General Statement
Language Arts is structured as a two-semester introduction to formal writing and appreciation of literature. Working from the expertise of experts such as Nanci Atwell, the class will often use reading and writing "workshops." Thus, although time will be given for in-class reading, the majority of class time will focus on the acquisition and application of various skills. A typical workshop begins with a minilesson about craft and/or grammar for about twenty minutes and then the students work on that minilesson as they write their own pieces for the next hour. For example, some of the skills practiced include: showing not telling, developing imagery, perspective, character development, creating strong conclusions, and using correct punctuation. This course will provide opportunities for students to develop a broad knowledge of a range of literature.

WRITING WORKSHOP
Building from what they have learned in 6th grade about the different genres (including poetry, essays, memoirs, etc.), students build on their skills writing in these genres.

Skills Practiced:

• Showing not telling
• Catchy beginnings
• Strong endings
• Comma usage
• Word Choice (Parts of speech)
• Sentence Variation
• Creating characters
• Imagery

We do a mixture of creative writing, persuasive writing, and analytical essays. The students are introduced to the five paragraph essay and its variations. We focus on students learning how to make a claim (a thesis) and defend it with specific evidence, and all requirements are carefully presented in a detailed rubric that works as a form of instruction.

Revision:

• Peer revision
• Self-evaluation
• Multiple Drafts
• Rewriting
• Teacher feedback
• Proofreading
  

READING WORKSHOP

Methods and Materials:

• Read alouds
• Silent reading
• Literature circles
• Reading strategies modeled and practiced
• Whole class novels (comprehension quizzes)
• Discussions
• Written reflections
• Book talks
• Author of the week project

The books read for this course include: The Giver; Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Iqbal, When My Name Was Keoko, The Diary of Anne Frank and shorter selections from various anthologies. The basic text for our grammar lessons is English Workshop, Third Course by John E. Warriner. In addition, each student will receive packets of relevant materials as needed.

Extra Help
Extra help is always available through scheduled appointments and all students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity as need arises. Normal reasons for help might include note-taking techniques, more useful reading patterns, study and preparation for tests, clarification of long-term requirements. On occasion, a paper will say “see me” which indicates the need for help in some specific area.

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