Woodlawn School

 

7th Grade Humanities Archives

Page history last edited by Julie 1 yr ago

Week 1, September 3 - 7

 

    Monday - No Class; Labor Day

 

    Tuesday

    Introduction to Humanities.  Course guidelines, binder, and notebook set-up. 

  • SS:  Focus on the keywords tradition and transition.  What do they mean?  How do they each play a role in our lives?  Societies?  Cultures?  Is one more important than the other?
  • LA:  Blitz scribble.  Preliminary discussion on The House of the Scorpion. 
  • HW:  Compose a letter to Mrs. H.  Focus on your traditions and transitions.  What is something you would never change about yourself?  What is something you'd like to change about yourself?

 

    Wednesday   

  • SS:  Geography sets Japan apart.  Examine maps of Japan and read about how geography has influenced Japanese history and culture. 
  • LA:  Introduction to The Blue Book of Grammar and Vocabulary Workshop.  Discussion: Brainstorm the qualities of being "human."  What does the word mean? 
  • HW:  RR - According to the list we generated in class, which character(s) in The House of the Scorpion is/are most "human"?  Which character(s) lack humanity?
  • HW:  Read "The ABC's of Mrs. H's Class."
  • If you didn't finish in class, be sure to finish questions 1-4 from your geography packet. 

 

    Thursday

  • SS:  Continue with yesterday's geography lesson.  Blitz:  What have we "borrowed" from other cultures?  What have other cultures borrowed from ours? 
  • LA:  Finding subjects and verbs.  Share your reader responses from last night.  Small group discussion:  Does being human mean being good?  Weak?  Just?  Power-hungry?  All of the above? 
  • HW:  Blitz - Should human cloning be allowed? 
  • HW:  Read two articles on Japan. 

 

    Friday

  • SS:  Examine the term "cultural diffusion."  What external factors have affected the history and culture of Japan?  What have the Japanese borrowed from other cultures? 
  • LA:  Blue Book - finding subjects and verbs.  Continue with The House of the Scorpion discussion. 
  • HW:  None. 

 

Week 2, September 10 - 14

 

Language Arts:  Continue to discuss The House of the Scorpion and the qualities of being human.  Examine the six traits of good writing, looking specifically at ideas.  Your first paper of the year will be due at the end of this week. 

 

Social Studies:  Continue looking at the history of Japan.  Learn about cultural diffusion, the Heian Period, and feudal Japan - the rise of the samurai!

 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Vocabulary Unit III.

Group presentations:  Chinese, Korean, and Indian influences on Japanese government, art, architecture, religion, and writing.

 Vocabulary Practice:  Choosing the Right Word. None.
Tuesday
  • Finding subject and predicate, continued. 
  • Finish class discussion on the pros and cons of human cloning.

The Heian Period:  After years of cultural diffusion, Japan isolates itself for 500 some years and enters a "golden age."  Examine the "lifestyles of the rich and famous" during the Heian Period.

  None.   Bring at least five pictures that illustrate modern standards of beauty and fashion.
Wednesday
  • Finding subject and predicate, continued.

  • Introduction to House of the Scorpion essay.

  • Discuss the six traits of writing.  Why are ideas so important?  Begin planning your House of the Scorpion essay.

Japan's Golden Age, continued.  Fashion and beauty for the classical Japanese aristocracy.

Did you know that the very first novel was written by a Japanese woman?

  Finish prewriting your essay. Answer soldier training questionairre. 
Thursday
  • What is drafting?  How can we best communicate our creative ideas?  Begin your rough draft. 

The Rise of Feudalism in Japan - or - money makes the world go 'round. 

What is feudalism?  How do humans respond when they begin to lose power? 

 Finish your rough draft by Monday.  Take the bushido quiz!
Friday
  • Grammar Practice:  Finding Subjects and Predicates.
  • Introduction to The Demon in the Teahouse.

Samurai!  Japan's Warrior Class.  How did these private warriors grow to become the most powerful group in all Japan?

 

Tokugawa era Japan. 
  • Read The Demon in the Teahouse: Preface and Chapters 1 and 2.  Underline historical facts.
  • Rough draft of "Human Nature" due Monday.
  • Finish subject/verb assignment if you have not yet done so! 
  None. 

 

Week 3:  September 17 - 21

Language Arts:  Begin reading and discussing The Demon in the Teahouse, a mystery set in Tokugawa Era Japan.

 

Social Studies:  The history of Japan, continued - Tokugawa Era to Japan's involvement in WWII.

 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Subject/Verb Agreement.
  • Discuss Demon.
  • Blitz!
  • Revise "Human Nature" essays and narratives.

Tokugawa Era Japan, continued.  Explore life in Edo and along the Tokaido Road online.

Read Chapters 3 and 4. 

Letter from Edo.  Research your character on the PBS site.

 

Get a public library card by September 28th! 
Tuesday
  • Vocabulary Practice:  Synonyms and Antonyms.
  • Learn about bushido and the way of the warrior. 
  • Editing tips and practice for "Human Nature."

Notes on samurai training and bushido.

