Major Concepts/Content: The reading 7 course is designed to focus on using context clues; under-standing similes and metaphors; using punctuation as a key to comprehension; using the library and using reference resources such as encyclopedias, newspapers, and magazines; locating and interpreting graphic information; recognizing bias and evaluating statements of opinion; using study skills such as note-taking and outlining; and recognizing various types of literature. Major topics to be studied include structural analysis, vocabulary building, reading comprehension, study and reference skills, and reading in the content areas. Special emphasis is placed on developing an appreciation for literature and fostering self-initiated reading. 

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will be provided in a classroom setting, using basal reading materials, supplementary and A-V materials, magazines, trade books, reference material, and con-tent area texts. Students will demonstrate knowledge of reading skills by applying skills after teaching and specific skill practice have occurred. Students participate in group and individual learning activities such as lectures, discussions, research projects, classroom presentations by students, written assignments, oral and silent reading, and game playing. Additionally, students may be asked to keep a record of their leisure-time reading. 

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students will be evaluated on homework/assignments, written work, class participation, effort, test results, use of the library, and book reports. Students will show evidence of reading printed and graphic material with a high degree of comprehension by reading with expression, by using appropriate study skills, and reference materials, by increasing their vocabulary, and by applying reading/ study skills in content area courses. 

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the reading 7 course, students should be able to:

• Explain the meaning of derivational forms of words, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
• Develop sight word vocabulary from assigned word lists.
• Use punctuation to express sentence meaning.
• Summarize the main idea in paragraphs, groups of paragraphs, and entire selections.
• Predict outcomes in reading material.
• Use parts of a book, such as the preface, table of contents, index, and glossary to locate information.
• Interpret maps, charts, diagrams, and graphs.
• Summarize essential points in reading material.
• Skim for information, including finding main ideas and supporting details.

Last Revised: July 20, 2005