COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to meet the needs of the emerging, independent seventh grader.  The course focuses on the development of writers who can, by consulting, analyzing and organizing text, produce succinct and accurately written communication.  The program will promote an understanding of standard grammar and usage as well as literary conventions.  The emphasis is on the development of critical thinking patterns derived from an examination of a variety of texts, and the development and reinforcement of CMT components that integrate and advance the skills and techniques taught in previous grades.  This program will guide the students through the appropriate use of technology as a research tool.

The seventh grade offers the first complete integration of the study of writing and literature.  The standards of grammar, writing and reading are subjected to a critical analysis in an attempt to improve the students’ fluency of composition and fluidity of speech.  To this end, the focus of the curriculum will be on the elements of the persuasive argument. 

In this course, students will demonstrate knowledge of the essential components of the English language.

Writing

1. Employ planning strategies for clearer communication.

2. Present and elaborate general and specific details to support an argument.

3. Identify and address specific audience in appropriate voice on a focused issue.

4. Develop, compare and contrast text based on critical examination of an issue.

5.  Develop, compare and contrast text based on critical examination of an issue.

6. Cite text to support argument.

7. Plan, organize, and execute a logical text.

8. Revise and edit work to conform to standard English conventions.

Grammar

1. Apply proper syntax, mechanics and standard usage necessary for effective communication.

2. Manipulate the components of language to improve sentence variety.
   

Literature

1. Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the veracity of text.

2. Recognize an employ literary devices.

3. Identify theme, plot, and character motivation of a text.

4. Recognize concrete and abstract meanings of text.

Research and Study Skills

1. Use Student Writing Tools to cite research.

2. Choose appropriate topics.

3. Do some primary investigation.

4. Practice note taking skills.

5. Organize information.

6. Complete topic investigation.

7. Prepare a rough draft.

8. Prepare a polished product.

Listening/Speaking

1. Demonstrate active listening strategies.

2. Employ visual aids to enhance presentation.

3. Actively participate in class discussions.

4. Compare and contrast after listening to selections.

Learning Process

1. Write self-reflective pieces.

2. Develop an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

3. See risk as an important component of learning.

4. Recognize the humor of human foibles.

Key Texts:

Waiting for the Rain.....Gordon
The Pearl.....Steinbeck
The Miracle Worker.....Gibson
Variety of short stories (teacher choice)
Poetry (teacher choice)

Optional Texts:

A Christmas Carol.....Dickens
The Westing Game.....Raskin
The Cay.....Taylor
All Creatures Great and Small.....Herriot
The Giver.....Lowry
Never Cry Wolf.....Mowat