Mrs Holtzman 7th Grade English Language Arts

We will be using a grading system that is a lilttle different than what you are used to.  This powerpoint will explain the basics, but feel free to ask me questions directly if you need clarification.  

The Common Core Standards for 7th Grade Reading and Writing that we are required to learn this year.  

This is a the current Unit 1 Lesson plan that is adjusted by the 7th grade team only.   

Download this document to Google Docs and complete.  Be sure to label appropriately with the Text Number.

Download to your Google docs file as Cornell Notes template

Complete these four  worksheets, either on-line or write the answers on a piece of paper, numbering as you go. 

Powerpoint  to include Poetry terms, forms, figurative language 

Powerpoint explaining the use of adjectives. 

Understanding Author's point of view and perspective. 

Here is a list of vivid verbs that can be used to "spice" up your sentences.  This is not a complete list, but certainly a good example of words that can be used to replace "boring" words.  Be sure you know the correct meaning of the word before using it as a synonym.  

This powerpoint will help to explain the grammar points of independent and dependent clauses.  Feel free to review this as often as necessary to reach a level of understanding.

Here is a chance to understand some of the words that relate to Mood and Tone in text. 

Here are some words to use when writing sentences and paragraphs, categorized by the relationship the word would be used in.   Remember to use variety in your paragraphs.  

When looking for transition words to make a comparison, check this list.

Much of the work that we will do in the classroom together and/or will be assigned for you to do independently will be available on MRS HOLTZMAN'S LIVEBINDER.  I would suggest once you enter this link the first time that you bookmark this URL so you do not have to keep searching for it on the LEARN page as you will be asked to go there frequently.  

We will use this website often for exit tickets, group discussions, think/pair/shares. Feel free to use this site on your own for taking notes.  It is a Google App, so you can place it on your Google Drive, but downloading it free from the Google Store.  

Bring the story to life as you read.  You can choose a book that already has sounds added or you can add the soundtrack yourself by cutting and pasting the pages of an ebook and then placing sounds in the background. Try reading a book just once with the soundtrack and you will never go back!

This is a free app you can load on your Google Drive as well from the Google Store.

You will frequently be asked to participate in discussion groups and forums using the collaborative classroom.  Use this URL link to enter the Collaborative Classroom website.  

This link gives you the opportunity to highlight text, take notes, cite sources related to any literature we read together or you read on your own.  You can also share this information with other students or with your teacher.

Looking for some fun historical facts on a particular city.  Try this website.  Then use the pictures and history as a starting point to write a story.  Don't forget to cite your sources!

Add yourself to HOLTZMAN'S 7TH GRADE ELA APOLLO MS classroom.  Once you have done this, practice the vocabulary for Unit 1 - Close Reading.  There are several different ways to practice (flashcards, race, speller, scatter, learn), but be sure to practice all of the words as there will be occassional quizzes on these words throughout the unit.  

http://quizlet.com/join/g3GNrT82A

This is just a fun video to watch - see how the life of penguins is similar to the life of teens - drama! drama! drama!

This file includes 35 pages of text labelled as Text 1 through 9.  You will not be able to right on these texts, however, you would be able to copy and past the links into other files to work with the documents as necessary.

These documents are available for use with the Reading Closely Unit, as well as any other unit.  Download to your language arts folder and save under their appropriate name as a blank document.  Resave under the name of the text when in use.  For example "To Build a Fire, AD"

Text available for reading and annotation.  Copy to your Google Drive file to work with. 

Text available for reading and annotation.  Download to your Google Drive Language Arts file to work with.  

Text available to read and annotate.  Download to your Google Drive in order to work. 

This powerpoint helps to identify the meaning of theme in a literary work and provides examples of theme in some different forms of text.  

Learn about the explorers of the North and South Pole and share what you have learned by creating a Facebook page the class.  This is an individual project.  There will be several internet sites added to this resource site to assist you with your research.  Be sure to cite your sources using MLA format.  Download the template below to your Google Drive Language Arts folder.  Due date October 3, 2014.   Submit final assignment via GMail to cindih2@students.susd12.org 

This explorer was the first to reach the Arctic (North Pole).

Explored the Arctic (North Pole) along with Robert Peary in 1909

Explorer of Antarctica - Arrived at the South Pole, but 35 days after Roald Amundsen and did not survive the return journey.

Explorer of Antarctica - Arrived at the South Pole, but 35 days after Roald Amundsen and did not survive the return journey.

This Norwegian explorer was the first to make it to the South Pole (Antarctica) and returned home again.  

This Norwegian explorer was the first to make it to the South Pole (Antarctica) and returned home again.  

This Norwegian explorer made it to the South Pole (Antarctica) first and then returned home.

Watch a slideshow presenting the Literary definition of TONE and providing several text examples.

Watch this PPT to learn about Hook Sentences in your essay.

Watch this PPT to learn how to organize a persuasive (argumentative) essay.