Course Description

English Foundations 1 is for 5th–7th graders who want an all-in-one online class that includes literature, vocabulary, writing, and grammar. The class will teach students how to approach literature.

Students will learn the following skills:

Employ close reading skills
Develop vocabulary
Identify and explain signposts in writing
Identify elements of plot
Use questions, predictions, and inferences to deepen knowledge of texts
Synthesize, summarize, and discuss texts

We will use literature to create writings in response to texts.

Mrs. Loran is available for an additional hour each week to assist students with writing, grammar, and literary skills. Students must register separately to participate in this extra learning opportunity. See Language Arts Lab for English Foundations 1 for details and to register.

Course Structure

Students will develop the following skills:

Craft sentences and three-part paragraphs
Produce narrative, descriptive, informative, and persuasive writings
Identify the author’s craft and messages in poetry
Develop grammar skills
Create multimedia project for individual presentations

Who should enroll?

This class is open to 5th–7th graders.

Technology Requirements

High speed, broadband Internet
Headset and microphone (for live sessions)
Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
Microsoft Word and Power Point is extremely helpful. If using a different word processing program, the document should be saved or exported as a pdf in order to submit it on Canvas.

Evaluation and Feedback

Rubrics are provided and clearly state the required criteria for writing assignments. Grammar and vocabulary exercises are usually graded automatically by Canvas. The literature comprehension questions are graded based on effort.

I believe in substantial, individualized feedback so that each student can gain confidence, enhance learning, and improve skills to encourage self-awareness and enthusiasm for learning. Students will receive this feedback via Canvas.

Parents will receive individual mid-year and end-of-year assessments.

Communication

Parents are welcome to contact me via email with questions before registering, but it is not necessary before enrolling a student. Once I know a student has registered, the family will receive a welcome packet with additional information about the course. I will contact parents if there is a concern that a student is not keeping up with the work or frequently turning in late assignments.

Required Texts

Parents must purchase:

Write Source: Student Edition, Grade 6, 2012, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing, 2012, ISBN: 978-0547-48502-7, https://www.amazon.com/Write-Source-Student-Hardcover-Grade/dp/0547485026

The following books also include grammar exercises; no further grammar workbook is required. You can choose either edition:

Wordly Wise 3000 Student Book 6 Fourth Edition, Educators Publishing Service Fourth Edition, 2017, ISBN: 978-08388-7706-7, https://www.christianbook.com/wordly-wise-3000-book-student-edition/9780838877067/pd/877069?event=CPOF
Wordly Wise 3000 Student Book 7, Fourth Edition, Educators Publishing Service Fourth Edition, 2017, ISBN: 9780838877074, https://www.christianbook.com/wordly-wise-3000-book-student-edition/9780838877074/pd/877076?event=CFCER1

Also, students should have access to an age-appropriate dictionary and thesaurus. At the parents’ discretion, they may use online sites such as dictionary.com and thesaurus.com.

Novels

Parents may decide to purchase the following, or use the local library if the books are available for at least 4 weeks when needed for the class.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio, ISBN 978-0-375-86902-0
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli, ISBN 978-0316809061
Edward’s Eye by Patricia McLachlan, ISBN 987-1-4169-2744-0
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craig George, ISBN 978-0-14-240111-8
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, ISBN 978-0-06-199227-8

Poetry and Short Stories

It is not necessary to purchase a particular book as all required poems and short stories will be posted on Canvas.
In addition, students will need to choose a poem to analyze and recite; for this, he/she will need to search for poems online, purchase a collection of poetry, or make use of library poetry books.