7 th Grade Humanities

Mr. Griffin

• E-Mail: mbgriffin@seattlesschools.org Phone# 206-252-8992 or 206-252-8950
• Room Number: 404B and Main Office
• When Available: By Appointment

Standards Taught in Classes (EALR level):

History:

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

Reading:

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

Writing:

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

World Geography:

The student uses maps, charts, and other geographic tools to understand the spatial arrangement of people, places, resources, and environments on Earth’s surface. The student understands the complex physical and human characteristics of places and regions. The student observes and analyzes the interaction between people, the environment, and culture.

Course Descriptions

7th Grade Humanities includes United States History and Language Arts

U.S. History covers the period from pre-contact by Europeans to Reconstruction after the Civil War. Topics of study include the first Americans, exploration and colonization, the Revolution, the Constitution, the new government begins, early years of the republic, westward expansion, slavery and the Civil War, and Reconstruction.

Language Arts concentrates on reading and writing with emphasis on reading comprehension and clear, concise written expression. A wide variety of nonfiction and fiction sources are used for reading. Writing emphasizes organization and clarity of expression. Vocabulary plays a major part in successful writing, therefore students will have weekly assignments in this area. Daily writing time is used for creating short, informal pieces; longer more formal papers are assigned periodically throughout the year.

All 7 th grade Humanities students are expected to complete a family history project to be displayed at the performance celebration in January.

As a result of taking these classes, a student will have a basic understanding of the main events in American history, together with their causes and effects, up to 1877. The student will be able to read and understand a variety of nonfiction and fiction texts. Students will also be able to write clearly and effectively in a variety of formats.

Assessments used include presentations, projects, maps, teacher made tests and quizzes, along with standardized tests.

Materials used include, among other things, The American Nation: Beginnings to 1877 by James West Davidson, both Seattle newspapers, nonfiction articles, class novels, library books, teacher made vocabulary and grammar exercises, internet sites, etc.