Syllabus
7th Grade Humanities
2013-2014 Course Syllabus
High Tech Middle Media Arts
· B.A. Elementary Education, San Diego State University 2003
· Multiple Subject Credential
· Single Subject Credential (Math)
· M.Ed-Teacher Leadership, High Tech High Graduate School of Education 2010
Contact: Email: [email protected] Phone: (619) 379-3764 (cell) Room: 212
Introduction
Welcome to 7th grade Humanities! This year you will be challenged to build upon your existing knowledge and command of the English language as well as the history of the world. You will begin from your own personal starting points in reading, writing, speaking, geography, history, and philosophy. You will progress and improve in all areas throughout the course of the school year. Everyone in this classroom will be successful!
The bulk of the work in this class will be project-based, where you will be working individually and/or in teams to create intelligent and innovative projects that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topics covered in class. You will be given ample time to complete these projects, and will receive ongoing feedback from Mrs. Alli and your peers.
This year you will become a more experienced reader through analysis, deep thinking, and discussion of a wide range of literature. We will read books, excerpts, articles, and other written material together as a class, in small groups, and individually. You will participate in book clubs, where you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of literature. Additionally, you will be required to read on your own about topics and authors that most interest you.
As a writer, you will explore and use written language in complex and creative ways. You will write in a variety of genres (narrative, expository, and persuasive), while continually revising your work with critique from both your peers and the teacher. There will be ample opportunity for partner and small group work, as well as, individual conferencing with the teacher.
In learning about world history, you will analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious and social structures of the various civilizations we study. You will be encouraged to make connections between these and present day societies, so as to better understand today’s world, as well as consider what you can do to be a contributing member of society.
2013-2014 Course Syllabus
High Tech Middle Media Arts
· B.A. Elementary Education, San Diego State University 2003
· Multiple Subject Credential
· Single Subject Credential (Math)
· M.Ed-Teacher Leadership, High Tech High Graduate School of Education 2010
Contact: Email: [email protected] Phone: (619) 379-3764 (cell) Room: 212
Introduction
Welcome to 7th grade Humanities! This year you will be challenged to build upon your existing knowledge and command of the English language as well as the history of the world. You will begin from your own personal starting points in reading, writing, speaking, geography, history, and philosophy. You will progress and improve in all areas throughout the course of the school year. Everyone in this classroom will be successful!
The bulk of the work in this class will be project-based, where you will be working individually and/or in teams to create intelligent and innovative projects that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topics covered in class. You will be given ample time to complete these projects, and will receive ongoing feedback from Mrs. Alli and your peers.
This year you will become a more experienced reader through analysis, deep thinking, and discussion of a wide range of literature. We will read books, excerpts, articles, and other written material together as a class, in small groups, and individually. You will participate in book clubs, where you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of literature. Additionally, you will be required to read on your own about topics and authors that most interest you.
As a writer, you will explore and use written language in complex and creative ways. You will write in a variety of genres (narrative, expository, and persuasive), while continually revising your work with critique from both your peers and the teacher. There will be ample opportunity for partner and small group work, as well as, individual conferencing with the teacher.
In learning about world history, you will analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious and social structures of the various civilizations we study. You will be encouraged to make connections between these and present day societies, so as to better understand today’s world, as well as consider what you can do to be a contributing member of society.
Below is a video I made about High Tech Middle Media Arts. Sometimes photos say more than words...
Projects/Course Ideas
I use the word “ideas” since most projects will be a creation of my students and me. Project Specifications and Calendars will be sent to families before the start of each theme.
Class Culture
In order to reach our full potential, all students and teachers need to strive to create a safe learning environment. This is achieved through mutual respect and acceptance of a variety of ideas, opinions and beliefs. As a member of this team, you are expected to:
· Always be on time, in your seat, and ready to learn at the start of class
· Come to class prepared
· Be respectful
· Work cooperatively
· Ask questions
· Persevere: Never give up
· Turn in “quality” work
· Follow HTMMA school-wide rules and procedures
Please abide by the Class Culture policy listed above. Failure to do so will result in the following consequences:
1) 1st infraction: “Take a break” in the “Chair of Enlightenment”.
2) 2nd infraction: Fill out a reflection form, private conversation with the teacher, and phone call home.