Paper due tomorrow!  You must turn in: 

  • Prewriting
  • First Draft
  • Final Draft
  • Self-Assessed Rubric
Read Chapter 5.  		"Samurai Wanted" advertisement.  Be sure to include all of the necessary qualities! 
Wednesday
  • Turn in "Human Nature."
  • Subject/Predicate corrections. 
  • Begin reading Chapters 6-7.

Samurai, continued.

Commodore Matthew Perry and Emperor Meiji - Japan opens its doors to the United States.   

Read Chapters 6-7.

 

Vocabulary Workshop page 39 - synonyms and antonyms.

 Read "Japan Modernizes" and answer questions 1-3.
Thursday
  • Review for tomorrow's vocabulary and grammar quiz. 

Japan and the rise of imperialism.

Study for tomorrow's vocabulary and grammar quiz!

 Read "Japan's Growing Military Strength."  RR - Why was Korea so important to both China and Japan? 
Friday
  • Vocabulary and grammar quiz.
  • Vocabulary Unit IV.
  • Discuss The Demon in the Teahouse.
 Japan and WWII.  Read Chapters 11 - 13. TBA.

 

Week 4:  September 24 - 28

Language Arts:  Continue reading and discussing The Demon in the Teahouse, a mystery set in Tokugawa Era Japan.

 

Social Studies:  The history of Japan, continued - Japan's involvement in WWII.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Subject/Verb Agreement.
  • Discuss The Demon in the Teahouse.
  • Go over Friday's quiz. 
  • Introduction to "The Way of the Warrior" portfolio project.

The rise of nationalism, continued.  Japan's imperial gains, the beginnings of WWII, and the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

 

Read Chapters 11-13.

Finish bushido chart.		 Get a library card by October 4th!
Tuesday
  • Vocabulary Unit IV.
  • Subject/Verb Agreement, continued. 
  • Haiku!

The Battle of Midway:  Turning the Tide in the Pacific.

Create five original haiku about the coming of fall. 

Read Chapters 13-14.		 Read "The Battle of Midway."  Summarize in one paragraph!
Wednesday
  • Haiku, continued.
 The Manhattan project, development of the atomic bomb, and subsequent bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

Read Chapters 15-16.

Haiku translation assignment.

 None.
Thursday
  • Finish The Demon in the Teahouse as a class. 
  • Vocabulary practice:  Fill in the blank.
 The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, continued. "The Way of the Warrior" prewriting. Begin researching for next week's debate.
Friday Guest speaker:  Mr. Barnett introduces us to "Go," a Japanese strategy game! Sadakko and the Paper Cranes.  None.

Find one non-web source for debate.

Complete 15 notecards.

Begin studying for next Tuesday's test. 
 

 

Week 5:  October 1 - 5

Language Arts:  Continue working on "The Way of the Warrior."  Discuss The Demon and the Teahouse in preparation for Thursday's unit test.  

 

Social Studies:  Japan unit assessment. 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Subject/Verb Agreement.
  • Finish crafting your paper crane. 
  • Discuss Trait #2:  Organization.

Note card skills.

Review for tomorrow's unit test.  

Make another paper crane.  Click here if you've forgotten how! 

Study! 

Don't forget your library card by October 8th. 
Tuesday
  • Bloom's Taxonomy.
  • Begin drafting "The Way of the Warrior" - remember to focus on organization! 

Unit Test. 


Come prepared for class tomorrow by created five good discussion questions about The Demon in the Teahouse - one from each level of Bloom's Taxonomy.  Finish preparing your notecards for Thursday's debate.
Wednesday
  • Final discussion in preparation for tomorrow's unit test.
 Meet with your group to prepare for tomorrow's debate.

Study!

 Final preparations  for tomorrow's debate. 
Thursday
  • Quest:  The Demon in the Teahouse.
 Formal debate:  To bomb or not to bomb. "The Way of the Warrior" first draft due Monday.  None.
Friday No Class. No Class. None. None.

 

Week 6: October 8 - 12

Language Arts: Continue working on "The Way of the Warrior." Vocabulary Unit IV. Begin reading Red Scarf Girl.

 

Social Studies: Introduction to China! Geography and the beginnings of civilization/dynastic cycle.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Portfolio Workday: Drafting "The Way of the Warrior."

Go over the Japan test. Introduction to China: Geography and the rise of civilization.

Finish drafting for tomorrow.

Letter to Japanese student.
Tuesday
  • Revising for organization.

The beginnings of China's dynastic cycle.

Blitz: What is memoir?

Finish "The Way of the Warrior" rough draft.

 None.
Wednesday
  • Introduction to Red Scarf Girl.
  • Rough draft of "The Way of the Warrior" due today.
 Confucius and Laozi:  Great Jhou thinkers.

Read "The Liberation Army Dancer."

 Find a "Winnie the Pooh" story. RR: How does Pooh embody the Dao in the story?
Thursday
  • Learn about the Cultural Revolution.
  • Read "Destroy the Four Olds."
 Confucianism and Daoism, continued.  Blitz: What do you consider to be important inventions? If you could invent something, what would it be? Read pages 38 - 79 by Monday. None. 
Friday No LA. Chinese contributions and inventions.  Fix letters to Japan.   Finish reading pages 38 - 79 by Monday. Bring in two skeins of yarn by Wednesday.

 

 

Week 7:  October 15 - 19

 

Language Arts:  Vocabulary Unit IV.  Revise and edit "The Way of the Warrior."  Continue reading Red Scarf Girl.  

 

Social Studies: Chinese dynasties, continued. 

 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Portfolio Day:  Introductions!

N/A

Finish your revised introduction.

Take the Inventions Challege at cnn.com.  Write down all inventions that are Chinese.
Tuesday
  • Discuss Red Scarf Girl.
  • Topic Sentences.
  • Vocabulary practice. 

Continue learning about Chinese inventions and contributions. 

Strong leaders unite China:  the Qin and Han dynasties.

"The Way of the Warrior" due Thursday.

 Bring in yarn for service learning.
Wednesday
  • Vocabulary review.
  • Propaganda under Maoist China. 
  • Discuss Red Scarf Girl.
  • Turn in "The Way of the Warrior."
 China's Golden Age:  The Tang and Song dynasties and the Silk Road.    

Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz.

Service learning journal entry due tomorrow.  Read pages 118 - 139.

 TBA.
Thursday
  • Vocabulary quiz. 
  • Service learning discussion.
 The Mongol (Yuan) and Ming dynasties.  Learn about the Great Wall of China! Be sure to bring your library card and lunch tomorrow. TBA.
Friday Field trip to Charlotte:  Be at the bus stop by 8:50 with a packed lunch and your library card.       

 

 

Week 8:  October 22 - 26

 

 

Language Arts:  Vocabulary Unit IV quiz.  Continue reading Red Scarf Girl.  

 

Social Studies: Chinese dynasties, continued. 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Discuss Red Scarf Girl.
  • Vocabulary Practice.

Chinese dynastic cycles, continued.  We'll try to get caught back up this week.  The Great Wall of China. 

"Way of the Warrior" FINALLY due tomorrow.

Read "Fate."

 None.
Tuesday
  • Discuss Red Scarf Girl.
  • Vocabulary practice. 

Project work day. 

Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz.

Read "Junior High School At Last."

Continue preparing for Thursday's newscasts.
Wednesday
  • Vocabulary quiz.
  • Red Scarf Girl, continued. 
 Final project work day.  

 

 News presentations  tomorrow!
Thursday
  • Grammar mini-lesson.
  • Vocabulary Unit V. 
  • Red Scarf Girl, continued.
 Presentations!  "15 Minutes."
 Read "An Educable Child" Reflection.
Friday
  • Introduction to "Memoirs of a 7th Grader" portfolio project.
 The Silk Road. Read "Half-City Jiangs."  Read the CNN article "Rulers of the Middle Kingdom."

 

 

Week 9:  October 29 - November 2

 

 

 

Language Arts:  Begin grammar boot camp.  Red Scarf Girl, continued.  

 

Social Studies: Chinese dynasties, continued. 

 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Grammar diagnostic.
  • Memoir Blitz:  A Difficult Decision. 
  • Discuss Red Scarf Girl.

The Silk Road. 

None. 

 Blitz:  Compare and contrast the Silk Road to the Internet.  Which is more important in terms of history?
Tuesday
  • Subject/Verb Agreement
  • Memoir Blitz:  "... I never laughed so hard in my life."
  • Discuss Red Scarf Girl.

Silk Road:  Simulation!

Red Scarf reading

 None. 
Wednesday
  • Action Verbs.
  • Memoir Blitz.
  • Red Scarf Girl, continued. 

 

Silk Road wrap-up. 

None.     

 None.
Thursday
  • Linking Verbs.
  • Red Scarf Girl, continued.

Finish learning about the Tang and Song Dynasties.  Chinese poetry and Li Bo.

 Read to page 259. None.
Friday
  • Finish Red Scarf Girl. 
  • Final memoir prompt.  Be ready to extend one into publication next week.
 The Qing Dynasty and end of the dynastic cycle.  Beginnings of a modern China.   TBA. TBA.

 

 

Week 11:  November 12 - 16

Language Arts:  Memoir project, continued.  Begin short story unit.  

 

Social Studies: China:  Unit Test.  Guest speakers on Mongolia and Tibet. 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Subject Nouns.
  • Memoir work period.  Reminder:  You should have your memoir printed before class today!

Review for tomorrow's unit test.

None.

 Study for tomorrow's unit test.  Mrs. H will be in her room first thing tomorrow to answer any lingering questions!
Tuesday
  • Object Nouns:  Direct Object.
  • Memoir work period.
 Unit Test:  CHINA

Work on memoir as needed.

 None.
Wednesday
  • Object Nouns:  Direct Object, continued.
  • Memoir work period.

iMovie group project.

No more memoir work days in LA - final product due Monday after art class.

 None.
Thursday
  • Blitz.
  • Introduction to the short story:  "The Sniper"

iMovie group project, continued.

 TBA. TBA.
Friday
  • Short stories, continued.
 TBA. None.  TBA.

 

Week 12:  November 19 - 20

Language Arts:  Short stories, continued.  

 

Social Studies:  Guest speakers on Mongolia and Tibet. 

