Ms. Chafetz (Hybrid) Curriculum Ms. Foster (7)
Canton Middle School is affiliated with the Teacher's College Reading and Writing Project. Therefore, our philosophy of teaching revolves around three main components: 1) All students will produce a high volume of reading and writing in the classes, allowing them to have daily practice deepening their skills; 2) Students will have a wide variety of choice in their curriculum often including what they read, how they're assessed, and what topics they explore; and 3) Teachers will utilize individual and small-group conferencing as a way to personal their instruction for every student.
Courses
Students may be enrolled in either English 7 or English 7 Honors. The distinction between these two courses is the level of independence of the learners, and the pace at which the curriculum moves.
Students in English 7 or 7 Honors will be on either Team 7 or Team Hybrid.
Units of Study:
Reading: Author Study, Historical Fiction Book Clubs, How to Eat a Poem: Analyzing Craft and Structure
Writing: Realistic Fiction, Writing about Reading, Writing Information Books, Poetry Immersion and Innovation
2019-2020
December 2019: Grade 7 students are hard at working planning their newest book trailers and experiencing the joy of reading!
2018-2019
March 2019: It's Companion Novel time! Students have just finished reading books from the historical fiction genre. They've conducted research, held discussions, and are now creating informative books to be read and studied alongside their fiction novels. Can't wait to read the finished products!
February 2019: Our historical fiction units are well underway! Students are engaged in determining important moments in the opening scenes, and beginning to consider the underlying historical timelines of their books.
January 2019: Students in grade 7 are transitioning into their Realistic Fiction units! They've been collecting story idea "blurbs" and are ready to start turning those ideas into developed pieces. We can't wait to read them!
February 2019: It's that time again! 7th graders were invited to a very special book-tasting event at the Historical Hideaway! Here they were able to devour a few delectable text options for their upcoming Historical Book Club units. Big shout out to Ms. Foster and Ms. Chafetz for their expert serving skills!
October 2018: Students are excited to use Gimkit to practice their knowledge of Author's Craft!
September 2018: Students are deep into their Author's Study unit where students are provided a choice a books by particular authors and work with their teachers and peers to explore themes, craft moves, and enhance their own reading skills!
April 2018: Students are creating their Historical Fiction Companion Novels! This work allows them to bring insightful "behind the scenes" information to their book club texts.
March 2018: Collaboration between High School Public Speaking Classes and 7th grade students!
Public Speaking students lead the way with ice-breaker activities to get to know their 7th grade partners before they jump into collaborative work in their historical fiction Companion Books. 7th graders will have the opportunity to write Tribute Speeches to an historical figure or character with the help of an upperclassman.
What's happening now?
January, 2018: Students are creating their pieces on realistic fiction. They've spent time studying mentor texts and are now ready to take those skills into their own stories!
Grade 7 teachers working together!
Some narrative techniques the students are using!
December, 2017: In grade 7, students have finished their Author Study Book Trailers using WeVideo to demonstrate their understanding of author's craft! Check out some of these fabulous examples!
Fast Break by Mike Lupica Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers