PA English Language Arts
Ms. Clausen
Welcome!
I am looking forward to a fantastic school year with you! We will read, write, discuss, collaborate, and create during our time together. I want you to feel challenged, learn new things, become more self-directed, share your ideas, be a part of a community, and have fun.
We will be implementing the 7th grade Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (ELA). We focus on reading strategies, the writing process, and speaking and listening skills.
“I hate the idea that, when it comes to books and learning, hard is often seen as the opposite of fun. It’s strange to me that we should be so quick to give up on a book or a math problem when we are so willing to grapple, for centuries if necessary, with a single level of Angry Birds.” John Green
Reading is one of the most important skills your child will develop during their school years. It is also the cornerstone of our classroom. Throughout this year, your child will read, and read, and read some more, as practice is the only way to ensure our kids will grow as readers. Some reading will be required, but your child will also have opportunities to choose their own book for independent reading. I work to help all students find a book that they will enjoy and will help them continue to grow as a reader.
In order to better match students and books, I maintain a large classroom library. I work hard to keep my library updated and full of books that are interesting, challenging, inclusive to religion, culture, and lifestyle, and accommodating for all the learners in my classroom. Because of this, I ask you to be aware of what your child is reading, so you may approve of the content. The books range from elementary to middle level, so your participation is essential in guiding your child to appropriate and challenging material for them. I am sensitive to ensuring that I have appropriate material in my library, but you and I may define the word “appropriate” in different ways.
Learning is an active endeavor involving persistent, intentional work.