English Language Arts: 7th Grade

Welcome to 7th grade English. This year we are using StudySync curriculum. The students will utilize both online and hard copy texts for class.  The year will be divided into four major units.  For each unit, the students are expected to read a variety of texts and write for several different purposes that also includes a major essay.

UNIT 1: In Pursuit

What is it that drives us to undertake a mission? Is it to pursue a goal regardless of the risks? And is achieving that goal as important as what we learn on the mission to accomplish it?In this Grade 7 unit, the topics of survival in a new environment and the strength of the human spirit against great odds are studied. Throughout this unit, students will explore how fiction characters all have one purpose in mind: to discover what drives us to undertake a mission regardless of the risks or human cost.
While there will be many mini writing assignments throughout this unit, the major essay will be a narrative.
UNIT 2: The Powers that Be

What do people mean when they talk about a “just” society? The term implies fairness—but to whom? The people who rule the society? Those who work to keep it alive and flourishing? These questions have been debated by scholars, philosophers, writers, and politicians for hundreds of years—but that doesn’t make them any less relevant to today’s society.

In this Grade 7 unit, your students will explore the principles of a fair, or just, society from a variety of literary perspectives through a variety texts.  Throughout this unit, students will investigate the principles of a just society by exploring different cultures and eras and diverse points of view.

While there will be many mini writing assignments throughout this unit, the major essay will be an informative essay.

UNIT 3: Justice Served

Is it easy to defend your rights? Not always. It takes a lot of strength and determination to challenge rules, beliefs, or ideas that you think are unjust. Throughout history, people have been denied certain rights or have been treated poorly because of such things as their religious beliefs, ethnicity, background, or the color of their skin. While these struggles are not proud points in history, great leaders have emerged who took a stand and became a voice for the people.

In this Grade 7 unit, your students will explore the importance of defending human rights through accounts of real people and characters in a variety of texts. Throughout this unit, students will explore human struggle, determination, and the fight for human rights.

While there will be many mini writing assignments throughout this unit, the major essay will be a persuasive essay.

UNIT 4: Getting Along 

As human beings we all have a lot in common. And yet interacting with one another can often be extremely challenging. Why is it so difficult for people to get along? What are the barriers that hold us back from communicating with one another and forming strong, lasting relationships?In this Grade 7 unit, a variety of texts will help your students explore the outside forces that create challenges for human interaction. They will read a variety of texts about the steps people take to overcome these forces so that they can form meaningful relationships with other people.  Throughout this unit, students will explore the many challenges human beings face in forming relationships with one another and with the world around them.
ifluenced people’s ideas of child labor?
While there will be many mini writing assignments throughout this unit, and we will be revisiting all types of major essays.

 Additional Information

At the beginning of each day, there will be “Bell Beginners” that the students will complete in their compositions books.

Management Mondays: Grades and Grammar ; Terminology Tuesday: Academic Vocabulary; Wordy Wednesday: Wise Words ; Thursday Language Training: PENS; Fundamental Fridays: Figurative Language

Additional Resources

Class Contract