HAL Block
 

HAL Literature/ Language Arts

Expectations

 At the start of seventh grade, HAL students should be writing in complete sentences across the curriculum.  HAL students should also know the basic elements of narrative, expository, and persuasive writing.  They should be prepared to continue to learn and use in context, new vocabulary.  They should have advanced comprehension skills using multiple reading strategies. 

 At the conclusion of seventh grade, HAL students should be writing in 6-8 sentence paragraphs, focusing on topic sentences and transitions.  They should have a sound understanding of the characteristics of good writing, and be able to use them across the curriculum.  Students should also be able to analyze multiple genres of literature, and be able to explain and justify an interpretation of a text. 

Goals & Objectives: 

Writing:

Students will develop techniques for persuasive, narrative, and expository writing through various genres (poetry, newspaper, essays, creative writing).

Students will write in complete sentences across the curriculum

Students will use the characteristics of good writing across the curriculum (6 Traits).

Students will write paragraphs containing 6-8 sentences.

Students will be introduced to advanced essay writing: in-text citations, works cited, etc.

Students will use pre-writing techniques before all essay writing assignments.

ISAT extended response:  Students will be familiar with the basic transitions and writing process to do well on the exam. 

Word Study:

Students will use high school level vocabulary in context.

Students will learn and utilize vocabulary words based on Latin-based roots and stems.

Students will learn and apply the principles of Standard English grammar, mechanics, usage and spelling.

Oral Communication:

Students will develop advanced public speaking skills.

An emphasis will be placed on persuasion and providing evidence for opinions.

Literature:

Students will analyze all genres of literature for characterization, theme, connections, allusions, satire, plot, setting, conflict, mood, tone, and figurative language.

Students will explore change through the writer’s voice: They will explore the writer’s voice through the works of various cultures.  They will explore their personal history and culture of origin through discussions and reflective writing.

Students will use higher order thinking skills and reasoning (evaluation and synthesis) to understand cultural diversity.

Students will study the theme of change by reading multiple genres.

Apply reading strategies to preview material, clarify meaning, and relate reading with information from other sources.

Explain and justify an interpretation of a text.

Research and Note Taking Skills

Students will use reliable sources on the internet

Students will use books to research topics

Note taking for literature:  identify: key elements of fiction, key plot events, prior-knowledge, personal connections

Students will take notes with and without the use of graphic organizers

Students will put notes into outline format before writing the final assignment.

Teaching Strategies

Questioning: open-ended yet guided questioning and project work

Cognitive level- recall, analysis, creativity, critical thinking, organization skills

Products- written, oral, visual, kinesthetic

Resources- primary sources, audio, visual, computer, internet

Grouping- prior knowledge and skill ability, learning style preference, cognitive ability, interest, strength or talent

Compacting- length of assignments

Independent study- depth

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Author: Dan Morvaji
Sponsor: Dr. Nate Carter
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Updated: 11/01/2009