English Foundations 1

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 the plot
• Use questions, predictions, and inferences to deepen knowledge of texts
• Synthesize, summarize, and discuss texts

We will use literature to write responses 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 a multimedia project for individual presentations

Second Semester Enrollment

Students in 5th-7th grades are welcome to enroll in the second semester of this year-long course without having completed the first semester.

In the second semester, we will be covering narrative, poetry, persuasive, and expository writing, as well as reading My Side of the Mountain and A Wrinkle in Time. Vocabulary practice will continue to focus on Wordly Wise.

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
• A Canva account is required (we will provide each student with an AAO email address to log into our Canva for Education account)
• Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are beneficial. 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 automatically graded in 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, fostering 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.