Seventh Grade
Students in Seventh Grade will experience many opportunities for personal, social, and academic growth during the school year. All of these opportunities will help them to develop self-directed positive attitudes and to acquire skills for lifetime learning. The emphasis at this level is on organization and independence.
ENGLISH
Text: English
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
The Seventh Grade program is designed to improve student’s oral and written language through daily lessons in the processes and techniques of reading, writing, listening, speaking, thinking, and language study.
READING Text: Prentice Hall Literature Bronze
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Students read selections from timeless classics to contemporary literature that will cultivate a lifelong love of literature. Each selection starts with a preview, literary analysis, reading strategy, and vocabulary development. During reading, the selection monitoring comprehension and understanding is done. At the end of the selection, an assessment is taken. There are also written and oral language strategies along with extension activities to focus on listening and speaking strategies.
SPELLING
Text: Spelling and Vocabulary
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Helpful website: www.spellingcity.com
Students are guided to an understanding of the major principles and patterns of English spelling. Recognizing these principles and patterns will help the student to learn reliable spelling strategies that can apply to both familiar and unfamiliar words.
SCIENCE
Text: Explorer Life Science
Publisher: Prentice Hall
The Seventh Grade curriculum will explore the diversity of living things through the study of Biology, Botany, and Medicine as we look into cell structure, genetics, and the human body.
MATH
Text: Pre-Algebra
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Students in Seventh Grade study pre-algebra. They learn to use variable expressions and integers early in order to solve equations. Connections to measurement, geometry, and data analysis strands are woven throughout the program emphasizing the relevance of algebraic concepts to a variety of math areas. Students learn to solve equations and inequalities with whole numbers, decimals and fractions. This foundation prepares students to solve two-step equations. Geometry coverage is integrated effectively readying students for standardized tests. The use of a graphing calculator is encouraged.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Text: The American Journey
Publisher: Glencoe
The Seventh Grade program begins the study of United States history starting with Native Americans and colonization to Pre-Civil War. The National Council for Social Studies identifies 10 themes as organizing strands for social studies curriculum. The content of The American Journey addresses these themes.
RELIGION
Text: We Believe
Publisher: Sadlier
Text publisher website: www.weliveourfaith.com
Seventh Grade students will gather to learn about beliefs of the Catholic religion and how to respond to those beliefs as a Christian through the six tasks of Catechesis: learn, celebrate, choose, pray, share, and live. The Seventh Grade program focuses on creed, divine revelation, Jesus in the Gospels, Church teachings, sacraments, liturgy, social doctrine and vocations.
The curriculum also includes human sexuality and development, taught from a Catholic perspective.
ART
Teacher resources are utilized
Seventh Grade students will produce a variety of seasonal art projects.
Appreciation for art is fostered.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the gym curriculum.
MUSIC
Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the music curriculum.
The Seventh Grade program includes a study of our heritage and history through the study of Folk Music from pre-Declaration of Independence Days through current times.
COMPUTER
Please see Other Areas of Study for more information regarding the computer curriculum.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGIES
The Seventh Grade classroom teacher will use a variety of instructional methodologies including whole group discussions, small group cooperative learning, individual work, and one-on-one support.
Teacher Biography
Mrs. Donna Duraj has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Education from Olivet Nazarene University. She holds an Illinois Standard Elementary Type 03 certificate with Junior High endorsements in Language Arts, Social Science, Speech/Theater, and Theater/Drama. Mrs. Duraj is also an Archdiocesan Certified Catechist.
Mrs. Duraj started her teaching career in 1993. She has called St. Zachary School her home since 2001.
Mrs. Duraj has been recognized in the ninth and tenth editions of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She was nominated for the Heart of the School Award and the Golden Apple Award during the 2005-2006 school year.
Mrs. Duraj’s Seventh Grade page coming soon!