Extended English
Course Description:
The Extended English program includes mastery of the district’s English curriculum, but instruction in these basic language skills will be modified through acceleration and compacting. Additionally, the Extended English curriculum introduces students to broad-based themes, issues and problems which allow for rigorous exercise of the imagination and critical thinking. The themes for literature chosen for seventh grade are “Relationships” and “Personal Best.” During the year we will be investigating relationships within various groups including the family, the classroom and society at large, with special rights and responsibilities of individuals within these groups. Building upon that, the theme of “Personal Best” will then emphasize exemplary efforts of individuals, and will include both in-depth novel studies and independent research projects.
Enduring Understandings:
Students will understand that …
Work will reflect original insights and interpretations and is not merely a summary of the ideas of others.
Extended interpretations are not merely stated but developed, making use of concrete examples, textual references, illustrations, and supporting details.
Written and oral contributions to class will reflect sensitivity to the subject matter and a precision of thought.
Final formal oral and written products will reflect thorough preparation, revision, and editing.
Extended work will reflect creative use of words, ideas, and imagination.
Extended work will demonstrate a clear understanding of the purpose and limits of a given assignment.
They will be an active participant – both as a listener and contributor in classroom discussions.
Essential Questions:
What causes change?
How do you know when something has changed?
Can people change?
How is changed linked to time?
Is change positive or negative?
What is progress?
Does change always represent progress?
Why do relationships change?
What influence do people have over changes in nature?
What influence does nature have over changes in individuals? World?
Course Academic Vocabulary:
Change, Literary Terms, Genre, Figurative Language, Etymology, Parts of Speech
Course Units / Topics of Study:
