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Written by Tonia Lyons

I have to admit I was just a little bit (okay, a lotta bit) concerned about having a 7th grader this year. Junior high… almost high school. Yeah, there were a few freak out moments about homeschooling 7th grade. But I’m learning that there’s no reason to be scared of these years – we still have to work, discuss, and find a routine and schedule (and curriculum!) that works for both us.

This post contains affiliate links.

Contents

• First Term Review
• Second & Third Term Reviews
• Wrapping up the school year

First Term Review

We’ve finished our first term. (We homeschool in 6-week terms, taking a week off between each term. It’s a schedule we’ve used for a few years now and it works so well. Having that week to catch up on housework, appointments, and other life tasks create a nice natural routine.)

Things went well with a few bumps – which is to be expected!

7th Grade Homeschool Scheduling

I have to attribute much of our success to our schedule. It’s taken us awhile but we’ve found a routine that works for us. We aren’t strict about, it’s more like a general daily routine. Here’s what it looks like:

Wake up between 7:30-8:30 – use that time to wake up (we aren’t morning people here – lots of lying around trying to pry our eyes open). When we are sufficiently awake we get ourselves ready for the day, do a chore or two, and read our Bibles.

We’re ready to get breakfast and start our morning meeting around 9 am. I spend about 1-1 ½ hours a day with TJ, going over independent assignments, discussing subjects we work on together, and doing a bit of reading aloud while she works on a project.

After our morning meeting, she grabs her agenda with her assignment list and gets to work, tackling the subjects she does independently. This is my time to do a bit of housework, laundry, or meal prep.

Around 11:30 or 12pm we take a lunch break until 1 or 1:30 when we take a little time to sit and read. TJ chooses literature from a book basket and I read a good book (from The Well-Educated Mind list or something non-fiction). After our reading time, TJ gets back to work on her assignments while I do some online work.

Around 3:30 or 4 pm we break for a short ‘tea time’, chat about the day, and TJ finishes up any last minute assignments (depending on how much she dawdled that day).

To finish out the day, we make sure all the homeschool things are put away before moving on to free time and dinner prep.

This fluid schedule works, largely in part because she’s reached a more independent stage. That’s not to say it’s without its bumps. I’ve been letting her tackle science on her own but we’ve discovered she’s just not ready for the textbook and workbook method without a little more preparation.

But we’re working on the issues and finding a good daily rhythm.

Related: Why your homeschool schedule isn’t working {and two simple ways to fix it}

7th Grade Curriculum

What’s Working

Our schedule! Giving TJ some independence is working well.

For the most part, our curriculum choices are working well. We’ve used some of them for a few years so have found a good rhythm that works for us.

History is going very well. We’re following The Well-Trained Mind history plans for the Logic stage, using The Story of the World as our ‘spine’ and adding in outlining, a timeline, mapping, extra reading, writing, primary sources, and the occasional history project. I created a weekly history schedule and TJ follows that, doing the work almost completely independently.

I’m so glad we came back to Writing & Rhetoric. I wanted to try something different last year and it really didn’t work for us so we are back to this series – and TJ is as happy as a clam. She loves the discussion, interaction, and creative lesson format.

What’s Not Working

Independent science isn’t working so well. TJ’s not used to a textbook-based science program and I made the mistake of just handing the book and workbook to her and told her to follow the schedule.

Well, that didn’t work so great! So we’ve backtracked and she sits beside me while she does the work semi-independently. We’ll work up to full independence at a slower rate when she’s ready for it.

Related: Homeschooling in the Middle Years: 5 Tips for Teaching Independence

Second & Third Term Reviews

It’s hard to believe we’ve finished our third term now – this school year is moving right along (with a few bumps along the way). For the most part, things are going well. We’re making good progress and staying on track.

We’ve taken a little more time off than I anticipated. I had planned a shorter Christmas break because we took a week off in early December to attend a family wedding. But, once that first week of Christmas break rolled around I really wanted a second week off. So we took another week off and I’m so glad I made that decision – we really needed the break. And, hopefully, it doesn’t set us back too far (I’d really rather not be homeschooling in July!).

Planning a School Year

Over our years of homeschooling, I’ve tried many different tools and planning products, but I always come back to one simple system (paper, pen, and highlighter – pretty low-tech stuff!). I have three pages in my teacher’s binder that keep me on-track:

School Calendar

I use this page to record our actual homeschool days. Here in Quebec, we have to school for 180 days so this simple pencil and paper method shows exactly that – I check off the days that we’ve homeschooled, highlight our days & weeks off, and keep a total of the days and school terms.

We follow a ‘sabbath school’ model – homeschooling for six weeks and then taking a week off. Each of those six weeks is a ‘term’ and I plan six of them over the course of the year. Because of various events (like weddings!), some terms may be broken up a bit – but each one is approximately 30 days long, giving us 180 school days. This school calendar shows me exactly which term we’re in, how many days we’ve completed, and how many we have left to go.