 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Memoir due today! 
  • Short stories, continued:  "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson

Mrs. H talks about her time in Mongolia.

Reader Response:  Write down your initial reactions upon finishing "The Lottery."

 None.
Tuesday
  • Short stories, continued:  "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
 Mr. H talks about his travels in Tibet.

None.

 None.
Wednesday No school - have a very happy Thanksgiving break! 

 

 

  
Thursday  


   
Friday        

 

 

Week 13:  November 26 - 30 

Language Arts:  Short stories, continued.  

 

Social Studies:  Southeast Asian country reports.

 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Introduction to short story project.  Begin creating a character sketch for a protagonist. 
  • SARAI

Introduction to individual southeast Asian country project.

None.

 Begin research for your individual project/story.
Tuesday
  • Plot:  Use your research to develop a believable problem/solution facing your character.  Use today's class period to create a plot diagram. 
 Project research time.  

Finish character sketch.

 None.
Wednesday
  • Setting:  Use your research to develop a very specific setting for your story. 
  • Begin drafting your story.  One full page due tomorrow. 

Project research time.   

Finish page one of your draft. 

 None. 
Thursday
  • Drafting:  Continue working on your short story. 

Project work time. 

Finish three pages by tomorrow.  None.
Friday
  •  Finish drafting your story.  Rough drafts to Mrs. H by the end of the period.
  Final project work day!   None. Presentations on Monday of next week! 

 

Week 1:  December 3 - 7

Language Arts:  Short stories, continued.  

 

Social Studies:  Southeast Asian country reports.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Introduction to Ernest Hemingway and The Old Man and the Sea.

India:  Geography and Climate.

None.

 Read Lesson 3:  People and their Environment from our online text.
Tuesday
  • Begin The Old Man and the Sea.
 India:  History, Traditions, Colonization, and Independence. 

Read OMAS to page 29.  Finish comprehension questions.

 None.
Wednesday
  • The Old Man and the Sea, continued.

Modern India:  Natasha will be our guest speaker! 

Mahatma Gandhi, continued.

Read OMAS to page 59 by Friday.  Finish comprehension questions.

 TBA.
Thursday
  • Field trip to Charlotte:  "Labels, Tags, and Misconceptions" and a visit to PLCMC Main.

 

    
Friday
  • Check in about OMAS.
 India:  Wrap Up.  None. SS Quest on India next Tuesday!

 

 

 

7th Grade Humanities Archives

Winter Term

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Week 2:  December 10 - 14

Language Arts:  The Old Man and the Sea

 

 

Social Studies:  Finish India/Geography Bee

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  •  
  • The Old Man and the Sea - discuss pages 9 - 59.
  • Turn in thank you to library. 

India:  Review.

Reading from The Old Man and the Sea.  
Tuesday
  • The Old Man and the Sea, continued.  Discuss themes, symbols, and motifs. 

Gandhi:  Part One

Reader's Response:  Symbols, Themes, and Motifs

Reading from The Old Man and the Sea - finish the book by next Monday!

 None.
Wednesday
  • No LA - field trip

Geography Bee.

None.

 None. 
Thursday
  • Mrs. H on a field trip:  Ms. Denham will be subbing.  Finish Gandhi.

Ditto.

 Finish The Old Man and the Sea by Monday.  Bring your knitting for service learning tomorrow!
Friday
  • Service Learning Field trip to Crisis Assistance Ministries.
  • Service Learning 7th period:  Knitting! 
   Continue to work on your scarf.  None.

 

Week 3:  December 17-21

Language Arts:  The Old Man and the Sea

 

Social Studies:  Finish India/Revise and edit short stories

 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • The Old Man and the Sea - begin working on symbolism mini-project.

Finish Gandhi.

Work on symbolism project as needed.   Look over your questions from Gandhi.
Tuesday
  • The Old Man and the Sea, continued. 

In-class essay:  Responding to Gandhi.		 Bring supplies for your symbolism booklet to class tomorrow.  Begin revising/editing your short story.
Wednesday
  • The Old Man and the Sea, continued. 
 Revising/editing your short story.

None.

 Short stories due tomorrow.
Thursday
  • The Old Man and the Sea, continued. 

Share short stories and/or information about your southeast Asian country.

 Be prepared to finish your symbolism booklet in class tomorrow. Bring your knitting for service learning tomorrow.
Friday
  • Old Man and the Sea project due at the end of class today! 
 Continue sharing.  Continue to work on your scarf over the break!  Have a happy, happy holiday.  

 

 

Week 4:  January 3 - 4 

Language Arts:  The Power of One

 

Social Studies: National History Day:  Let's Get It Started! 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday  


   
Tuesday  

   
Wednesday Enjoy your last day of winter break!

 

  
Thursday

Vocabulary Workshop.

Introduction to Bryce Courtenay and The Power of One.

 National History Day:  Overview, topic selection, and initial research. Assigned reading. Bring your three options to class tomorrow to discuss with Mrs. H.
Friday The Power of One, continued. National History Day, continued.  Assigned reading.  First NHD checkpoint:  Monday, January 6th!

