Language Arts Curriculum
Welcome to 7th Grade Amplify ELA!
This year, our 7th grade students will be using Amplify ELA, a comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum that is new to the Brigantine School District. I know that whenever a new curriculum is introduced, parents naturally have questions about what it looks like, what students will be learning, and how it may be different from what they have experienced in the past. My goal is to give you a basic understanding of Amplify ELA and what you can expect throughout the school year.
Amplify ELA is designed to help students become stronger readers, writers, speakers, and critical thinkers. The curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and provides students with opportunities to read high-quality literature and nonfiction, think deeply about what they read, discuss their ideas with others, and communicate their thinking through writing and speaking.
Rather than simply reading a book and answering a series of questions, Amplify ELA is organized into units that are built around important themes, topics, and essential questions. Students will encounter a variety of texts, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. As they read, they will be asked to look closely at the author's choices, examine evidence from the text, make connections, and develop their own ideas and interpretations.
One of the most important parts of Amplify ELA is close reading and text analysis. Students will learn how to slow down and really examine a text. They will practice identifying important details, determining an author's purpose, analyzing characters and themes, making inferences, and using evidence to support their thinking. These skills are essential not only for success in ELA but also across all subject areas.
Another important component is knowledge building. Students will explore interesting topics and develop background knowledge that helps them better understand the texts they are reading. This allows students to see connections between what they read in class and the larger world around them.
Vocabulary development is also incorporated throughout the curriculum. Rather than simply memorizing lists of words, students will encounter new vocabulary in meaningful contexts. They will learn what words mean, examine how authors use them, and practice using new words in their own speaking and writing.
Writing is an integral part of Amplify ELA. Students will have opportunities to write for a variety of purposes, including narrative, informative, and argumentative writing. They will learn how to develop ideas, organize their thoughts, use evidence, revise and edit their work, and communicate effectively with an audience. Writing will often connect directly to the texts and topics we are studying, allowing students to demonstrate what they have learned.
Students will also spend a great deal of time talking and listening. Classroom discussions are an important part of the Amplify experience. Students will be encouraged to share their ideas, listen respectfully to different perspectives, ask questions, and support their opinions with evidence. My hope is that students will become comfortable expressing their thoughts even when they are still working through an idea or when their opinion differs from someone else's.
Amplify ELA also provides opportunities for projects and collaborative activities. Students will have opportunities to apply the skills they have developed in creative and meaningful ways. These activities are designed to encourage students to think independently while also learning how to work effectively with their classmates.
As we begin using this new curriculum in Brigantine, there may be an adjustment period for both students and families. The structure and terminology may be different from what you or your child have experienced in previous years. Please know that we will take the time to learn the curriculum together, and I will provide additional information throughout the year so that you understand what we are working on and why.
The most important thing I want families to know is that Amplify ELA is about much more than completing assignments. It is about helping students develop the skills they need to understand what they read, think critically, express themselves clearly, and become confident communicators. My hope is that our classroom will continue to be a place where students have opportunities to read interesting texts, ask questions, share their ideas, take risks, and discover that their voices matter.
Parents can support their children simply by talking with them about what they are reading, asking questions about their ideas, encouraging them to explain their thinking, and showing an interest in their writing and projects. You do not need to be an ELA expert or know the curriculum yourself. Your interest and encouragement make a tremendous difference.
I am excited to begin this new chapter with our 7th grade students and families. I look forward to learning and growing alongside our students as we explore Amplify ELA together!