ELA7 Learning Coach Guide

Welcome Letter

Dear Learning Coach, 

Thank you for partnering with CCA and investing in your learner’s education. This Learning Coach Guide is intended to help you support your learner in their ELA 7 course. 

Within this guide, you will find the goals, components, and features of the online course. Please take time to read and review this information so you understand how to help your learner interact with all the course’s elements. 

The Learning Coach Guide also includes information about each of the units in this course. On each page of unit information, you will discover the following.  

• The Unit Overview will tell you what the focus, content, and skills of the unit will be.  
• The Unit Assessment section is a place for you and your learner to preview the graded work in the course. At the start of each unit, work with your learner to look at the unit in edio and find out which types of graded work are in this unit. Write them in the box and use it as a checklist. You can check off each one as your learner completes it. 
• The Unit Materials section tells you the materials your learner will need to complete the activities in this unit. You will also find the materials list repeated within each lesson so that your learner has exactly what they need at the right time. 
• The Unit Discussion Questions are optional questions that you may want to ask your learner during the unit to increase home and school connections about what your learner is studying.   
• In the Unit Extras section, you may find optional activities, literature connections, career connections, technology tips, ideas to help your learner if they get stuck, or safety tips.

CCA wishes you and your learner a terrific school year! 

Supporting Your Learner

Your role as a Learning Coach is very important. Here are a few ways you can help your learner do their very best in the course.

• Help your learner know what time guided or live class instruction is scheduled for, and prompt them to attend sessions or watch recordings.
• Remember, it is okay for your learner to get stuck. Learning new material takes time. Encourage them to take breaks, keep trying, and even ask the teacher for help.
• Help your learner navigate technology. That may mean helping them type information or upload work into edio.
• Always encourage your learner to do their very best.
• Review the course syllabus for your learner’s course.
• Maintain communication with your learner’s teacher.

Part B

Course Information

Part B

Course Information

Part B: Course Information

Course Goals

In ELA 7, your learner will use the foundations they learned in ELA 6 to grow their reading and writing skills. By the end of the year, your learner will be able to:

• read grade-level appropriate informational text and literature;
• read a variety of texts including nonfiction articles, magazine articles, short stories, poems, a script, a graphic novel, and a novel;
• analyze specific paragraphs or sentences and explain their importance to the whole text;
• comprehend and analyze information presented in video format;
• contribute to group discussions;
• identify word parts (affixes and roots) and apply their meanings to understand new words;
• learn how grammar concepts impact writing; and
• write in narrative, argumentative, and informative modes, using text evidence and/or research where appropriate.

Course Format

Lesson Components:

Each day, your learner will spend 65 minutes completing an ELA lesson in edio. Then, your learner will complete 15 minutes of independent practice. Some days may take less time, while other days may take a little more time. The lesson does not need to be completed in one sitting. Encourage your learner to take short breaks as they need.

This section will help you to understand how your learner’s course is structured in edio.

General Lesson Bundling:  

Within the lesson bundles, there are different components your learner will interact with. These components will not be used every day.

• Getting Started Lesson: There is one Getting Started lesson in this course. It can be found on Day 1 of Unit 1. This lesson includes important information about the course and contact information for your teacher.
• Unit Overview: Each unit will include a Unit Overview. This describes what your learner will learn in the unit and how many assessments the unit will have.
• Prep for Success: At the beginning of each unit, your learner will find a Prep for Success. This component offers learners tips to be successful in the course, such as study tips, important software information, safety reminders, and more.
• Knowledge Check: There will be one Knowledge Check in each unit. The Knowledge Check is designed to check prior learning and understanding about key skills and concepts that will be taught in the unit. The Knowledge Check is not a graded assessment.

ELA Lesson Bundling:  

In ELA, learners will have four lesson bundles most days unless an assignment, quiz, or test occurs. The following list breaks down each section.

• Word Work: At the beginning of the lesson, learners will study common word parts and apply their meanings to expand their vocabulary. 
• Reading: During the reading portion of the lesson, learners will explore fiction and nonfiction texts and work on comprehension strategies.  
• Writing: Learners will transfer the structures and language they see in reading to their writing. They will complete practice short-form and long-form writing in narrative, informational, and argumentative writing modes. 
• On Your Own: Learners will complete reading practice activities. 

Lesson Structure:

Each lesson has its own components to help guide your learner.

• Lesson Overview: At the beginning of every lesson, your learner will see the Lesson Overview. This section contains lesson objectives, lesson vocabulary, materials your learner will need for the lesson, and the suggested lesson length.
• Engage: The first section of the lesson is Engage. In this section, learners will be introduced to the lesson by making a connection to past and present knowledge and will get ready for the lesson’s instruction.
• Discover: New content and instruction is presented in the Discover section. Your learner will interact with the lesson content through defined vocabulary terms, videos, audio, and Pause and Think activities. Your learner will be able to practice and answer questions as they work through the lesson.
• Show: Learners will demonstrate what they have learned in the lesson through a series of practice questions.
• Wrap Up: This section recaps the day’s objectives and prepares learners for a future lesson or assessment.