 

Week 5:  January 7 - 11 

Language Arts:  The Power of One

 

Social Studies: Begin "Through African Eyes" integrated unit. 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday

 Discuss The Power of One Chapters 2 and 3.
Begin Chapter 4.   

National History Day Checkpoint:  Workshopping thesis statements.

 

Africa:  Geography and Country Map. 

Chapter 4 Reader's Response.  Bring your library card to school tomorrow.
Tuesday

The Power of One: Chapter 5.

National History Day skill:  Placing Holds via the Internet. 

Geography of Africa, continued. 

Assign "Tribes of Africa" project. 

 Finish reading Chapter 5.  Begin gathering information for your second NHD checkpoint. 
Wednesday

The Power of One, Chapter 6.

 

 Through African Eyes:  "Tribes of Africa" project. 

Finish reading Chapter 6.

  Begin working on "Tribes of Africa" project. 
Thursday

The Power of One, Chapter 7. 

 "Tribes of Africa" work period.  Finish reading Chapter 7.  Bring all NHD materials to class tomorrow.
Friday

The Power of One, Chapter 8.

 National History Day work period.  Second checkpoint is now Monday. Assigned reading.  Second NHD checkpoint:  Monday, January 13th!

 

 

Week 6:  January 14 - 18 

Language Arts:  The Power of One

 

Social Studies: Southern Africa

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday Learn about the art of storytelling from Kelly Swanson, North Carolinian storyteller.

 

Geography of Southern Africa.

 None.

Chapter 10 questions 1 and 2.

Continue working on "Tribes of Africa" project.  First presentations tomorrow!
Tuesday The Power of One: Chapter 9.
Vocabulary Practice.

Learn about the Xhosa, San, and Zulu tribes from Joe, Davis, and Lachlan. 

 Read to page 150.  Vocabulary Practice.

Question redo - if necessary.

Continue working on "Tribes of Africa."
Wednesday

The Power of One, Chapter 9.

 Nations of Southern Africa:  South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Angola.

Finish Chapter 9.

 None.
Thursday

 The Power of One, Chapter 10.
Vocabulary Practice 2.

 "In the Twilight of Apartheid" from National Geographic. Scarf due tomorrow! Bring all NHD materials on tomorrow's field trip (plus backpack for new books). 
Friday

Field trip.

 Field trip to Main Library and Urban Ministry Center. Be through Chapter 11 in The Power of One by Monday. 

 Second NHD checkpoint:  Monday, January 18th:

  • Five (or more) bibliography cards.
  • 25 (or more) note cards.

 

 

Week 7:  January 21 - 25

Language Arts:  The Power of One

 

Social Studies: South Africa - Apartheid

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday No School - MLK Day


  NHD Checkpoint tomorrow - 5 bib. cards, 25 notecards
Tuesday Double SS.

NHD Checkpoint.

 

Watch Amandla!  A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony, a documentary that highlights the role of music in the fight against apartheid. 

Continue reading The Power of One:  Be through Chapter 10.  

One page response to Amandla!
Wednesday

Vocabulary Workshop practice 3.

The Power of One, discussion and Chapter 11.

 Read National Geographic's "In the Twilight of Apartheid."  Response questions. 

Finish reading Chapter 11.

 Begin studying for Friday's test.
Thursday

 The Power of One Chapter 12. 

 Review for tomorrow's test on Southern Africa.  Finish reading Chapter 12.  Study for tomorrow's unit test.
Friday

NHD Workday:  Creating a working outline.

 TEST:  Southern Africa. The Power of One, chapters 13-14.  Begin studying for next week's test. 

NHD Checkpoint on Monday!  5 additional bib. cards, 25 notecards

 

 Service Learning notes: 

1.  Thanks for all of your hard work on your scarves.  I know it wasn't the easiest project, but am sure that the final products are being put to good use during this cold spell.  I hope that you can see what a difference each of has the capacity to make... the power of one, eh?  :)

2.  Susan Harbage Page will be coming to campus this THURSDAY to meet with us about the grant.  We will share some of our reflections and the tags we collected/created on Friday at UMC.  Please take some time to process the field trip and think about ways we can communicate "Labels, Tags, and Misconceptions in the Homeless Community."

 

Week 8:  January 28 - February 1

Language Arts:  The Power of One

 

Social Studies: East Africa

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Discuss The Power of One chapters 12-13.
  • Read Chapter 14.
  • Vocabulary Practice
  •  

 

NHD Checkpoint:  25 more notecards, 5 more bib. cards

Introduction to East Africa:  Geography of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Somalia

Story Presentations:  Joe, Lachlan, Davis, and Lauren

 Finish Chapter 14.    Presentations tomorrow:  Lauren, Hailey, Regan, and Michael
Tuesday
  • Finish The Power of One.

 

Tribes of East Africa:  Lauren, Hailey, Regan, and Michael

None.

Read this website article in preparation for tomorrow's class.  Also, be sure to click on the interactive timeline.
Wednesday
Spelling Bee
 Early Humans:  The Great Rift Valley

Begin studying for Friday's vocabulary/book test.

