My name is Lori Wilson, and I am your child’s seventh grade Language Arts teacher.  Welcome to seventh grade and to what I hope will be an exciting year!  Throughout the year, students will be studying language mechanics, literature, poetry, and a variety of writing styles and techniques.  Students will also improve skills in public speaking and critical thinking. Today begins a new school year for all of us, and I am looking forward to what each student brings to this classroom! As always, the start of a school year holds the promise of new discovery and learning, as well as the prospect of personal growth in all areas.  Your student was introduced to my classroom policies and procedures today. Please review the classroom rules and consequences with your student to ensure he or she understands the classroom and school-wide expectations. 

Also note that if you ever have any comments, questions, or concerns, I am available for phone calls and meetings (by appointment please) each day before and after school.  You may contact me via email or phone, and I will respond promptly.

I am excited about working with your child. I welcome questions or comments, and I am looking forward to a great year!

 

  

 

 

 

Touching Spirit Bear

Digital copy of the book 

 

 

 

 

Questions

 

1. Analyze the scene when Kenny makes Max go down the stairs first. What does this tell the reader about Max’s father?
2. Kenny Kane tells Max that he “…can’t be trusted quite yet.” What does he mean? What do you think Max will need to do to prove he can be trusted?
3. Take a second look at what you know about Iggy and Loretta and compare it with the new information from Ch. 19. Do their actions make them good or bad people?
4. Why do you believe Killer Kane blames Max for costing him years in prison?
5. What is Max feeling when he says, “I’m so small and weak and he’s so big and strong, you can’t stop him…” 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Geography Interactive Map of the U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Narrative Writing Examples

 

Rating Narratives Activity

 

Copy of the Independent Reading Project Guidelines

 

 

Copy of the Writing Packet 

***This is worth one test grade.

 

 

 

Essay Analysis Activity

Examples #1-4 

 

 

 

 

Should Balloons Be Banned-- resources for writing your essay

Yes- Video shown to the whole class 

Yes- Source 1 

No- Source 2

No- Source 3 

 

 

Paired Texts

Article One 

 

Article Two 

 

 

Writing Discussions and Interventions

Sentence Structure types 

  

 

Vocabulary Test on Units 1-3 on Wednesday.  The list of all 60 words can be found below.

Units 1-3 word list 

 

 

Test on theme, POV, central idea, and context clues

Point of View ppt. 

Central Idea ppt. 

Context Clues ppt. 

 

 

Context clues activities 1, 2, & 3

http://www.tv411.org/reading/understanding-what-you-read/using-context-clues/activity/1/2 

 

 

Types of Conflict Notes

Conflict notes 

 

 

  

 

 

I. Introduction

   a. hook

   b. background information (discuss Burmese pythons in general & tell how the presence of the snakes is changing the Everglades)

   c. thesis statement

 

II. Body Paragraph 1

   a. Main idea and details about changes in local animals

   b. Supporting evidence

 

III. Body Paragraph 2

   a. Main idea and details about changes in people

   b. Supporting evidence

 

IV. Body Paragraph 3

   a. Main idea and details about changes in ecosystem

   b. Supporting evidence

 

V. Conclusion

   a. restate the thesis statement

   b. summarize main ideas and details presented in body paragraphs 

   c. strong concluding sentence