Writer’s Notebooks:
Students will have an opportunity to choose their own writing topics, as well as write about informational and persuasive pieces given by the teacher. Additionally, throughout the year, students will be asked to respond to a variety of teacher-given writing prompts, based on what we are studying, discussing, and reading. Writer’s Notebook grades are based upon students’ thoughtfulness and effort toward all writing. Additionally, students’ grades are affected by progress toward individual writing goals, evidence of effort and writing improvement.
Writing Assignments, Projects, Tests and Quizzes:
Please see Project Specification Sheets for specific grading information of these writing assignments and projects. These will be sent home for parent review at the appropriate time, and can be accessed through my Digital Portfolio (DP) at www.htmma.weebly.com
Homework:
Weekly homework sheets will be handed out on Mondays. Generally, you will have homework Monday-Thursday.
Late Work Policy
Students are required to turn in all assignments on the given due date and time. Most assignments are due at the beginning of class. Students will be informed if otherwise. Homework, classwork, and project work turned in late will receive a maximum of 70% credit, and must be turned in within two weeks of the due date. Special circumstances regarding late work can be discussed on an individual basis, but will only be approved at the teacher’s discretion. Please feel free to contact me via email or phone to discuss special circumstances/accommodations.
Absent Work Policy
If a student is absent on a given due date, he or she may submit the work assigned prior to the absence or on the day of his/her return. Any work submitted after the student’s return date is considered late. If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to check the “Absent” folders on the whiteboard in the front of the room and get the necessary materials.
It is the student’s responsibility to get any missed assignments. The student will have as many days as he/she was absent to complete the missed assignments before they will be considered late. These make up days will begin the day the student returns to school.
If a student knows he/she will be absent ahead of time, please inform the teacher to receive any available assignments prior to the absence. Any student that plans to be absent for 3 or more consecutive days must set up a Contract for Independent Study through Ms. Tianna. Students will submit the work for credit upon their return.
Powerschool
It is the responsibility of both the student and parents to regularly check the student’s grades. Grades will be updated frequently and are available at http://powerschool.hightechhigh.org/public. You will receive a username and password at the beginning of the year that will allow you to access grades on a regular basis. Please let me know if you lose or forget your username and password. Please see me as soon as possible if there is a question or concern about a grade. Blank grades or unexplained zeroes may be “no name” assignments, make up work, or assignments that have not been graded in full. These entries will become, or remain, zeroes if not turned in by the end of the semester.
Available Help
I want every student to be successful. Students and parents should feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns. I am willing to work with any student on an individual or group basis outside of class if additional assistance is needed. Students may set up tutoring appointments any day, as needed. Tutoring with the 7th grade level academic coaches is available every Tuesday-Friday morning from 8-8:50 a.m. If your child is interested in attending tutoring, please have him/her sign up a day in advance. The tutoring sign-up sheet can be found in the 7th grade commons.
My DP
My Digital Portfolio can be found at www.htmma.weebly.com
The syllabus, calendars, project sheets, homework, and other updates will be posted on a regular basis.
Additional Recommendations For Parents:
Please ensure that your child is reading and/or being read to at home every day, as this is nightly homework. I encourage you and your child to take a trip to your neighborhood library to explore new and exciting books and different genres. Please know that I have an extensive classroom library for all students to enjoy as well. Please also encourage your child to write when inspired to do so. If possible, post a world map somewhere in the house, and use it a reference tool for planning vacations, discussing what he/she is studying, etc. Thank you in advance for all of your support!
Final Note to Students:
Each one of you is loved and appreciated here at HTMMA.
I ask these 3 things of you:
Be kind, respectful, and always try your best.
I promise to do the same.
I use the word “ideas” since most projects will be a creation of my students and me. Project Specifications and Calendars will be sent to families before the start of each theme.
- Poetry: Do I Dare?
- Parasites, Plagues, and Diseases…Oh My!
- Fever 1793, by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Everest: To Climb or Not to Climb?