 TBA.
Thursday
  • The Power of One final discussion. 
  • Vocabulary Review
 Ecotourism in East Africa:  Serengeti, Ngorogoro Crater, and the Maasai Mara Study for tomorrow's test. NHD Checkpoint tomorrow:  Primary Source and 25 additional notecards.
Friday

Unit Test:  The Power of One.

 NHD checkpoint and workday:  Developing a working outline. Vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.

NHD Checkpoint Monday:  Typed working outline and topic sentences for all body paragraphs. 

 

Week 9:  February 4 - 8

Language Arts:  "Apartheid Through Photography" mini-project

 

Social Studies: National History Day, Central Africa

 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Learn how to footnote!
  • Introduction to "Apartheid Through Photography" project.

NHD Checkpoint:  Typed working outline and topic sentences for each paragraph.

Mrs. H's film:  "Hakuna Matata:  An African Odyssey"

 Study for vocabulary quiz.
 Read this article from BBC online.  Presentations tomorrow:  Allie and Natasha.
Tuesday
  • Vocabulary Quiz
  •  

Tribes of Central Africa:  Allie and Natasha

Revise your working outlines.

 None.
 Have revised outline (plus topic sentences) ready to turn in tomorrow.  You may also want to begin drafting your introduction!
Wednesday
  • Read transcripts from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings.
 Geography of Central Africa

None.

 Finish R.R. questions from Chapter 8, Lessons 1 and 2.  
Thursday
  • Brainstorm poetry and photographs.
 Colonization and Decolonization in the Congo.  Finish sketching your photos.
 Revise thesis statements.  Be ready to write tomorrow!
Friday
  • NHD checkpoint and workday:  Annotated Bibliography.
 NHD work period. 
None.

Continue working on NHD - first draft (+ annotated bib.) due February 14th. 

 

 

Week 10:  February 11 - 15

Language Arts:  Finish "Apartheid Through Photography" and begin A Girl Named Disaster.

 

Social Studies: National History Day, West/Central Africa

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • NHD Skill:  Annotated Bibliography.
  • Vocabulary Unit 7.
  • Begin poetry component.
 Uganda:  Idi Amin Finish drafting at least fifteen lines of poetry.
 Begin working on annotated bibliography. 
Tuesday
  • Poetry revision
  • Vocabulary practice.
  • Begin A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer.

Spotlight on the Shona tribe and the mystery of Great Zimbabwe. 

Read Chapters 1-3.
 Continue working on your NHD first draft.
Wednesday
  • Continue discussing and reading A Girl Named Disaster.
 TBA.

Read Chapters 5 and 6.

 First draft due tomorrow!  Please be sure to self-edit.
Thursday
  • Finish photoshoot.
  • A Girl Named Disaster, continued.

Turn in drafts of National History Day essay:  Peer feedback.

 Read through Chapter 10.

None.  Enjoy the long weekend!

*Annie, Briana, and Jack - presentations next Tuesday.

Friday No School - Teacher Workday
 


 

Week 11:  February 18 - 22

Language Arts:  Finish "Apartheid Through Photography" and continue with A Girl Named Disaster.

 

Social Studies: West Africa.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday No School - Presidents' Day   Read through Chapter 10.
 Presentations tomorrow:  Annie, Briana, and Jack.
Tuesday
  • Finish apartheid photo shoot.
  • Vocabulary practice

Tribes of West Africa:  Annie, Briana, and Jack.

 Read Chapters 11 and 12.
 NHD final drafts due Friday, February 29th.
Wednesday
  • Continue discussing and reading A Girl Named Disaster.
  • Vocabulary review
 Geography of West Africa.

Finish Chapters 13 and 14.   Study for tomorrow's vocabulary quiz.

 Read the article on Liberia.
Thursday
  • Vocabulary Quiz
  • A Girl Named Disaster, continued.

Ghana:  The Path to Independence

 Assigned reading.  
Friday Field trip to Discovery Place and Urban Ministry Center.  Be at the bus stop by 8:30 am.
 


 

Week 12:  February 25 - 29

Language Arts:   A Girl Named Disaster.

 

Social Studies: North Africa.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Discuss A Girl Named Disaster.
  • Finish apartheid poetry. 
 Tribe presentations:  Ben, David, and Forrest Assigned reading: Chapters 19 and 20.
  NHD final drafts due Friday. 
Tuesday
  • A Girl Named Disaster, continued.
  • Begin planning your epic quest.
 Tribe presentations:  Ryan, April, and Zack Read Chapters 21 and 22.
 None.
Wednesday
  • A Girl Named Disaster, continued.
  • Begin drafting your epic quest. 
 West Africa and the oral tradition

Read Chapters 23 and 24.

Draft first three steps of the hero's quest.

None.
Thursday
  • Continue working on your epic quests.
 African History group skits:  The Nok, Phoenicians, Ghana, Sundiata, and Mansa Musa. None.  NHD drafts due tomorrow!
Friday
  • Project work day:  Epic Quest.
 Finish up tribe project.
 Reading. 

Africa UNIT TEST coming up next Thursday, March 6.

 

Week 13:  March 3 - 7

Language Arts:   A Girl Named Disaster, continued.  Finish hero's quest.

