The St. Mary's Classroom

Middle School Language Arts
Seventh Grade - Homeroom
Mrs. LeeAnn Brennan
lbrennan@stmarysstclair.org
Class Website

Education:
I have a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University. I am currently working on a Master’s Degree in Teaching, with a Middle School emphasis, from SVSU.

Teaching Philosophy:
To provide a safe, nurturing environment that enables each student to learn, explore, and express themselves in academics as well as encouraging an atmosphere that allows for growth in spirit and faith.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (Grades 5-8):
In addition to being the 7th Grade Homeroom teacher, I am also responsible for Language Arts instruction for grades 5 through 8.

I assist learners in developing vocabulary through the use of word origins, context clues, root words, pre/suffixes, synonyms/antonyms and homophones. Students learn and apply a variety of study skills and proper usage of various reference materials. They are assisted in using multiple strategies to decode, recognize, and construct meanings of words when reading fiction and non-fiction text such as picture clues, prior knowledge, rereading, adjusting reading rate, reading according to punctuation clues, phrasing, visualizing, etc.

Each student is assisted developing improved comprehension of text read through the use of paraphrasing, drawing inferences, determining the main idea, predicting, and comparing and contrasting characters and story elements, as well as identifying significant events, diagramming plot elements and exploring literary themes and genres.  Students are assisted in exploring various writing styles, author intent, composition, poetry, prose and genres such as humorous essay, expository essay, autobiography, biography, poetry, legends, folklore, myth, elements of drama, and expressing ideas verbally through oral presentations and speeches.  I also supplement our Literature textbook with units on William Shakespeare in 7th Grade, and Edgar Allan Poe and Greek Mythology in 8th Grade.

Students express their thoughts and feelings, as well as handwriting and proofreading practice, through journaling.  They learn the proper form for writing sentences, statements, questions commands, and exclamations. Students explore the proper usage of the parts of speech and elements of grammar (nouns, pronouns, appositives, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, direct/indirect objects, prepositions, etc.) through authentic writing.  Students use the writing process to experiment with various forms of writing such as biographical sketches, editorials, formal business letters, personal narrative, descriptive/expository essays, persuasive writing, compare/contrast, how-to articles, short stories, and research reports.
 
The following novels are used in class to supplement our Literature text:

5th Grade: The Black Pearl; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Number the Stars; Because of Winn Dixie; Maniac McGee; Where the Red Fern Grows; Island of the Blue Dolphins
6th Grade: The Westing Game; Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry; The Witch of Blackbird Pond; Treasure Island
7th Grade:  The Grey King; Holes; True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle; A Wrinkle in Time
8th Grade: My Brother Sam is Dead; The Outsiders; The Pigman; Across Five Aprils

RELIGION (Grade 7):
Although Mr. Muneio teaches 7th Grade Religion, we still have opportunities to discuss and share our faith in class. Students are engaged in detailed studies of topics related to Church History, the Revelation of God, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, and the Church as a Community of Faith, the Meaning of Prayer, and Liturgical Celebrations.  Students are encouraged and assisted in class discussions, debates, and written assignments relating to world events and their effect on the spiritual world, namely, Christianity. As a homeroom class we plan and lead school Mass at certain scheduled times throughout the school year.
 
Classroom Enrichment and Service Learning Activities:
Adopt a Penguin – Raises funds for the Port Huron Hospital Foundation
Charity Bake Sale – donated to a charity of our choice

Annual Field Trips:
Henry Ford Museum/IMAX – Fall
Sacred Heart Seminary Vocations Day – Fall
Father Solanus Casey Center – bi-annually during Lent (with 8th Grade)
Detroit Institute of Arts – Spring
End of the Year Roller Skating Party and Picnic – May/June
 
Extra-curricular Activities:
Faculty Advisor/Drama Club – Grades 5-8
Faculty Coach/Forensics Team for Academic Olympics – Grades 5-8