- Peak, by Roland Smith
- Into Thin Air, by John Krakauer
- Be The Light
- Sadako and a Thousand Paper Cranes, by Eleanor Coerr
- Get Published!: From Weeds and Seeds to Roses
- A Different Time, A Different Place: A Civilization Project
Class Culture
In order to reach our full potential, all students and teachers need to strive to create a safe learning environment. This is achieved through mutual respect and acceptance of a variety of ideas, opinions and beliefs. As a member of this team, you are expected to:
· Always be on time, in your seat, and ready to learn at the start of class
· Come to class prepared
· Be respectful
· Work cooperatively
· Ask questions
· Persevere: Never give up
· Turn in “quality” work
· Follow HTMMA school-wide rules and procedures
Please abide by the Class Culture policy listed above. Failure to do so will result in the following consequences:
1) 1st infraction: “Take a break” in the “Chair of Enlightenment”.
2) 2nd infraction: Fill out a reflection form, private conversation with the teacher, and phone call home.
Writer’s Notebooks:
Students will have an opportunity to choose their own writing topics, as well as write about informational and persuasive pieces given by the teacher. Additionally, throughout the year, students will be asked to respond to a variety of teacher-given writing prompts, based on what we are studying, discussing, and reading. Writer’s Notebook grades are based upon students’ thoughtfulness and effort toward all writing. Additionally, students’ grades are affected by progress toward individual writing goals, evidence of effort and writing improvement.
Writing Assignments, Projects, Tests and Quizzes:
Please see Project Specification Sheets for specific grading information of these writing assignments and projects. These will be sent home for parent review at the appropriate time, and can be accessed through my Digital Portfolio (DP) at www.htmma.weebly.com
Homework:
Weekly homework sheets will be handed out on Mondays. Generally, you will have homework Monday-Thursday.
Late Work Policy
Students are required to turn in all assignments on the given due date and time. Most assignments are due at the beginning of class. Students will be informed if otherwise. Homework, classwork, and project work turned in late will receive a maximum of 70% credit, and must be turned in within two weeks of the due date. Special circumstances regarding late work can be discussed on an individual basis, but will only be approved at the teacher’s discretion. Please feel free to contact me via email or phone to discuss special circumstances/accommodations.
Absent Work Policy
If a student is absent on a given due date, he or she may submit the work assigned prior to the absence or on the day of his/her return. Any work submitted after the student’s return date is considered late. If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to check the “Absent” folders on the whiteboard in the front of the room and get the necessary materials.
It is the student’s responsibility to get any missed assignments. The student will have as many days as he/she was absent to complete the missed assignments before they will be considered late. These make up days will begin the day the student returns to school.
If a student knows he/she will be absent ahead of time, please inform the teacher to receive any available assignments prior to the absence. Any student that plans to be absent for 3 or more consecutive days must set up a Contract for Independent Study through Ms. Tianna. Students will submit the work for credit upon their return.
Powerschool
It is the responsibility of both the student and parents to regularly check the student’s grades. Grades will be updated frequently and are available at http://powerschool.hightechhigh.org/public. You will receive a username and password at the beginning of the year that will allow you to access grades on a regular basis. Please let me know if you lose or forget your username and password. Please see me as soon as possible if there is a question or concern about a grade. Blank grades or unexplained zeroes may be “no name” assignments, make up work, or assignments that have not been graded in full. These entries will become, or remain, zeroes if not turned in by the end of the semester.
Available Help
I want every student to be successful. Students and parents should feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns. I am willing to work with any student on an individual or group basis outside of class if additional assistance is needed. Students may set up tutoring appointments any day, as needed. Tutoring with the 7th grade level academic coaches is available every Tuesday-Friday morning from 8-8:50 a.m. If your child is interested in attending tutoring, please have him/her sign up a day in advance. The tutoring sign-up sheet can be found in the 7th grade commons.
My DP
My Digital Portfolio can be found at www.htmma.weebly.com
The syllabus, calendars, project sheets, homework, and other updates will be posted on a regular basis.
Additional Recommendations For Parents:
Please ensure that your child is reading and/or being read to at home every day, as this is nightly homework. I encourage you and your child to take a trip to your neighborhood library to explore new and exciting books and different genres. Please know that I have an extensive classroom library for all students to enjoy as well. Please also encourage your child to write when inspired to do so. If possible, post a world map somewhere in the house, and use it a reference tool for planning vacations, discussing what he/she is studying, etc. Thank you in advance for all of your support!
Final Note to Students:
Each one of you is loved and appreciated here at HTMMA.
I ask these 3 things of you:
Be kind, respectful, and always try your best.
I promise to do the same.