 

Social Studies: Africa Unit Assessment

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Continue working on hero's quests.  Rough draft finished by tomorrow.
  • Discuss A Girl Named Disaster.
 Study guide activity for Wednesday's unit test. Assigned reading: Chapters 27 and 28.
 Begin studying for unit test, if you so choose!
Tuesday
  • A Girl Named Disaster, continued.
  • Peer revision for hero's quests. 
 Review for tomorrow's test.   Read Chapters 29 and 30.
Wednesday
  • Edit your hero's quest - due tomorrow! 
 Tribes of Africa work day.

Finish hero's quest for tomorrow. 

Study for tomorrow's test. 
Thursday
  • Turn in hero's quests.
  • Discuss A Girl Named Disaster.
 UNIT TEST:  AFRICA. None.  Finish Tribes of Africa for tomorrow.
Friday No LA - half day.  Woodlawn History Day!
 Assigned reading.

If your paper has been selected for the NHD regional competition, any edits need to be completed by the end of next week.

 

 

 

 

 

back

Conflict and Compromise

 

Week 1:  March 10 - 14

Language Arts:   A Girl Named Disaster, continued.  

 

Social Studies: Sudan and the crisis in Darfur

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Prepare for portfolio review.
 The Lost Boys of Sudan.   None. 
Tuesday
  • Punctuation, continued.
  • A Girl Named Disaster, continued.
 Discuss yesterday's film. Be through Chapter 32 by tomorrow. None.
Wednesday
  • Commas
  • A Girl Named Disaster,  chapters 33-35.
 Begin Sudan mini-project in small groups.

Finish reading through Chapter 35.

 None.
Thursday
  • Spring cleaning in your binders.
  • Discuss A Girl Named Disaster.
 Continue working on Sudan group project. Finish reading. Finish preparations for tomorrow's lessons.
Friday
  • Commas
  • A Girl Named Disaster.
  • Chapters 40 -
 Small-group lessons!
 Finish A Girl Named Disaster.  Unit Test on Tuesday!

If your paper has been selected for the NHD regional competition, any edits need to be completed by the end of next week.

 

 

Week 2:  March 17 - 21

Language Arts:   A Girl Named Disaster, continued.  

 

Social Studies: Sudan and the crisis in Darfur.  Current events.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Discuss A Girl Named Disaster - finish the book!
 Finish Darfur lessons. None. Find an article about a current event to bring to class tomorrow.
Tuesday
  • Punctuation, continued.
  • A Girl Named Disaster final discussion.
 Current events discussion. Plan for tomorrow's assessment. None.
Wednesday
  • Commas
  • A Girl Named Disaster assessment.
 Current events, continued.

None.

 Current events assignment #2.
Thursday
  • Share excerpts from epic quests.
 Current events, continued. Have a fabulous spring break. Ditto.
Friday  
   

 

Week 4:   April 7 - 11

Language Arts:   Flowers for Algernon  

 

Social Studies: Finish up Egypt; introduction to Islam

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Discuss Flowers for Algernon - Charlie's character continues to develop.
  • Continue with comma rules. 
  • Vocabulary Unit 8.
 Finish Secrets of Egypt film. Read P.R. 9.  Vocabulary Practice:  Fill in the blanks. Blitz:  What do you know about Islam?  Do you think the West has an accurate understanding of Islam?
Tuesday
  • Commas, continued.
  • Flowers for Algernon.
 Introduction to the geography of the Middle East.  Assigned reading:  PR 10. Finish map scavenger hunt.
Wednesday
  • Commas, continued.
  • What is cuneiform? 
  • Flowers for Algernon.
 Beginnings of civilization:  Mesopotamia, Babylon, and Sumeria. 

Assigned reading:  PR 11 through May 9.

None.
Thursday
  • Commas, continued.
  • Flowers for Algernon.
 Foundations of religions:  Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Assigned reading. Be prepared to update your current events board tomorrow in class.
Friday
  • Comma Quiz. 
  • Flowers for Algernon.
 Islam in Modern Times. None. None.

 

Week 5:   April 14 - 18

Language Arts:   Flowers for Algernon  

 

Social Studies: Islam, continued. 

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Discuss Flowers for Algernon - Progress Report 12.
 Islam:  A Closer Look Finish reading through page 152. None.
Tuesday
  • Commas, continued.
  • Flowers for Algernon:  Progress Report 13. 

Sunni and Shiite - Sects of Islam

Begin reviewing for quest.

 RR:  Predict what Charlie's family reunions might be like. Begin studying for Thursday's quest.
Wednesday
  • Flowers for Algernon:  Progress Report 14
 Review for tomorrow's quest

Assigned reading

 Study for tomorrow's quest.
Thursday
  • Final vocabulary review.
  • Flowers for Algernon.
 Quest:  Geography of the Middle East, Early Civilizations, Islam None None
Friday
  • Flowers for Algernon.
 Introduction to Afghanistan/Breadwinner

Assigned reading.

Vocabulary quiz/comma retake next Tuesday!

