Grade 7


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Welcome to Grade 7 Language Arts
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Seventh-graders are busy reading independent novels as well as  exploring science fiction and short stories by Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clarke.  Our analysis focuses on the messages and warnings based around some fear or new technology during different historical periods.  
We also read our class novel The Giver by Lois Lowry.   We explored the concepts of a dystopian society and the themes of freedom, human nature, conformity, and courage.  Students will be creating a book trailer in class over the next couple of weeks.   

We will be starting our Holocaust unit which explores the concepts of courage and different forms of resistance.  We will view the Twilight Zone episode "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street"  as we explore mob hysteria and irrational fear.  In addition, the short film The Wave will provide insight into how vulnerable ordinary people may be to forfeiting their rights and violating others' rights.  The poem "The Hangman"  will demonstrate how bystanders'  inactions and apathy have tragic consequences.  We will read the short story "The Lottery" and connect it to these ideas.  As we read the novel Daniel's Story by Carol Matas, we will follow Daniel's journey from Germany, to the Lodz Ghetto, to the Auschwitz and Buchenwald  concentration camps, and back as we explore personal, spiritual, and armed resistance including maintaining hope despite dehumanization.  Our final film  features Gerda Weissman-Klein's story of courage and hope in surviving a concentration camp and death march.  We will write essays based on resistance and the dangers of apathy.   

The Greek Festival will be underway soon -- check back for a date and information about food.  In library class, students will be researching their assigned mythological figure, creating a PowerPoint presentation about the figure, and preparing to role play on the day of the festival.

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Last Modified: Wednesday, Apr. 25, 2012
 
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