Mrs. Moriarty
English
moriartyma@watertownctschools.org  

 KEY TOPICS:  In 7th grade the emphasis is on grammar, writing, editing and revising, and vocabulary. We also read and dissect 2 novels, The Cay in the fall and The Outsiders in late spring. The students LOVE the break from the grammar and edit and revise structure and enjoy delving into the novel and all its components. However, we never take a break from the writing!

Recent Assignments:
        We are beginning work on punctuation skills and the noun, the first of the 8 parts of speech in grammar. All students will be working on weekly vocabulary enhancing lessons as well. Edit and revise activities are also a weekly event.

     Although we are writing a mini-autobiography to start, writing the persuasive essay is a main focus of 7th grade. The children spend a week writing these prompts, and then the author shares the final draft orally with the classs. They read their stories from the podium which gives them the needed experience to feel confident before a group of their peers. Public speaking is a huge part of the maturing process, and the classes will get very comfortable with this.  Debating whether athletes in Pro Sports should be paid as much as they are and whether the government should have censorship rights for children are 2 typical persuasive topics. Specific examples and facts are needed to make the arguments. We do score them as a class holistically in the CMT manner of 1-6 points. The writing folders get very full quite fast!! 

        This is an exciting time for the students. Everything is so new. Please help me help your child be a responsible, successful, and happy Swift student. Check agendas nightly. Keep in contact if a problem arises. Help your child be prepared and attentive daily. I am looking forward to working with your child this year and am planning on a very rewarding experience for all of us.