Hello everyone

November has come and gone, and the 7th graders have been busy, while enjoying their 7th grade experience at St. Pius X/St. Leo School. Here is an update on Geography and Literature classes.

In Geography, we have finished up the Central America unit. The students learned about the physical geography, culture, economics, and history of Central America. Plus we evaluated the history and importance of Central America’s most coveted economical prize, the Panama Canal. For the next month, the 7th graders will finish up our semester unit on the Americas with South America.

In Literature, the classes are currently reading the novel, The Giver. We focus on major plot events, major characters, the setting, and other literary devices for this novel. Also, the class discusses how this futuristic society compares to our society. We do discuss the authoritarian nature that this society beholds their citizens. With this knowledge, the class continues to learn the importance of the value of human life and the acceptance of individual differences.

I hope that everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving break. Please safely travel.

Sincerely

Jerry Carreon

Hello

This past week, our 7th graders went to Boys Town for the Father Flanagan Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage was a tremendous opportunity to learn about Father Flanagan’s life, but also the impact he had on the lives of many who went through the Boys Town doors.

This past week in Geography, the students learned more about governments around the world. The students did a lot of comparing and contrasting, discussing the similarities and differences about democracy and among the other governments. The students did some fun exercises like illustrating each government using gummy bears. Also, the students did a center activities where they read about different countries and their governments. From that information, they decided which government that country has and explained why.

Next week in Geography, the students will learn about the culture, location, and other important information on Mexico.

In Literature, the students have been working hard on their Figurative Language unit. The students have flashcards that I would like for them to be studying for next Tuesday’s test. After the test, the 7th graders will be reading a drama called “The Monsters are due on Maple Street.”. It is a fun play that fits within the Halloween season.

This upcoming Monday is an optional dress down day. The donations will go to the school fundraiser which will be next Saturday, October 26th.

Have a nice weekend

Sincerely

Jerry Carreon

Welcome 7th Grade Parents,

The school year has gotten off to a fantastic start. It is a joy to see all the smiling faces. Also, it is even better to see all the eager learners in the 7th grade. I can’t express enough gratitude on how much I appreciate the 7th grade students happiness and effort.

Below I will give an update on Geography and Literature for the last couple of weeks. Plus a preview on what will happen in the next week(s).

Geography

Our school year has begun with one of the most important concepts which is the five themes of geography. The five themes are the basis of the study of geography. The themes are location, place, movement, region, and human-environment interaction. Each theme has plenty of geographic characteristics that go into each theme. For the last week, the students have practiced learning these themes by filling out a five themes diagram on the Ireland, Antarctica, and Japan.

This coming week for Geography, we will begin our current event assignment. Current events are a great way for students to learn more about what is happening in the world, but also to realize how much geography plays a role in current events. The range of subtopics that are covered are government, climate, regions, environment, etc. All of these subtopics are play a role in the five themes of geography.

The students will each do a practice current event with Mr. Carreon. The students will then be required to complete one current event per quarter. The students will have information on the requirements. I will post this information sheet onto Google Classroom.

Literature

Our students have already had a test on genres of literature. The students are now in the process of learning more about the elements of fiction. This concept will have a test in the coming weeks. Also, the element of fiction will be a concept that is assessed throughout the year. Please make sure to review the elements of fiction throughout the year.

Besides the elements of fiction, the students have read a realistic fiction short story called “Three-Century Woman”. There was a reading check comprehension assignment that went along with the required reading. The students also have read a non-fiction short story called “The Fall of the Hindenburg”. This is a great opportunity for the students to compare and contrast fiction to non-fiction. There will be a test next Wednesday, September 11th on the these two stories.

On Monday, September 9th, the students will be in the computer lab, completing their Star Reading assessment. Star Reader is a tool that teachers use to evaluate the 7th graders progression, but also it is a tool to help teachers gather strategies to help the students in literature.

Thank you all very much.

Jerry Carreon/7C