GLEN RIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Curriculum Guide

 

 

 

Course Title:                                       WRITING AND GRAMMAR - 7TH GRADE CYCLE

 

Subject:                                               Writing and Grammar

 

Grade Level:                                       7th

 

Department/School:                          English / Glen Ridge High School

 

Duration:                                            approximately 6 weeks

 

Prerequisite:                                       none

 

Elective or Required:                         Required

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author:  Alison Nazimek

Date Submitted:  Summer 2007

 

 

Course Description

 

 

This class is designed to reinforce grammar rules and strengthen writing skills.  This 6-week cycle class will provide students with the knowledge of grammar rules, including punctuation in writing and proper parts of speech usage.  This class will also incorporate the implementation and maintenance of a writing portfolio, which will demonstrate the students’ abilities to write efficiently and fluently while applying the correct rules and regulations of Standard American English. 

 

 

 

GLEN RIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MISSION STATEMENT/GOALS

 

 

The purpose of a writing and grammar cycle is to ensure student understanding of how to integrate proper Standard American English (SAE) grammar and punctuation within their writing.  In order to become well-rounded writers, a firm grasp of grammar and SAE rules is necessary.  Throughout this class, students will gather the necessary grammar and writing skills to help them in their task as writers.  Students are able to write effectively and efficiently once they have within their knowledge a solid understanding of how to piece together their ideas in a coherent manner. 

 

Writing successfully is challenging at all ages, yet with the implementation of state tests, such as the NJASK, GEPA, and HSPA, it has become critical for students to be able to articulate their ideas clearly and coherently.  It is the goal of this writing and grammar cycle to prepare students to approach these tests and other future writing assignments with confidence in their writing abilities.

New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards

 

STANDARD 3.1:        (READING)  ALL STUDENTS WILL UNDERSTAND AND APPLY THE KNOWLEDGE OF SOUNDS, LETTERS, AND WORDS IN WRITTEN

ENGLISH TO BECOME INDEPENDENT AND FLUENT READERS, AND WILL READ A VARIETY OF MATERIALS AND TEXTS WITH FLUENCY AND COMPREHENSION.

A. Concepts About Print

B. Phonological Awareness

C. Decoding and Word Recognition

D. Fluency

E. Reading Strategies (before, during, and after reading)

F. Vocabulary and Concept Development

G. Comprehension Skills and Response to Text

H. Inquiry and Research

(3.1A2; 3.1C2; 3.1F2; 3.1H1)

 

STANDARD 3.2:        (WRITING)  ALL STUDENTS WILL WRITE IN CLEAR, CONCISE, ORGANIZED LANGUAGE THAT VARIES IN CONTENT AND FORM FOR DIFFERENT AUDIENCES AND PURPOSES.

A. Writing as a Process

B. Writing as a Product

C. Mechanics, Spelling, and Handwriting

D. Writing Forms, Audiences, and Purposes

(3.2A2; 3.2A3; 3.2A4; 3.2A7; 3.2B1; 3.2B2; 3.2B4; 3.2C1; 3.2C2; 3.2C6; 3.2D2; 3.2D4; 3.2D5; 3.2D10; 3.2D11; 3.2D12; 3.2D13; 3.2D14)

 

STANDARD 3.3:        (SPEAKING)  ALL STUDENTS WILL SPEAK IN CLEAR, CONCISE, ORGANIZED LANGUAGE THAT VARIES IN CONTENT AND FORM

FOR DIFFERENT AUDIENCES AND PURPOSES.

A. Discussion

B. Questioning (Inquiry) and Contributing

C. Word Choice

D. Oral Presentation

(3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.3D1; 3.3D3; 3.3D6)

                     

STANDARD 3.4:        (LISTENING)  ALL STUDENTS WILL LISTEN ACTIVELY TO

INFORMATION FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES IN A VARIETY OF

SITUATIONS.

A. Active Listening

B. Listening Comprehension

(3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

                    

STANDARD 3.5:        (VIEWING AND MEDIA LITERACY)  ALL STUDENTS WILL ACCESS, VIEW, EVALUATE, AND RESPOND TO PRINT, NONPRINT, AND

ELECTRONIC TEXTS AND RESOURCES.

