Non-Fiction Text Structures

In class, students will be analyzing the various types of non-fiction text structures that exist. We are learning about chronological, cause/effect, problem/solution, and similarities/differences. We are examining these structures through a non-fiction story about the bubonic plague titled "When Plague Strikes."

Next week, after we finish, students will write a short 3-paragraph essay using one of these text structures. We will then type them, and even take part in a short typing mini-unit! It should be lots of fun!

As always, any questions - email me at jsmith49@scsd.us

Mr. Smith

New York State ELA Tests COMPLETE!

Thanks to all parents for sending their 7th graders to Ed Smith for the NYS ELA test. We have about 99% of the tests completed, which is great! We will start a new unit on Wednesday, but for now, we are taking some time to relax and discuss the test.

Novel in a Nutshell due Thursday!

The Novel in a Nutshell group project is due this Thursday. The groups have been working together in class to finish, and the presentations will take place on Thursday. We have also been doing some preparation for the NYS ELA test on April 26th and 27th. I will post more information about this before break!

Literature Circle Wrap Up!

Literature circles will be finishing up this Friday, and next week we will begin workshopping our summative assessment piece for the unit, called Novel in a Nutshell. Students should be completing journal responses each night at home, and their role sheets are finished in class. The presentations will take place on Thursday, April 15th. The Novel in a Nutshell details will be up later this week.

Literature Circle Response #2

March 25th



What is the setting of your book? How do you know?

Literature Circle Response #1

March 24th

Describe the beginning of your book so far. Is it good? Why?

Literature Circle Unit

Over the next three weeks, our 7th grade ELA class will be taking part in a group reading unit called Literature Circles. The goal of literature circles is to have students select a text that they will read as a group, and then undertake roles that provide for discussion points. The roles are director, literary luminary, connector, and vocabulary enricher. Students will be expected to complete role sheets that chart their progress at their specific task, and then they will write at home in their personal response journal.