7th Grade Full Curriculum English Language Arts (ELA) 1st Semester

In this 16-week Flex Class students will complete 3 units, or 1 semester, of a full-year Middle School English Language Arts curriculum. It will cover units in short stories, narrative writing, argumentative writing, informational writing, literary analysis, and novel study. The course follows Common Core standards.

This class is for learners who would like enrichment in Language Arts skills, as well as students who would like to take this course for homeschooling purposes. Students who take it for enrichment purposes are encouraged to complete the homework and receive feedback, however, the homework is optional. Students who take the course for a letter of completion are required to complete the homework assignments. 

WHAT WILL MY STUDENT LEARN?

Students will complete 3 units:
Unit 1: Short Stories, Narrative Writing
Unit 2: Study of the book The Westing Game, Literary Analysis, Informational Writing
Unit 3: Analyzing Informational Texts and Argumentative Writing 

Through these units, students will complete assignments such as responses to readings, analysis, reflection, narrative writing, vocabulary and grammar study, and reading.

WEEKLY LESSONS
Week 1: May 15 - May 19
- Welcome to class
- Introduction to Narrative writing - read examples
- Introduction to grammar and vocabulary study

Week 2: May 22 - 26
- Introduction to short story unit
- Teach elements of fiction
- Literary devices
- Short Story #1 "The Treasure of Lemon Brown"
- Discuss conflict

Week 3: May 29 - June 2
- Short Story #2 "The Most Dangerous Game"
- Discuss characterization, suspense, and mood

Week 4: June 5 - 9
- Short Story #3 "The Scholarship Jacket"
- Discuss characterization, tone, and theme

Week 5: June 12 - 16
- Short Story #4 "The Veldt"
- Discuss figurative language, symbolism, foreshadowing

Week 6: June 19 - 23
- Short Story #5 "Rain, Rain Go Away"
- Discuss cause and effect, mood, imagery, plot

Week 7: June 26 - 30
- Introduction to annotating fiction
- Introduce "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

Week 8: July 3 - 7
-Read "The Westing Game" and complete various literary analysis assignments

Week 9: July 10 - 14
- Read "The Westing Game" and complete various literary analysis assignments 

Week 10: July 17 - 21
- Informational Essay
- Review and practice the writing process

Week 11: July 24 - 28
- Informational essay due 

Week 12: July 31 - August 4
Introduction to annotating non-fiction/informational texts
- Practice annotation with various readings
- Introduction to ethos/pathos/logos and persuasion

Week 13: August 7 - 11
-  Ethos/pathos/logos continued
- Paraphrasing, quoting, and summarizing 

Week 14: August 14 - 18
- Ethos/pathos/logos final project

Week 15: August 21 - 25
- Introduction to argumentative writing
- Students research and evaluate arguments
- Select a topic for an argumentative paper

Week 16: August 28 - September 1
-  Students write an argumentative paper
- Students peer edit/correct/submit paper

CLASS STRUCTURE and INTERACTION

Since this is a Flex Class students will work through the material on their own. Weekly lessons are posted each Monday by 9 am EST to the Outschool Classroom. Lessons consist of instructional videos of me introducing the lesson, readings, Nearpod, and Edpuzzle interactive videos.

Lessons will include all instructional material, assignments, and worksheets. Students and parents can communicate with me at any time through the Outschool Classroom to ask questions and receive additional support. I also provide every student feedback for every assignment.