Seventh Grade English Overview
	“Write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow...”  –Lawrence Clark Powell (American Librarian and Writer, 1906-2001)   Welcome to 7th Grade English, where we think, read, write, create, speak, and listen to become more effective communicators and more intelligent, confident, and compassionate humans!   Seventh Graders show their affection for Steinbeck on their visit to Cannery Row.

	Literature
	“We read to know we are not alone.” –C.S. Lewis Students read from a variety of genres, identify, analyze, and evaluate the elements of fiction. They practice active, close reading skills by analyzing important quotes, highlighting, note taking, summarizing, and asking effective questions. Students recognize universal themes in literature and make connections between novels and their own lives. They will also study related poetry and short stories. Summer reading: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and one free choice novel The Giver by Lois Lowery The Pearl by John Steinbeck Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths by Bernard Evslin At least 4 outside reading books of the student’s choice from a variety of genres

	Writing
	“Of all those arts in which the wise excel, Nature’s chief masterpiece is writing well.” —Andre Breton   Students develop the traits of effective writing—ideas, organization, sentence fluency, voice, conventions, word choice, and presentation—and apply these skills for a variety of purposes. They follow a writing process to develop and organize their ideas and supporting details, write multiple drafts, revise, and edit. They write in a variety of genres including descriptive, personal narrative, expository, persuasive, poetry, and formal literary analysis.

	Vocabulary
	“Use the right word, not its second cousin.” –Mark Twain Approximately every two weeks, students learn at least 20 new vocabulary words, and with them, up to 100 synonyms and antonyms! Students not only “memorize” these words, but also use them in the context of writing and discussing novels. Study techniques include analysis of roots and affixes, learning word origins, and grouping words. There are always Words of the Day to practice using in class. For the study of vocabulary we use: Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop, Level B

	Conventions (Grammar, Usage, Spelling and Punctuation)
	“Proper punctuation is both the sign and the cause of clear thinking” –Lynne Truss   Students hone their writing conventions as a key component of the writing process, including peer and self-editing and revision. Students learn and practice specific areas of grammar, usage, and mechanics through both prescriptive and descriptive methods.

	Speaking and Listening
	"It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes   Speaking is a hallmark of the Saint Andrew's Episcopal School education. Students engage in daily class discussions as well as formal speeches, multimedia presentations, book talks, debate, drama, and more. Students have many opportunities to read their writing aloud and receive peer feedback. Students practice actively listening to their classmates and responding with thoughtful questions, commendations, and recommendations. Some of the most important learning is what students learn from one another!   Teacher: Ms. Halla, Saint Andrew's Class of 1994