A. Constructing Meaning

B. Visual and Verbal Messages

C. Living with Media

(3.5A1)

Curriculum Description

 

 

UNIT 1: THE WRITING PROCESS

 

Objectives:

At the end of this unit, students will acquire the following skills:

1.       Identify and analyze specifics of the writing process. (3.1F2)

2.       Recognize and analyze specific writing process procedures (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and presenting) and how to apply them. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C6)

 

Approximate Duration to Teach: 2-3 days

 

Class Activities:

 

-          Take notes on, discuss, and analyze the specific aspects of the writing process. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5; 3.5A1)

-          Participate in an in-class writing prompt of the teacher’s choosing to introduce the students to writing prompts, to teach them how to read the directions in the prompt, and to gage where students are in their grammar knowledge. (3.1C2; 3.1H1; 3.2A2; 3.2C1; 3.2D2; 3.2D4; 3.2D13)

 

 

 

UNIT 2: NOUNS, PRONOUNS, AND EXPOSITORY WRITING

 

Objectives:

At the end of this unit, students will acquire the following skills:

1.       Identify and define the function of nouns and pronouns. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

2.       Identify and define the different types on nouns and pronouns. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

3.       Recognize and analyze the proper uses of nouns and pronouns in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1)

4.       Identify and analyze expository writing in standardized tests. (3.1F2; 3.2B1; 3.2B4)

5.       Identify and apply successful brainstorming techniques in the development of an expository writing piece. (3.2A3; 3.2B1; 3.2D2; 3.2D13)

 

Approximate Duration to Teach: 4-5 days

 

Class Activities:

 

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the definition and functions of nouns and pronouns and the uses and purpose of including nouns and pronouns in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the different types of nouns and pronouns. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Review textbook pages regarding nouns and pronouns and complete relevant practical exercises to reinforce understanding. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.5A1)

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss what are expository writing prompts on standardized tests and what is required in a high-scoring answer. (3.1A2; 3.2B1; 3.2B4; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Work in cooperative groups to practice brainstorming ideas for different approaches to expository writing prompts and present findings to class as a group presentation. (3.2A3; 3.2B1; 3.2D2; 3.2D13; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.3D1; 3.3D3; 3.3D6; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Apply knowledge of nouns and pronouns to write an expository writing piece that will be added to their writing portfolios. (3.1C2; 3.1H1; 3.2A2; 3.2B1; 3.2B4; 3.2C1; 3.2C2; 3.2D2; 3.2D4; 3.2D13; 3.2D14)

 

 

UNIT 3: VERBS AND PERSUASIVE WRITING

 

Objectives:

At the end of this unit, students will acquire the following skills:

1.       Identify and define the function of verbs. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

2.       Identify and define the different types of verbs. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

3.       Recognize and analyze the proper uses of verbs in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1)

4.       Identify and analyze persuasive writing prompts in standardized tests. (3.1F2; 3.2B1; 3.2B4)

5.       Identify and apply successful brainstorming techniques in the development of a persuasive writing prompt. (3.2A3; 3.2B1; 3.2D2; 3.2D10; 3.2D11; 3.2D12; 3.2D13)

 

Approximate Duration to Teach: 4-5 days

 

Class Activities:

 

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the definition and functions of verbs and the uses and purpose of including verbs in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the different types of verbs. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Review textbook pages regarding verbs and complete relevant practical exercises to reinforce understanding. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.5A1)

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss what are persuasive writing prompts on standardized tests and what is required in a high-scoring answer. (3.1A2; 3.2B1; 3.2B4; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Work in cooperative groups to practice brainstorming ideas for different persuasive writing prompts and present findings to class as a group presentation. (3.2A3; 3.2B1; 3.2D2; 3.2D10; 3.2D11; 3.2D12; 3.2D13; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.3D1; 3.3D3; 3.3D6; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Apply knowledge of verbs to write a persuasive writing prompt letter that will be added to their writing portfolios.  (3.1C2; 3.1H1; 3.2A2; 3.2B1; 3.2B4; 3.2C1; 3.2C2; 3.2D2; 3.2D4; 3.2D10; 3.2D11; 3.2D12; 3.2D13; 3.2D14)

 

 

UNIT 4: ADJECTIVES, ADVERBS, AND NARRATIVE WRITING

 

Objectives:

At the end of this unit, students will acquire the following skills:

1.       Identify and define the function of adverbs and adjectives. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

2.       Identify and define the different types of adjectives and adverbs. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

3.       Recognize and analyze the proper uses of adjectives and adverbs in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1)

4.       Identify and analyze narrative picture prompts in standardized tests. (3.1F2; 3.2B1)

5.       Identify and apply successful brainstorming techniques in the development of a picture prompt. (3.2A3; 3.2B1; 3.2B2; 3.2D2; 3.2D5; 3.2D13)

 

Approximate Duration to Teach: 4-5 days

 

Class Activities:

 

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the definition and functions of adverbs and adjectives and the uses and purpose of including adjectives and adverbs in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the different types of adjectives and adverbs. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Review textbook pages regarding adjectives and adverbs and complete relevant practical exercises to reinforce understanding. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.5A1)

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss what are picture prompts on standardized tests and what is required in a high-scoring narrative. (3.1A2; 3.2B1; 3.2B2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Work in cooperative groups to practice brainstorming ideas for different picture prompts and present findings to class as a group presentation. (3.2A3; 3.2B1; 3.2D2; 3.2D5; 3.2D13; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4;  3.3D1; 3.3D3; 3.3D6; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Apply knowledge of adjectives and adverbs to write a narrative picture prompt story that will be added to their writing portfolios. (3.1C2; 3.1H1; 3.2A2; 3.2B1; 3.2B2; 3.2C1; 3.2C2; 3.2D2; 3.2D4; 3.2D5; 3.2D13; 3.2D14)

 

 

UNIT 5: PUNCTUATION AND CAPITALIZATION

 

Objectives:

At the end of this unit, students will acquire the following skills:

1.       Identify and define the function of punctuation and capitalization. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

2.       Identify and define the different types of punctuation markers. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

3.       Recognize and analyze the proper uses of punctuation and capitalization in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1)

4.       Recognize and define errors in writing. (3.1C2; 3.1F2; 3.2A4; 3.2C6)

5.       Identify and apply corrections of errors in writing. (3.1C2; 3.2A4; 3.2C6)

 

Approximate Duration to Teach: 3-4 days

 

Class Activities:

 

1.       Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the functions of punctuation and capitalization and the uses and purpose of including proper punctuation and capitalization in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

2.       Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the different types of punctuation markers. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

3.       Review textbook pages regarding punctuation and capitalization and complete relevant practical exercises to reinforce understanding. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.5A1)

4.       Take notes on, analyze, and discuss how to edit writing pieces and how to recognize errors. (3.2A4; 3.2C1; 3.2C6; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

5.       Apply knowledge of editing techniques in the writing portfolio pieces and self-correct writing pieces. (3.1C2; 3.1H1; 3.2A2; 3.2A4; 3.2A7; 3.2C1; 3.2C2; 3.2C6; 3.2D13; 3.2D14)

 

 

UNIT 6:   PREPOSITIONS, CONJUNCTIONS, INTERJECTIONS AND CLAUSES AND COMPLEX SENTENCE STRUCTURES

 

Objectives:

At the end of this unit, students will acquire the following skills:

1.       Identify and define the function of prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

2.       Identify and define the different types of prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

3.       Recognize and analyze the proper uses of prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1)

4.       Identify and define the function of clauses and complex sentence structures. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

5.       Identify and define the different types of clauses and complex sentence structures. (3.1A2; 3.1F2; 3.2C1)

6.       Recognize and analyze the proper uses of clauses and complex sentence structures in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1)

 

Approximate Duration to Teach: 4-5 days

 

Class Activities:

 

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the functions of prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections and the uses and purpose of including prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections in writing. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss the different types of prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Take notes on, analyze, and discuss different types of sentence construction in order to create a more interesting writing piece. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.3A1; 3.3A2; 3.3A7; 3.3B1; 3.3B2; 3.3B3; 3.3B4; 3.3C4; 3.4A1; 3.4A2; 3.4B1; 3.4B2; 3.4B5)

-          Review textbook pages regarding prepositions, conjunctions, interjections, clauses, and complex sentence structures and complete relevant practical exercises to reinforce understanding. (3.1A2; 3.2C1; 3.5A1)

-          Apply knowledge of editing techniques in the writing portfolio pieces and self-correct writing pieces to create a final writing portfolio that reflects the grammar taught and editing techniques applied. (3.1C2; 3.1H1; 3.2A2; 3.2A4; 3.2A7; 3.2C1; 3.2C2; 3.2C6; 3.2D13; 3.2D14)

 

 

List of texts, resources and/or literature:

 

·          Writer’s Choice Grammar and Composition, Vol.7. New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1996.

 

·          Writer’s Choice Grammar Workbook 7. New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1996.