Language Arts, 7th grade
Email: hmlammers@seattleschools.org
Phone #: (206)252-8982
Room: 304B
When available: 8:45-9:30 or after school
This is my seventh year at Denny Middle School as a 7th grade language arts and U.S. history teacher. I graduated from SPU with a degree in history, and endorsements in English and Social Studies, and Speech. Some of my favorite pastimes include: hiking, playing piano, learning and using American Sign Language, reading, and photography. I love teaching the grade and subjects I do, and am thrilled to be here at Denny!
Course Description:
U.S. History is a two-semester class that covers American history and government through the Civil War and Reconstruction. The study of history is far more than memorizing facts and dates, so we will be taking a more in-depth look at some of the personalities, stories, and ideas that make history so fascinating. 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. Units/projects/topics will closely follow the district’s reading, writing and communication standards. 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 be implementing a writer’s workshop model that
Standards:
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.
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.
COMMUNICATION
1. The student uses listening and observation skills to gain understanding
2. The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively.
3. The student uses communication strategies and skills to work effectively with others.
SOCIAL STUDIES
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 government 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.
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.
Special Projects/Events for seventh graders include:
* Performance Celebration: This assignment is a family history research project that all 7th graders are expected to complete. It is worth a significant portion of the 2nd quarter grade, so more specific information is made available to parents/guardians ahead of time in early December.
* WASL Test: Although the test isn’t until spring quarter, we will be doing WASL-related activities and assessments throughout the year to ensure that students are confident and ready for the actual test.
Expected Outcomes: (Please see above listed standards for a more thorough description of expected outcomes).
As a result of taking 7th grade Humanities, students will be able to:
Follow the writing process to produce organized, focused, and well-written 5 paragraph essays (expository and persuasive).
Effectively communicate to a variety of audiences through spoken and written word.
Have a basic understanding of the major events in US History up to the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Understand the basic history and structure of US Government, and know how citizens can participate in the legislative process.
Assessments used:
Projects
Writing Samples
Conferencing
Formal Assessments
Materials used:
The American Nation (James West Davidson)
History of US (Joy Hakim)
Elements of Literature (Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.)