Essential Info

You can find current information about what is going on in my classes by exploring the other tabs in the ELA section of my website. You can also access your child's Google Classroom, school email, personal calendar, etc. when they are logged in with their school account (last.firstname@bcsdschools.net....000lunch#) See more about accessing accounts under the “links/websites” tab.

About ELA 7

English Language Arts (the art of language) provides an opportunity to interact with language by breaking it down and building it up. All language is built on small pieces of words called affixes (Stems). These pieces are put together to make words (vocabulary). We string words together to make sentences, which make paragraphs, and so on. When we want to get fancy we string them together into lines and stanzas, make them rhyming and lyrical (devices). We write and say these words to get our heartfelt ideas and sometimes heated points across to others. We read and listen to them to learn new ideas and more about people, places, and things. We do our best to accurately articulate and depict ideas vividly in the fewest words possible (metaphors/figurative language). To gain a deeper understanding of what others are saying and to more accurately express what we mean to others, we explore the structure of the language and how it fits together (grammar). In an effort to broaden our audience and deepen our understanding, we research to find what others think, feel, do, and say, and we give them credit for their ideas (research/citing evidence).

We will read a wide variety of texts. Sometimes students will have choice in the texts and other times they will be assigned. Some of the novels we will read include

• Stargirl, Bud, Not Buddy, Touching Spirit Bear, Farewell to Manzanar, The Devil’s Arithmetic, & A Wrinkle in Time.

Reading how characters encounter the world, embrace challenges, engage in conflict, and trial and error through trying situations helps us find new approaches to life and our own conflicts. Reading how authors express ideas gives us new ways to express ourselves.

We will write in a variety of modes for a variety of purposes. Some writing will be short quick writes while others will be taken through the entire writing process. Writing will be assessed in several ways,

• for length to increase stamina,
• for content to express ideas accurately,
• for wording and quality of vocabulary to increase clarity,
• for structure and organization to get the point across effectively,
• for grammar, conventions, and formatting to polish work & present it well
• for the writing process to analyze and perfect your form

Most writing will be assessed for only 1 or 2 of the above with focused feedback. At least 2 major writing projects will be assessed for all of the above. Students will keep a writing portfolio on their Google Drive where they will collect works in progress and some returned, graded work. Keeping writing portfolios in this manner helps students to see the progress in their writing over time and allows for multiple opportunities for revision.

ELA has many parts. Everything has a purpose. ELA7 is a small part of a larger whole. This year, students are expected to stand firmly on their language foundations, strive to become linguistic acrobats, take risks, embrace challenges, and power through the setbacks. English is hard, but don’t forget, this is only 7th grade. You need this year to solidify your foundation. No foundation is solid without a decent amount of trial and error. Appreciate them BOTH as part of your training for greatness.