Membean class tokens:
CORE 1/2 QQQCB6
CORE 3/4 QQQQCQK
CORE 6/7 QQQQEAE
Here is a link to the New York Times! Enjoy!!
Abdul Bassa
Language Arts
We will focus on reading and analyzing a variety of literary forms: novels, short stories, poetry, and plays. Often these selections will complement the history curriculum. In the area of writing, we will concentrate on forms such as summary, narrative, persuasive, expository and research. We utilize rubrics as a guide for the process of writing and for evaluation. Note taking and outlining skills will also be emphasized.
Reading Material
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Men of Salt
Beowulf retold by Ian Seraillier
Animal Farm by George Orwell
“A Christmas Memory” and "Jug of Silver" by Truman Capote, and other assorted short stories
Poetry Unit: Poems by Robert Frost, E.E. Cummings, William Carlos Williams, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Shakespeare, and others – also, a beautiful poetry notebook made by your son/daughter
Independent reading: class time provided weekly, daily at home reading also required, student logs must be maintained, and Reader's Notebook work required (stop and jot's, "other work," final response). Min. 1500 pgs.= 1st quarter, 1600 = 2nd q., 1700 = 3rd q., 1800 = 4th q.
Writing: Rough draft + final copy = the writing process. Drafts MUST be attached to final copy for credit!
Grammar: The Write Source
Vocabulary: Weekly list assigned Mondays (unless otherwise stated), tests on Fridays (unless rescheduled), literature related vocab.
History
Seventh grade history is concerned with world history from approximately 500-1600. The following topics comprise the seventh grade history curriculum: Roman Empire, Islamic Empire, sub-Saharan Africa, China, Japan, Medieval Europe, Renaissance/Reformation, Age of Discovery/Civilization of the Americas. We will distinguish what makes societies unique and the links that bind them together. Often, we connect this understanding to today's world. The study of geography is also incorporated to enhance the students' understanding of a particular culture. A variety of activities will be utilized to engage the students in this rich curriculum.
Textbook used: Medieval to Early Modern Times (Holt, Rinehart, Winston)
Areas of study: Fall of Rome, Islam, Africa, Japan, Medieval Europe, & the Renaissance
Geography: Related to area of study in History, maps handed out ahead of time to study and practice for quizzes
Students should be reading at least 20 minutes per night. The students should come to class every day and be prepared to blog, write or have a classroom discussion regarding their reading from the night before. Nightly reading is a key to building stamina and skills in strong readers!