 None

 

Week 6:   April 21 - 25

Language Arts:   Flowers for Algernon  

 

Social Studies: Afghanistan and Breadwinner

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Discuss Flowers for Algernon
  • Review vocabulary and comma use for tomorrow's quiz. 
 Discuss Breadwinner Chapters 1-3.  Study for tomorrow's vocabulary/comma quiz. Assigned reading. 
Tuesday
  • Vocabulary/comma quiz.
  • Flowers for Algernon
 Afghanistan:  Land in Crisis. Finish assigned reading. None.
Wednesday
  • Apostrophes
  • Flowers for Algernon
 Guest speaker:  Women's Issues in Afghanistan.

Finish assigned reading:  Flowers for Algernon to page 255.          

Creative response:  Tell Sharbat Gula's story.
Thursday
  • Flowers for Algernon.
 Breadwinner, continued. Finish assigned reading. Finish assigned reading.
Friday Field trip to ImaginOn - Be at the bus stop by 8:55!  Bring  your library card and money for lunch.  

 

  

 

Week 7:   April 28 - May 2

Language Arts:   Flowers for Algernon unit assessment, begin culminating project.

 

Social Studies: Afghanistan and Breadwinner, continued.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Final discussion: Flowers for Algernon

Read Breadwinner Chapters 9-10.

Continue working on song composition.

 Continue reviewing for tomorrow's unit assessment. None.
Tuesday
  • .Flowers for Algernon unit assessment.
 Continue working on song composition. None. None.
Wednesday
  • Apostrophes
  • What is an action plan?
 Breadwinner, continued. 

Begin research for your action plan.

Assigned reading.
Thursday
  • Continue research for action plan.
 Breadwinner, continued. Finish assigned reading. Finish songs for tomorrow!
Friday
  • Draft action plan.
 Present songs to the class.

 None.           

  None.

 

Week 8:  May 5 - 9

Language Arts:   Culminating project, journalism.

 

Social Studies: Comparing economies and governments of the Middle East.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Culminating project work time.
 Discuss Breadwinner. Action plan rough draft due Thursday. Breadwinner final reader's response.
Tuesday
  • No LA - IOWAs.
 Comparing economies in the Middle East. None. None.
Wednesday
  • Culminating project work time.
 OPEC.
 Action plan rough drafts due tomorrow. None.
Thursday
  • Journalism:  Writing a news article.
 Comparing governments in the Middle East.
 Begin brainstorming your angle for the news article. TBA.
Friday
  • Revise/edit action plans. 
 Middle Eastern governments, continued.

None.

  None.

 

 

Week 9:  May 12 - 16

Language Arts:   Journalism, overnight trip.

 

Social Studies: Journalism.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Choose your angle for your journalism piece.
 Research time for journalism piece. Don't forget your packed duffle - bring to Mrs. Fitz tomorrow! None.
Tuesday
  • Trip prep.
 Continue researching for journalism piece. None. None.
Wednesday
  • Leave at 7:30 for the overnight.
   
Thursday  
   
Friday    

 

  

 

Week 10:  May 19 - 23

Language Arts:   Finish action plans, journalism.

 

Social Studies: Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday
  • Action plan revision time.
 Overview of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Four trip journal entries due tomorrow.

Action plans due Thursday.

 None.
Tuesday
  • Begin drafting journalism pieces.
 Palestinian-Israeli conflict:  The Balfour Declaration and creation of Israel. TBA. None.
Wednesday
  • Continue drafting journalism pieces.
 Palestinian-Israeli conflict:  The Six Day War.
 Be sure to have a finished draft to work with in class tomorrow. TBA. 
Thursday
  • Revision and editing of articles.
  • Begin to format piece for publication.
 The Six Day War, continued.
 Final draft of article due on Monday! None.
Friday  No Class No Class

 

  

 

Week 11:  May 26 - 30

Language Arts:   Publish final drafts of news articles; poetry of Naomi Shihab Nye

 

Social Studies: Palestinian-Israeli conflict, continued.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday No Class - Memorial Day  

 

  
Tuesday
  • Revise/edit journalism piece.
  • "My Father and the Fig Tree
 Palestinian-Israeli conflict:  1987. Final drafts of articles due tomorrow. None.
Wednesday
  • "Blood," "My Grandmother and the Stars"
 Palestinian-Israeli conflict:  Modern Day. None. Final reflection due tomorrow.
Thursday
  • Begin poetry analysis project. 
 Begin reviewing for next week's final.
 Work on poetry project as needed. None.
Friday  No Class No Class

 

  

 

 

Week 12:  June 2 - 6

Language Arts:   Poetry Analysis:  19 Varieties of Gazelle.

 

Social Studies: Review/final exam.

  Language Arts Social Studies LA HW SS HW
Monday Finish examining your selected poems. Review for final exam.

Be ready to begin drafting at the beginning of class tomorrow.

 Begin studying for Wednesday's final.
Tuesday Draft poetry analysis. Review for final exam. Rough drafts to Mrs. H tomorrow. Study for tomorrow's final.
Wednesday   FINAL.   Current Events write-ups due tomorrow.
Thursday Revise/edit poetry analysis - due tomorrow.
   
Friday  No Class - Be sure to turn in your poetry analysis to Mrs. H!  

 

  

 

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