Stuck in the Middle
FMS 7th Grade Newsletter: Week of Oct. 28th - Nov. 1st
Classroom Notes
ELA
It was great to see those who could make it out to conferences! Last week, we finished our work on affixes. We are looking forward to starting our unit on theme and narrative writing next week. Students are enjoying the reading of Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie which we will be wrapping up soon.
Week at a Glance:
Monday - Narrative writing, theme practice, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie
Tuesday - Narrative writing, theme practice, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie
Wednesday - Narrative writing, theme practice, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie
Thursday - House Day
Friday - No School
Learning Target for the Week:
I can identify the theme of a text and explain that theme. I can also summarize the text.
Important Vocabulary:
Theme
Summary
Text Support
Main Idea
Determine
Analyze
Objective
Context
Narrative
Power Standards for the Quarter:
RL1D (fiction): Using appropriate text, determine the theme(s) of a text and analyze its development over the course of a text; provide an objective summary of the text.
RI1D (non-fiction): Explain the central/main idea(s) of a text and explain the relationship between the central idea(s) and supporting evidence; summarize the text distinct from personal opinions.
RI1B (Vocabulary): Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative, connotative, and content-specific meanings using context, affixes, or reference materials. [Specifically focusing on context clues]
Writing: Use a given process to create clear expository writing that is developed, and organized for the task; including style, voice, purpose, and audience.
Math
This week in math we will continue Unit 3: Measuring Circles. Please see the Family Materials for Unit 3 to review important vocabulary and see sample problems that you can do with your student at home. Unit 2 scores were returned to students. Students may make test corrections and request a retake to improve scores.
Power Standard for Unit 2:
7.RP.A.2 - Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.
Power Standard for Unit 3:
Exploring What Makes A Circle
Card Sort: Circles versus other shapes
What is Special About a Circle?
Life Science
Week at a Glance:
This week, we will be finishing up biotic and abiotic factors. We will begin levels of organization in an ecosystem and discussing the different interactions between organisms.
I can describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem in which organisms interact.
I can organize the levels of organization within an ecosystem and understand the different interactions between organisms.
Important Vocabulary
- Biotic
- Abiotic
- Ecosystem
- Population
- Community
- Symbiosis
- Mutualism
- Commensalism
- Parasitism
- Predator
- Prey
LS2.A.1: Analyze data representing the effects of resource availability on organisms in an ecosystem
Social Studies
Week at a Glance:
What was it like to be an early European Explorer? Students this week learned about the impact of early European exploration on Native Americans. Is Christopher Columbus a Hero or Villain?
This week students finished creating a HERO or VILLAIN poster for an explorer from Spain, France, England or Portugal. Next week we will be looking at the European Fur Trade and the impact it had with the Native Americans.
Learning Target for the Week:
- Compare the reasons Europeans wanted to explore and settle in the New World and how they affected the Native American population in their area.
Power Standards for the Quarter: Compare factors motivating Europeans to explore and settle in the New World to explain colonial diversity and regional differences in North and South America.
Key Terms & Events: COLONY, CONQUISTADORS, MISSIONARIES, IMPACT, CONVERT, SLAVERY, and COLOMBIAN EXCHANGE
Questions? Email your child's social studies teacher:
Heather Yates - hyates@fulton58.org
Lara Brunk - lbrunk@fulton58.org