Print your own school calendar: Calendarpedia

Course of Study

This page is probably the most important for staying on-track throughout the year. Before the school year starts, I make a spreadsheet covering all the subjects we’ll be covering that year. It’s divided into columns – the first shows the week, the second is blank for filling in the date, and then there’s one column for each subject. Each row includes a week’s worth of assignments.

When I’m planning the year, I estimate how many pages, chapters, lessons, etc. we’ll cover in each subject and type that into my spreadsheet. Then I’m able to see at a glance how long each subject will take to complete.

During the school year, as we finish each week, I add the date to the appropriate row and a small checkmark beside the completed assignments. As the year progresses, some columns may have more or fewer checkmarks, if we took a week off from those particular assignments.

This spreadsheet is so useful because I can see at a glance those subjects we’ve been slacking on (so I know we better not skip any more work!) or I can see that we are ahead of schedule in another subject so I can surprise my daughter with some lighter assignments that week.

This is the most time-consuming part of prepping for the school year, but it’s also the most useful part of my planning.

Vacation Days

The last page of my planning tools is a 12-month one-page calendar. At the beginning of the year, I highlight all the important events and vacations and then highlight our ‘sabbath week’ after each term. From there, I can determine how many extra days off we can take without eating into our 180 school days. I make a note about how many of these ‘floater’ days we have. Then, throughout the year I make note of any of these extra days as they are used.

With this page, I know how many days we have left to homeschool and can quickly see when we have an upcoming vacation (or if we have any extra days we can take off as we want).

A Look at Our Second Term

We are fairly well on-track as far as assignments go. TJ will be finishing up her current level of CTC next term so I’ve been looking at resources to use before she tackles pre-algebra next year. We’ve settled on the ‘Key to’ series to shore up all her skills with fractions, decimals, and percents. I also picked up a drill book to continue working on multi-digit multiplication and long division – something she needs more practice with.

What’s Working

Planning tools – keeping records of our school days and assignments really helps me stay on track.

Logic – we are really enjoying The Art of Argument and TJ has started making references to it when we read or see a commercial (learning in action!).

Most subjects are coming along well.

What’s Not Working

We’ve had some issues with incomplete work. During a particularly busy week before Christmas break, I slacked off on checking assignments every afternoon only to find that TJ had only been making a half-hearted effort to complete her work. So, instead of a light school week the following week she had to re-do the previous week’s assignments plus the regularly assigned school work for that week. And I’ve learned she is not ready for checking her own work.

All-in-all it was a good term and TJ is making good progress in her skills and abilities. But I need to remember that kids this age will often take the ‘path of least resistance’ so I need to stay diligent to keep her on task and make sure she’s completing things to a good standard. It’s a learning process for both of us.

Related: Homeschooling 8th Grade

Wrapping up the school year

Another school year complete! We had our ups and downs (mostly ups, thank goodness). It was really a year of growing independence — TJ has moved to doing almost all of her work independently. We still have a daily morning meeting to go over some things together before she starts on her list of assignments.

What worked for us

This was the first year TJ has written down her assignments in a daily agenda. Up to this point, she’s had checklists and lists I’ve written for her. It’s worked very (when she doesn’t lose track of it) and it’s something we’ll continue next year.

Most subjects worked well for us though we had our sticky moments — especially with science. She’s not ready for complete independence — I still need to check that her assignments are completed to my standards (we have some issues with messy handwriting and lazy work) but she’s making good progress at working more independently.

The hardest part of 7th grade…

I think the hardest part of homeschooling 7th grade is the growing and changing teen. Some days they are more ‘adult-like’ and other days they are decidedly not. Some days they are very responsible, doing their work diligently. Other days… not so much.

While I’m ready for my daughter to have more independence, and she wants more independence, it’s been a bumpy road. She’s easily distracted by music, the family dog…

…and the joys of 7th grade

Watching your child grow into adulthood is such a blessing. Our best days had some great discussions about current events or books. Instead of the early years filled with direct instruction, these years are all about discussing things and watching the teacher-student relationship change. Now I’m more of a facilitator instead of a direct instructor. There’s a bit of nostalgia for reading lessons spent curled on the couch but I have to admit that I love this time of transition just as much.

Finding the right balance

The middle school years are all about building independence. I’ve made some mistakes along the way – letting TJ have too much independence when she wasn’t ready for it (I’m still learning that lesson!).

But these years are also about focusing on your relationship. Pretty soon, those little birds will be flying the coop and one of the many benefits of homeschooling is the opportunity to forge strong family relationships. Middle schoolers are going through big changes and it can affect the family. Sometimes homeschooling takes a bit of a back burner as you focus on forming those strong bonds.

Related: To the Homeschool Mom with the Middle Schooler

Homeschooling Seventh Grade

Are you homeschooling a seventh-grade student or middle school child? I’d love to hear how it’s going for you!

3rd Quarter Update

The 7th grade Daily Agenda link can now be found on Canvas. Please check it daily.

