English/ Literature/ Spelling/ Writing

7^th Grade English

          The seventh grade English curriculum is based on the Diocesan Frameworks, as well as The California State Standards.  In seventh grade English students review and continue to be educated in the proper and current trends of grammar through exercises, written and oral activities, which demonstrate their understanding of learned concepts.  Examples of grammar concepts are; the use of appositives, predicates, prepositions, clauses, and so on.

Students are able to recognize and apply structural analysis of words and sentences.

            “The Step Up To Writing” program also reviews and teaches students clear, writing concepts such as organization, sentence fluency, paragraph writing that escalates to five paragraph essays, followed by revising and editing of pieces in preparation for publishing.  Students are to apply writing mechanics.

            Spelling is also a component of this class.  Here we research the etymology and definitions of words, practice proof reading short stories, solve analogies, research work in the dictionary, and review spelling strategies

7^th Grade Literature    

          This class focuses on developing a broader love of reading, comprehension, and critical thinking about the text and what it says about other cultures and world view points. We focus on higher level reading skills such as sequencing, identifying themes, statements implied, supporting details, drawing conclusions, paraphrasing, evaluating, and elaborations.  Students are able to identify some literary devices.  This course enhances an appreciation for personal reading through novels, short stories, and classic literature.  We are always working at increasing comprehension.  Students will read different genres and do projects related to literature. Examples of genres are; myths, folk tales, short stories, articles, essays, autobiographies, biographies, and poetry.