The 6th grade ELA students have been learning about characterization- the way an author describes or shows what a character is like based on his/her thoughts, actions, dialogue, etc.  

They have also been introduced to SWBST which is a useful tool for learning how to summarize!  It is short for Somebody.. Wanted.. But.. So.. Then…

We just read the short story "Eleven".  Ask the students about the cottage cheese red sweater!

Our 7th grade students jumped into first quarter reviewing the elements of plot and theme.  Students practiced identifying each element while reading short stories. Additionally, students are learning Notice and Note strategies that engage the reader and improve reading comprehension. 

In September, students will read The Shadow Club by Neal Shusterman.  As students read this suspenseful novel, they will practice recognizing the Notice and Note signposts as well as how the signposts connect to the elements of plot, characterization, and themes.

Some 7th graders are participating in First Chapter Friday and Sketches which expose them to a variety of genres, while other students are taking part in student choice self sustained (SSR) reading. Be sure to ask your child what they have been reading or listening to in ELA!