Students are living in a very fast, busy world, and so are teachers. Information is coming at everyone constantly, and most of the time it’s in short, (sometimes) engaging snippets. It seems to fade almost as fast as it arrives.
As we navigate teaching the Ontario Language Curriculum Strand A, it’s important to remember that communication is key.
What Skills Does This Strand Cover?
There are various types of communication (e.g., verbal, non-verbal, written, visual, etc.), and it’s important that students understand the differences between each and what is valuable when using each form.
It’s also important that they understand that some skills are transferable. For example, creating accurate communications visually and verbally may be different when delivered, but the transferable skills that go into creating accuracy in the communication are the same.
In the new Grade 7 and 8 Ontario Language Curriculum, Strand A ensures students are looking at communication in various contexts, including digital citizenship and etiquette, media and design, and with a cultural lens, including perspectives from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
Strand A also covers:
- Receptive and Expressive Communication
- Student Agency and Engagement
- Digital Citizenship
- Online Safety, Well-Being, and Etiquette
- Research and Information Literacy
- Forms, Conventions, and Techniques
- Media, Audience, and Production
- Innovation and Design
- Community and Cultural Awareness
- Cross-Curricular and Integrated Learning
- Identity and Community
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Perspectives and Ways of Knowing
Why Are These Skills Important?
Grade 7 and 8 students learning the Ontario Language Curriculum Strand A should develop an understanding of how they can communicate in different contexts.
This includes learning how to create a positive impact on the broader community by:
- contributing positively to the digital space
- developing skills to ensure accuracy
- ensuring they are communicating safely and respectfully
- learning about cultural awareness and different perspectives
These skills will serve students not only in the classroom, but as they move forward in their education and their careers, as they can help develop:
- a more positive educational environment with more self-aware students
- a framework for improving various kinds of communications
- an environment where it’s easier to make a meaningful contribution to the classroom and school communities
- critical thinking skills about situation and medium-specific communication
Developing a common understanding around communication can also help teachers identify specific areas where students need support (e.g., someone is a wonderful writer, but needs help ensuring their online communications are appropriate) and potentially make it easier to guide behaviour and skills in the direction most positive for the student.
Lesson Ideas For Grade 7 and 8 Ontario Language Curriculum Strand A
It can be difficult when there are curriculum changes to ensure every aspect is being covered as you would like it to be. Change takes time, and that can include developing new lesson plans.
Try these 2 Peas and a Dog lessons so that you can get started with a full tool kit of fantastic resources that will save you time, prep work, and help ensure the Ontario Language Curriculum Strand A is covered for your Grade 7 and 8 students.
A1.1 – Receptive and Expressive Communication: Students will learn how they can use transferable skills in various contexts and forms.
- Back To School Activities Bundle
- Pet-Themed Digital Escape Room
- New Year’s Goal Setting Activity and Reflection Sheets
- End of the Year Activities For Middle School
A1.2 – Student Agency and Engagement: Students will learn how to express their voice while being engaged in and planning their learning path and growth.
- Current Events News Assignment
- Hot Topics Debate Assignment
- Book Talks
- Rant Writing Unit
- Good News Assignment
- Product Pitch Assignment
- Book Unboxing Assignment
- Spoken Word Assignment
A2.1- Digital Citizenship: A chance to teach students about being a good online citizen by adding to the community in a positive way as they develop a digital identity.
A2.2 – Online Safety, Well-Being, and Etiquette: Students will show they understand online safety and how to manage personal data and privacy.
A2.3 – Research and Information Literacy: Develop critical thinking skills through evaluating information for accuracy, credibility, perspectives and more.
A2.4 – Forms, Conventions, and Techniques: Students will learn about media and digital texts, including considering the impact on the audience.
A2.5 – Media, Audience, and Production: Students will show they understand the relationships between things such as message, form and context.
A2.6 – Innovation and Design: Students will use design tools to address real-world problems with innovative solutions.
A2.7 – Community and Cultural Awareness: Students will ensure they are collaborating and communicating with various communities in ways that are safe, inclusive, respectful, and responsible when online and using media tools.
A3.1 – Cross-Curricular and Integrated Learning: Students will explain how the skills and knowledge they are learning help in everyday life and enhance communication.
- Checkout Charities
- Clothing Waste
- Gender Price Differences
- Outlet vs. Retail
- Bottled Water
- Dog DNA Tests
- Misleading Food Labels
- Breakfast Sandwiches
- Makeup Testers
- Healthy or Junk Food?
- Orange Juice
- One-Child Policy
- Composting Myths
- DNA Testing
- Fake Products
- Food Prices in Northern Canada
- Plastic Waste
- Product Returns
- Shrinking Products
- Smartphone Addiction
- Smartphone App Privacy
- Expensive Shoes
A3.2 – Identity and Community: Students will show that they understand the lived experiences, contributions, historical contexts and perspectives of a diversity of communities and individuals.
A3.3 – First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Perspectives and Ways of Knowing: Students will understand themes explored in Inuit, First Nations, and Métis cultures.
- Middle School Books by Indigenous Authors
- Young Adult Books By Indigenous Authors
- Fantastic Orange Shirt Day Resources For Middle School Teachers
- For more resources, check with your school district’s Indigenous Education Department for literature recommendations.
Looking for Full Year No-Prep Lessons? Try These Bundles
- Full Year Middle School English Language Arts Lessons: Grade 7 Language Arts
- Full Year Middle School English Language Arts Lessons: Grade 8 Language Arts
Each Full Year Bundle Includes:
- 100+ resources: An extensive collection of materials to support your teaching journey throughout the year.
- Print & Digital Formats: Flexibility is key! Choose between physical copies or digital resources based on your classroom needs.
- Detailed Lesson Plans: Clear and concise plans that take the guesswork out of teaching. Save time and focus on what matters most to you.
- Assessment Rubrics: Assess student progress with ease using our comprehensive rubrics, ensuring fair evaluation and effective feedback.
- Student Choice: Foster a love for learning by providing students with a range of options and activities that cater to their unique interests and learning styles.
- Differentiated Tasks: Accommodate diverse learners and create an inclusive classroom environment with tasks that challenge and inspire every student.
- Monthly Teaching Plan (& Bonus Weekly Plans): Stay organized and stay ahead with structured plans.
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