Assessments:

The course includes assignments and projects. These graded assignments allow your learner to show what they have learned and apply their new skills. All CCA assignments and projects include these components.

• Assessment Overview: At the beginning of each assessment, your learner will see the Assessment Overview. This section contains the goals of the assessment, materials your learner will need, the length of the assessment, and directions for completion.
• Plan: In the Plan section, learners will be introduced to the assignment or project. Learners may be provided with a review of content from the previous lessons, strategies for completing the activity, graphic organizers, and grading rubrics.
• Do: Learners put their plan into action and work to complete the assignment or project successfully. This section also provides the grading expectations and/or rubric the teacher will use to grade the work.
• Reflect: In Reflect, learners will think back to the work they completed. They will reflect upon the experience and analyze how well they completed the task. These moments of reflection are important and allow learners to think about their learning and their work habits.

In addition to assignments and projects, this course also includes quizzes, tests, and exams.

• Quiz Review: Before a quiz, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in a quiz.
• Quiz: Learners will complete quizzes in each unit. There are two types of quizzes in the course: Word Work Quizzes and Grammar Quizzes. A quiz will usually be worth 10–15 points.
• Test Review: Before a test, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in the test.
• Test: ELA Skills Tests occur in the middle or at the end of a unit. In ELA Skills Tests, learners approach a new text to apply the skills learned in the unit. A test is usually worth 20–30 points.

Course Features

This course includes and uses unique features such as:

• ELA Notebook
• Word Work
• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Skills Tests
• Sustained Writing
• Writing Projects
• Literature Circles
• edioReader
• Passion Project

ELA Notebook: Learners are prompted to use their notebook almost every day. The notebook includes hard-copy versions of every text (besides test material). Along with the texts, the notebook also has a Notes and Brainstorming section as well as a Word Work section. In edio, learners will see the following icons as a signal to go to the correct section of the notebook.

This icon represents the Notes and Brainstorming section. (Getty Images)

This icon represents the Word Work section. (Getty Images)

Word Work: In each lesson, learners will study word parts.

There are four “cycles” of Word Work throughout the year, and each cycle is about 16 days. This pattern is repeated for each type of word part (prefixes, suffixes, and roots) and ends with practice activities that connect them.

Within that cycle, each word part type completes a pattern:

• Lesson 1: Learn the definitions of the word parts, match them to their definitions, and identify word parts within larger words.
• Lesson 2: Review the word part definitions and predict the meaning of new words based on their parts. Then, sort words based on their parts and practice pronouncing them.
• Lesson 3: Determine the meaning of multisyllabic words based on their parts. Then, write a sentence using one of those words appropriately.
• Lesson 4: Determine the meaning of multisyllabic words based on their parts and create sentences including those new words.

Quizzes: Learners will complete quizzes in each unit. There are two types of quizzes in the course: Word Work Quizzes and Grammar Quizzes. Quizzes are mostly auto-scored, and some contain a short text response.

Tests: In ELA Skills Tests, learners approach a new text (“cold read”) to apply the skills learned in the unit. For example, if the unit involved teaching the skills of inference and analyzing characterization, the test will present learnerswith a short excerpt of an unfamiliar text and a few questions to assess those skills.

• Note: On Test Review and Skills Test days, there are only two bundles: the ELA Skills Test (Review) and On Your Own.

Assignments: Each unit contains at least one assignment. The assignment is often related to text analysis. Assignments range from 10–20 points and contain their own scoring guidelines.

Sustained Writing: In order to build writing fluency, learnerswill respond to short prompts throughout each unit. Sustained writing prompts occur in ELA around every five to six lessons. Learners are instructed to set a timer, choose a prompt, and write for 10 minutes to build stamina. This activity is not assessed in terms of grammar or conventions. It is meant to encourage learnerwriting and expression.

Writing Projects: Learners will complete graded writing projects once per unit. These assignments start mid-unit, which allows learnersto complete the task in smaller chunks. Meanwhile, writing skills instruction is included to support learnerseach step of the way. At the end of each unit, learnersare given time to revise and edit before submission. Writing projects are typically worth 20–40 points.

Literature Circles: Learnerswill receive several novels in their ELA Kit, and they will choose one novel to read during the Literature Circles unit. Learners will be responsible for reading on their own, completing related assignments, and discussing their book with the class during Guided Lessons and/or in discussion boards.

edioReader: Learners will have access to digital versions of each text used in the ELA program. This is through a platform called edioReader. Learners can even bookmark, highlight, and annotate within the digital text. For a brief video tutorial, see the Prep for Success bundle in Unit 1.

