Welcome to Humanities!
Humanities is the study of human culture and of the human experience, including literature, philosophy, history, religion and social studies. Humanities students are challenged to think deeply about themselves and about society. They also learn to draw conclusions from their experiences and connect them with history. We will focus on a variety of skills in this class, including reading, writing, listening, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Humanities class inspires dialog and helps us better understand our world.
Components of Humanities
Writer's WorkshopWe will use the “6+1 Traits of Writing” model as a guide for our Writer’s Workshop sessions. The 6+1 traits include ideas, fluency, organization, word choice, voice, conventions, and presentation.
Vocabulary and GrammarFor vocabulary work, students will participate in independent online work along with unit introductions, instruction, and discussions.We use the Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop online program.
Grammar lessons with 7th and 8th grade students are structured so that students learn the grammar through sentence construction. |
Literature StudiesWe will read numerous selections this year that integrate our themes into Language Arts. We will also read a mix of classic middle school literature and newer titles that cover many different genres. Students are required to choose numerous selections for free reading as well as the required reading throughout the year. It is my goal to make required selections fun and interesting for students. Literature will include novels, short stories, and poetry.
Topic StudiesThe theme for seventh grade this year is World Cultures and Perspectives and for eighth grade, it is Civics and Government. I strive to create an atmosphere where purposeful writing, reading and speaking take place.
Students will study these topics through readings, discussions, simulations, research and projects. |