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7th grade Humanities
Ms. Aimee Backlund

Email: abbacklund@seattleschools.org
Phone #: (206)252-8982
When available: 8:45 – 9:30 or after school

Teacher Bio

This is my seventh year at Denny Middle School and tenth year teaching overall. I graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in political science and from Antioch University with a Master’s degree in Education. Some of my favorite pastimes include: camping, reading and playing with my 8 month old son, Yakouba. One of my favorite authors is Mildred Taylor and my favorite genre is historical fiction. One thing that you should know about me is that I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, Africa from 2002-2004.

Course Description:

U.S. History is a two-semester class. First semester, we will study US history from First People to colonization to the Constitution. Second semester, we will study how westward expansion effected native people and issues surrounding the civil war. In order to develop a global perspective, we will explore history from multiple viewpoints including that of Native Americans, indentured servants, women, slaves, farmers, merchants, the wealthy, the poor and the diverse cultural groups that now comprise America. We will discuss who Americans are, what happens when the freedom of one group or individual comes into conflict with the freedom of other groups and individuals, why people form governments, and how people can change governments. Since the past has a great deal of impact on the present, the course will also include current events discussions and assignments.

Language Arts is also a two-semester class. In writer’s workshop, students will write personal narratives, personal essays, persuasive essays, fiction and poetry. As part of our literacy focus at Denny, each student is expected to read an average of 30 minutes at their reading level each school night for homework. We will also read from a variety of genres in class.

Standards:

CIVICS
1. The student understands and can explain the core values and democratic principles of the United States as set forth in foundational documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
2. The student analyzes the purposes and organization of governments and laws.
3. The student understands the purposes and organization of international relationships and how United States foreign policy is made.
4. The student understands the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the principles of democratic civic involvement.

HISTORY
1. The student examines and understands major ideas, eras, themes, developments, turning points, chronology, and cause-effect relationships in United States, world, and Washington State history.
2. The student understands the origin and impact of ideas and technological developments on history.

WRITING
1. The student writes clearly and effectively.
2. The student writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes.
3. The student understands and uses the steps of the writing process.
4. The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of written work.

READING
1: The student understands and uses different skills and strategies to read.
2: The student understands the meaning of what is read.
3: The student reads different materials for a variety of purposes.
4: The student sets goals and evaluates progress to improve reading.

Special Projects and Events
1. Performance Celebration: 7 th graders complete a family heritage research project worth a significant portion of the 2nd quarter grade. Projects will be on display during our Performance Celebration night.

2. WASL Test: we will be doing WASL-related activities and assessments throughout the year to ensure that students are confident and ready for the WASL in April.

Expected Outcomes: As a result of taking 7th grade Humanities, students will be able to:
1. Follow the writing process to create meaningful narratives and produce well-organized essays.
2. Have a basic understanding of the major events and themes of US History through the Civil War.
3. Understand the basic structure of US Government, and know how citizens can participate in the legislative process.

Assessments Used:
Projects, Writing Samples, Conferencing, Tests

Materials Used:
The American Nation (James West Davidson), History of US (Joy Hakim) , We the People (Center for Civiic Education), Elements of Literature (Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.)

Homework

Reading : 600-1000 pages per quarter

Reading Logs: 5 entries weekly, due Mondays

Finished Novel Reviews: 2 per quarter

Writer’s Workshop: publish twp papers per quarter. (We will work on this in class, but students will need to spend time at home writing.)