Grade 7/8 Teachers: Ms. A Campanaro Ms. E.

Harris

September 26th, 2013

Grade 7/8 Team

Ms. Harris- Homeroom language, math, rotary

science, physical education, drama, health Ms. Campanaro- Homeroom language, math, rotary history and Geography, physical education, drama, health Mrs. Eriksen- Music and Visual Art Mme. Jaskolka- French Ms. Jackson- Special Education, ELL Ms. Gibson- CYW/EA Ms. Tumangday- Teacher Librarian

School Behavioural Policy

Please review the front pages of your childs agenda as it

outlines academic and behavioural expectations. The online Moodle is an ESSENTIAL organizational tool to be used by your child this year. Students will use it throughout the year to track homework, blog, review and submit assignments and be reminded of important events. As parents, you are highly encouraged to review the Moodle as well. Username and password will be given after this presentation In addition to homework posted on the Moodle, we encourage your child to read for 30 minutes or more a day at home.

Homework Policy
You can expect your child to have anywhere between 30-90

minutes of homework a night (no homework on weekends policy) Homework may include pleasurable reading, drills or practice in math/reading/writing skills, collection of materials or resources, preparing for presentations, studying for tests, practicing musical instruments One Freebie a term Second notice a letter is sent home Third is a phone call Every homework note preceding is a parent/teacher conference.

Homework Roles and Responsibilities

Parent
-Initiate communication with the teacher when necessary to ensure childs progress -Provide a quiet and consistent workspace for your child - monitor the Moodle and classroom blog and review your childs school work and show an interest in your childs learning

Teacher
-Assign relevant and purposeful work -Provide guidelines and success criteria to complete homework independently -Ensure that students have the understanding in order to complete their work -Set timelines that are reasonable and take into account other responsibilities, (i.e. language classes, tutoring)

Student
-Complete assigned work to the best of your ability - meet deadlines for homework completion -Develop a homework routine -Advocate for yourself! ASK your teacher for clarification when you do not understand the task - Communicate with parents about what is happening at school

School Supplies What is a must?

Geometry set
Scientific calculator USB key

BYOD- Bring your own electronic device

Appropriate clothing and footwear for physical

education Strongly encouraged: Gmail account and dropbox account (invites will be sent through gmail)

Why should students BYOD?

ONE to ONE use of technological devices- increases

students engagement Convenience More effective use of resources and time Efficiency and comfort in knowing where your applications and shortcuts are located on your personal devices Information portability (USB vs. Cloud Computing- drop box, Google drive) Digital textbooks, E-reading, apps with curriculum connections Students without devices will not be left behind!

Safety using Technology

Bring it only when necessary
Keep valuables locked in locker Report if stolen

Keep record of colour, make, serial number, or any

other identification Dont leave device unattended Tracking software

Useful resources
There are many resources available on the classroom

Moodle to support your childs learning. For all curriculum expectations please visit the ministrys website at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/teachers/curriculum.ht ml For additional resources visit www.linktolearning.com

Curriculum
Language: A Balanced Literacy Approach Using a balanced literacy approach, the Grade 7/8

curriculum extends to all content areas (reading, writing, oral, media and digital); across all subject areas Reading: Intermediate students will be exposed to a variety of genres, using a variety of platforms. Guided reading groups will focus on specific reading comprehension skills and strategies, critical thinking skills, and creative/ alternative responses.

Curriculum Cont.
Writing Although intermediate students write on a daily basis

across the curriculum, a writers notebook, ongoing instruction of purpose and audience, and instruction in the craft of writing provides students to write about a variety of topics in narrative, expository and persuasive formats. Students will use a variety of organizational tools for the planning process, as they are expected to use the writing process to produce written pieces. Writing instruction will focus on improving the 7 traits of effective writing; ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions and presentation

Curriculum Cont.
Math: The primary textbook that we use to teach

math is MATH MAKES SENSE. Throughout the year we will be using a variety of alternative resources that consist of problem solving approaches based on everyday situations, frequent practice of basic skills, an opportunity to revisit concepts and skills regularly, and an exploration of mathematical content beyond basic arithmetic.

Big Ideas and overall expectations Term 1

Subject Language- Heroes Unit Strand Reading- short stories Expectation 1.1., 1.6, 1.7 Writing- paragraph 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 2.4 writing, 5 paragraph essay

Oral communicationPresentation skills

Media LiteracyRepresentation of heroes in the media Science Grade 8 Understanding life systems- cells

1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3

1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6

Understanding systems in action

Big Ideas and expectations cont.

Subject Science Grade 7 Strand Life Systems- Interactions with the environment Confederation The Development of Western Canada Life in New France British North America Number Sense Measurement Geometry Patterning and Algebra integers, exponents, ratio and rates Circumference of a circle (8) Surface area (7) transformations Expressions, patterns Expectation History Grade 8

History Grade 7 Math

Sample Culminating Tasks and Rubrics

Students are assessed and evaluated through a variety of tools;

conversation, observation and products produced by the student

Each Method is divided into 4 Categories; Thinking,

Application, Communication, and Knowledge. These 4 categories are indicated in the core subjects (math, language, science, history/geography Sample rubrics can be found on the classroom Moodle

Looking Forward Grade 9

8 courses a year- 4 each semester 4 periods, 75 minutes each Course selection begins in January Orientation, welcome night spring 2014 Academic vs. Applied- what to expect Applied courses- university stream Academic expectations (grade 8 marks) 4 credits in English, 3 math, 2 science, 1 French, 1 phys-ed, 1 history, 1 geography, 1 art, career studies, civics 40 hours of community service, successful completion of literacy test, 12 optional credits

Thank you for coming!

Please remember to continue to be a part of your

childs learning by frequently using Ms. Harriss moodle Ms. Campanaros moodle moodle2.yrdsb.ca Follow the blog acampanaro.blogspot.ca

Thank you for coming to

Curriculum Night 2013!