Passion Project: For this assignment, learnerswill choose their tasks based on their interests. Learners will be given project suggestions, and they can communicate with their teacher to develop a task that is right for them. Some examples of project tasks include independent reading, short story writing, nonfiction research, and illustration, just to name a few. The goals of the Passion Project are to engage learners, practice ELA skills, share interests with the learning community, and reflect on the project process as a whole.

Part C

Unit Information

Part C

Unit Information

Humanity and Society

Unit Overview

There may be times in your life when you have to rely on yourself: your abilities, motivations, and knowledge. On the other hand, you might experience events or situations in which you benefit from working as a community. This unit investigates if people are better off working as individuals or as a group. Your learner will answer the question:
Are we better together?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• When do you prefer to work alone?
• How can working together allow a group to accomplish a difficult task?
• What characteristics do you need to work together or on your own effectively?

Unit Notables

This unit allows students to present their argumentative writing project as:

• an MLA-formatted essay; or
• a slide deck presentation

Kit Materials

ELA Notebook

The Finest Hours

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

There may be times in your life when you have to rely on yourself: your abilities, motivations, and knowledge. On the other hand, you might experience events or situations in which you benefit from working as a community. This unit investigates if people are better off working as individuals or as a group. Your learner will answer the question:
Are we better together?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• When do you prefer to work alone?
• How can working together allow a group to accomplish a difficult task?
• What characteristics do you need to work together or on your own effectively?

Unit Notables

This unit allows students to present their argumentative writing project as:

• an MLA-formatted essay; or
• a slide deck presentation

Kit Materials

ELA Notebook

The Finest Hours

Household Materials

none

Growth

Unit Overview

This unit takes a close look at the expected and unexpected ways you affect other people. Sometimes, you can have a far greater impact than you ever imagined. This unit’s focus is: How do I affect other people?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• How do your actions affect your family and friends?
• What larger impact do you have in your community?
• Who has had an unexpected impact on your own life?

Unit Notables

This unit includes a narrative writing project that allows students to explore storytelling structures such as:

• Freytag’s pyramid;
• the hero’s journey; and
• the three-act structure.

Kit Materials

ELA Notebook

Household Materials

paper

Unit Overview

This unit takes a close look at the expected and unexpected ways you affect other people. Sometimes, you can have a far greater impact than you ever imagined. This unit’s focus is: How do I affect other people?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• How do your actions affect your family and friends?
• What larger impact do you have in your community?
• Who has had an unexpected impact on your own life?

Unit Notables

This unit includes a narrative writing project that allows students to explore storytelling structures such as:

• Freytag’s pyramid;
• the hero’s journey; and
• the three-act structure.

Kit Materials

ELA Notebook

Household Materials

paper

Literature Circles

Unit Overview

Literature circles give learners the feel of a book club paired with the support and structure of a class community. Learners will read, analyze and discuss self-selected books with their peers. At the end of the literature circle, they complete a project reflecting on their reading. Learners answer: What can literature teach you about yourself and the world around you?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• What can literature teach you about yourself and the world around you?
• Which literature circle job helped you analyze the novel the most?

Unit Notables

This unit is all about student choice. Learners can choose a book that interests them and complete literature circle jobs that help them look at the book from different perspectives and flex their creativity.

Kit Materials

ELA Notebook

literature circle novels

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

Literature circles give learners the feel of a book club paired with the support and structure of a class community. Learners will read, analyze and discuss self-selected books with their peers. At the end of the literature circle, they complete a project reflecting on their reading. Learners answer: What can literature teach you about yourself and the world around you?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• What can literature teach you about yourself and the world around you?
• Which literature circle job helped you analyze the novel the most?

Unit Notables

This unit is all about student choice. Learners can choose a book that interests them and complete literature circle jobs that help them look at the book from different perspectives and flex their creativity.

Kit Materials

ELA Notebook

literature circle novels

Household Materials

none

Technology

Natural World

Passion Project

Unit Overview

The Passion Project unit gives learners the opportunity to learn about something they are interested in. This unit is entirely student-focused, with some guidance from the teacher. Learners will choose what they want to learn, decide what they want to create, and answer: How can your passions influence your learning?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• How can your passions influence your learning?
• What did you learn during your Passion Project?
• Is this something you would be interested in expanding upon outside of school?

Unit Notables

Learners can choose from a wide range of ideas, projects, subjects, and activities to complete or explore. This unit is self-directed, so learners have complete control over what and how they learn.

Kit Materials

ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

The Passion Project unit gives learners the opportunity to learn about something they are interested in. This unit is entirely student-focused, with some guidance from the teacher. Learners will choose what they want to learn, decide what they want to create, and answer: How can your passions influence your learning?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• How can your passions influence your learning?
• What did you learn during your Passion Project?
• Is this something you would be interested in expanding upon outside of school?

Unit Notables

Learners can choose from a wide range of ideas, projects, subjects, and activities to complete or explore. This unit is self-directed, so learners have complete control over what and how they learn.

Kit Materials

ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none