several different genres and completing the genre wheel. The due date for this project has been extended into 3rd quarter. I am very proud of these students as most have been very diligent in their reading of the different genres.

Both First  and Second Block AIG: are involved in the new William and Mary Curriculum. This study involves reading strategies to help students achieve a deeper meaning of the material. Students will work in groups completing literature webs and vocabulary webs and discussing questions intended to create a deeper knowledge of the literary work. Students will analyze a literary work and discuss its impact on its audience. This is a very fun and engaging program.

3rd block: Students in this block continue to improve reading skills in fluency and comprehension. We will begin a very intense study of new vocabulary words in order to acquire new words and understand their meanings. Acquisition of new vocabulary will help all students in all academic areas. 

Students:  Your team is determined by the home room you are in. You should find out each teacher's extension so you can find your homework assignments on the Homework Hotline.  Students should check the Homework Hotline daily at 704-633-9561. Macdonald, Current, and Cobb use ext. 7100.

 If you have any questions, please email by clicking above or you may call the school (704-633-4775)  and leave a message in my voice mailbox #223. 

North Carolina Standard Course of Study:  On a typical day in Language Arts, our class will cover several academic objectives and goals as required by the NC Dept. of Education. The objectives that we will cover in 3rd quarter are: 1.01,1.02,1.03,1.04,2.01, 3.02,3.03, 4.01,4.02,4.03, 5.01,6.01,6.02.

The basic six competency goals required by the state of North Carolina for 7th grade Language Arts are: