Students are expected to build upon, extend, and apply comprehension skills and strategies developed in the elementary grades. Inferential comprehension is further refined and voabulary and critical thinking skills continue to be developed. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of material in both written and oral form. Reading is stressed as a basic means of gathering information and as a lifetime skill for enjoyment.

 

Seventh grade reading focuses on developing and refining all reading skills and strategies. The reading teacher works closely with other academic teachers in a team effort to help each student read critically in all content areas. Literal and inferential comprehension, exploration of variou genres, vocabulary development, literary elements, reading and comprehending current events, and understanding propaganda are some of the areas in which students receive instruction.

 

Literature, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and critical thinking are integrated throughout this course. Students read, discuss, and analyze plays, poetry, short stories, non-fiction, and novels. Characterization, plot, setting, and theme are defined, identified, and analyzed in class discussions and written assignments. Emphasis in writing is on developing a central idea and on using the processes of pre-writing, drafting, revising, and publishing. Standard usage, correct spelling, proper mechanics, and precise wording are taught and evaluated in conjunction with the writing process. Students utilize traditional and electronic resources for research purposes. Students develop public speaking and listening skills informally during class discussion and lecture, and formally by preparing and presenting required speeches. The importance of clear oral and written communication in all aspects of daily life is emphasized.