syllabus for back-to-school meeting 2010

Mrs. Sharon Owyang-Lee
Grade 7 Homeroom Teacher
Mission Dolores School


Einstein: “Do not worry that you do not understand the math; I do not understand it
either. . .”

Mrs. Owyang-Lee: “If Einstein was not done with his math studies, how could you
be done with your math work?”
(This comment also applies to all other courses.)

THE DEFINITION OF HOMEWORK according to Mrs. Owyang-Lee:

Requirements:

-quiet area and organized desk at home
-approximately one to two hours of homework daily
-to complete classwork assignments, neatly and thoroughly
-double-check writing, explanations, spelling, grammar, sentence & paragraph structures,
math solutions, making sure that all the steps of the work is clearly and completely
written
-opportunity to revise and improve work
-enrich area of study with further research
-refer to online resources for review and reinforcement
-review and reread lessons; re-work math problems; discover new methods to solutions
-prepare questions to ask the next day
-know and understand lessons by doing academic work assigned
-prepare for assessment

There is integration of art across the curriculum; and the integration of Social Studies and Language Arts. In Computer Lab, students have the opportunity to research, review and reinforce lessons online. Students develop note-taking skills across the curriculum.
Plagarism is NEVER allowed; plagiarism is a clear sign that the student does not understand the lesson.

NOTE: Students EARN the grades. Teachers do NOT give grades; they assess, record,
and report the grades.
Homework assignments and grades are recorded online.
If you have any questions or/and concerns, the best way to reach me is by phone
(415.861.7673; I will return your call the same day.

Grade 7 Pre-Algebra: California Pre-Algebra, Prentice Hall Mathematics

-Teacher introduction and explanation of the lesson
-Teacher demonstration and explanation of selected problems from the lesson on the
board, step-by-step
-Assignment: classwork consists of textbook and workbook exercises to be completed
for homework
During the class period, students have opportunites for:
-cooperative learning (working with a partnering classmate)
-small group work and interaction with peers
-asking teacher for further help and instruction

Grade 7 Language Arts The Language of Literature, McDougal Littell

-reading and COMPREHENSION of selected short stories
-students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussions
-develop analytical skills, vocabulary and dictionary skills
-review, reinforce, and improve grammar and writing skills
-extension and enrichment of reading selections: Art, research, book reports, writing
activities, etc.

Grades 6, 7, 8 French

Teacher resources (xeroxed copied for students)

-owning a French/English is required
-learn and understand other cultures
-create simple French dialogues; oral presentations
-develop vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and writing skills
-cooperative learning and small group interaction
-quizzes, class participation, projects/ activities
are assessed
-possible research reports
-possible end of the year video-taping of students speaking French in a simple dialogue
with classmates; could serve as a final exam / assessment

Grade 6 Social Studies World History – Ancient Civilizations, McDougal Littell

Studies of: Early Human Societies, Ancient Mesopotamia, Early Empires: Assyria and
Persia, Ancient Egypt, African Kingdoms, Ancient India, Ancient China,
Ancient America: Ancient Andean and Mayan Civilizations, Ancient and
Classical Greece, Roman Empire

-reading and comprehension
-Teacher lecture, class discussions, and participation
-classwork should be completed for homework (questions regarding the lesson)
-research reports and projects on selected studies (exam grade equivalence)
-opportunties fro oral presentations; develop speech skills
-enrichment activities; cooperative learning or small group work
-enrichment and research online in Computer Lab

Grade 7 Social Studies World History – Medieval and Early Modern Times, McDougal
Littell

Studies of: Islam, African Civilizations, Asian Civilizations, Medieval Europe,
European Renaissance and Reformation, Early Modern Europe


-reading and comprehension
-Teacher lecture, class discussions, and participation
-classwork should be completed for homework (questions regarding the lesson)
-research reports and projects on selected studies (exam grade equivalence)
-opportunties fro oral presentations; develop speech skills
-enrichment activities; cooperative learning or small group work
-enrichment and research online in Computer Lab