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

In this 16-week Multi-Day 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: Analyzing Informational Texts and Argumentative Writing
Unit 3: Study of the book The Westing Game, Literary Analysis, Informational Writing

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

WEEKLY LESSONS
Week 1: January 9 & January 11
- Welcome to class
- Narrative writing
- Introduction to grammar and vocabulary study

Week 2: January 16 & January 19
- Introduction to short story unit
- Teach elements of fiction
- Literary devices
- Short Story #1 "The Interlopers"
- Discuss conflict

Week 3: January 23 & January 25
- Short Story #2 "The Most Dangerous Game"
- Discuss characterization, suspense, and mood

Week 4: January 30 & February 1
- Short Story #3 "The Scholarship Jacket"
- Discuss characterization, tone, and theme

Week 5: February 6 &  February 8
- Short Story #4 "The Veldt"
- Discuss figurative language, symbolism, foreshadowing

Week 6: February 13 & February 15
- Short Story #5 "Rain, Rain Go Away"
- Discuss cause and effect, mood, imagery, plot

Week 7: February 20 & February 22
- Introduction to annotation
- Practice annotation with various readings
- Introduction to ethos/pathos/logos and persuasion

Week 8: February 27 & March 1
- Ethos/pathos/logos continued
- Paraphrasing, quoting, and summarizing

Week 9: March 6 & March 8
- Introduction to argumentative writing
- Students research and evaluate arguments
- Select topic for an argumentative paper

Week 10: March 13 & March 15
- Students write an argumentative paper
- Students peer edit/correct/submit paper

Week 11: March 20 & March 22
- Introduction to annotating fiction
- Introduce "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

Week 12: March 27 & March 29
- Read "The Westing Game" and complete various literary analysis assignments

Week 13: April 3 & April 5
- Read "The Westing Game" and complete various literary analysis assignments

Week 14: April 10 & April 12
- Read "The Westing Game" and complete various literary analysis assignments

Week 15: April 17 & April 19
- Informational Essay
- Review and practice the writing process

Week 16: April 24 & April 26
- Informational essay due


CLASS STRUCTURE and INTERACTION
This is a Multi-Day class. Class is held two times each week: Mondays @ 12pm -1pm EST and Wednesdays @ 12pm - 1pm EST 
All weekly lessons and materials are posted each Monday by 9 am EST to the Outschool Classroom so the learner has access to everything they need for the week. Lessons consist of short "lecturettes" where I introduce the lesson or concept, interactive games and activities, videos, and Padlet, an interactive bulletin board. 

Learners 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.