7th Grade Core: Language Arts &  History

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 the six traits rubric as a guide for the process of writing and for evaluation.  Note taking and outlining skills will also be emphasized.

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.

 

 

Reading material:

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

Crispin by Avi

The Black Death by James Day

Beowulf retold by Ian Seraillier

Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

Crispin by Avi

Animal Farm by George Orwell

“A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote

Assorted short stories – some connect with History curriculum **

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.

SSR (sustained silent reading) – independent reading – class time weekly - at home reading also required - student logs must be maintained – min. 1000 pgs. for first quarter (1200 = 2nd q., 1400 = 3rd q., 1600 = 4th q.)

Writing

            Rough draft + final copy = the writing process

            Drafts MUST be attached to final copy for credit!

Grammar

            The Write Source

Writer’s Craft

Vocabulary

            Weekly list assigned Mondays (unless otherwise stated), tests on Fridays (unless rescheduled)

**History:

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 tests

My e-mail

skisch@orinda.k12.ca.us