Friday - December 18, 2020

All learners (A-Z): Please check your District186 Gmail inbox for information about your American Revolution test. It is due Monday by 12pm (noon). There will be NO office hours today after school.

Synchronous learners (L-Z): Please join Zoom at our normal time to take the test. Remember, you can take the test as many times as you want until next Monday.

Asynchronous learners (A-K): No new assignments. Just the test. Email me if you have questions.

Thursday - December 17, 2020

All learners (A-Z): Your test over the American Revolution will be live on Canvas as of 8am this morning. It will be open until Monday at 12pm (noon). Be on the lookout for an email from me for more details.

Synchronous learners (A-K): Please join Zoom at our normal time to take the test. Remember, you can take the test as many times as you want until next Monday.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z): No new assignments. Just the test. You can take it today if you'd like, but that's all we'll be doing tomorrow on Zoom.

Wednesday - December 16, 2020

All learners (A-Z): Your American Revolution quiz will go live tomorrow morning at 8am and be open until Monday at 12pm. You may take it as many times as you wish and I will keep the highest score. All missing homework/practice assignments are due tonight by midnight.

Synchronous learners (L-Z): Join me on Zoom. We'll go over missing assignments and play a review game for your quiz.

Asynchronous learners (A-K): Work on missing assignments (CNN10, exit tickets, Google classroom, and your Early Humans Cornell notes) and prepare for your test.

Tuesday - December 15, 2020

All learners (A-Z): Your American Revolution quiz will go live on Thursday morning at 8am and be open until Monday at 12pm. You may take it as many times as you wish and I will keep the highest score. All missing homework/practice assignments are due tomorrow by midnight.

Synchronous learners (A-K): Join me on Zoom. We'll go over missing assignments and play a review game for your quiz.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z): Work on missing assignments (CNN10, exit tickets, Google classroom, and your Early Humans Cornell notes) and prepare for your quiz.

Monday - December 14, 2020

All learners (A-Z): No new assignments this week. You should use your time to work on missing assignments and to prepare for your upcoming American Revolution test.

Your missing assignments are all due by Wednesday at 11:59pm. This includes your American Revolution Cornell notes, videos/exit tickets, CNN10 discussion posts, and your assignments on Google Classroom.

Your final exam will be posted Thursday morning at 8am and will cover our American Revolution unit. You may take it multiple times between then at next Monday (December 21) at 3pm. Be ready for it!

Friday - December 11, 2020

ALL LEARNERS (A-Z): Your final exam will be next Thursday/Friday on December 17 and December 18. It will cover our American Revolution unit. All homework is due by 11:59pm on December 16.

Synchronous learners (L-Z): Join me on Zoom to continue our analysis of Valley Forge. On Tuesday, we examined a secondary source. Today, we'll read through the journal entries of a surgeon in the Continental Army to see how his fellow men fared during the harsh winter.

Asynchronous learners (A-K): No new assignments. Continue working on missing work. That means CNN10, the videos & exit tickets under Resources on Canvas, your American Revolution Cornell notes, and your assignments on Google Classroom.

Thursday - December 10, 2020

ALL LEARNERS (A-Z): Your final exam will be next Thursday/Friday on December 17 and December 18. It will cover our American Revolution unit. All homework is due by 11:59pm on December 16.

Synchronous learners (A-K): Join me on Zoom to continue our analysis of Valley Forge. On Tuesday, we examined a secondary source. Today, we'll read through the journal entries of a surgeon in the Continental Army to see how his fellow men fared during the harsh winter.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z): No new assignments. Continue working on missing work. That means CNN10, the videos & exit tickets under Resources on Canvas, your American Revolution Cornell notes, and your assignments on Google Classroom.

Wednesday - December 9, 2020

ALL LEARNERS (A-Z): Your final exam will be next Thursday/Friday on December 17 and December 18. It will cover our American Revolution unit. All homework is due by 11:59pm on December 16.

Synchronous learners (L-Z): Join me on Zoom to learn about... a Neolithic Age murder mystery!? We'll watch a video about one of the best clues we have about what life was like 5,000 years ago.

Asynchronous learners (A-K): No new assignments. Continue working on missing work. That means CNN10, your American Revolution Cornell notes, videos/exit tickets, and your assignments on Google Classroom.

Tuesday - December 8, 2020

ALL LEARNERS (A-Z): Your final exam will be next Thursday/Friday on December 17 and December 18. It will cover the American Revolution. All homework (CNN10, notes, Google Classroom, exit tickets, etc.) are due by 11:59pm on December 16.

Synchronous learners (A-K): Join me on Zoom to learn about what a Revolutionary War soldier experienced while stuck in the cold at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z): No new assignments. Continue working on missing assignments. That means your CNN10 posts, your American Revolution Cornell notes, your videos/exit tickets, and your assignments on Google Classroom.

Monday - December 7, 2020

All learners (A-Z): No new assignments today. I'm hoping you can use this time to check your History grades (on the District 186 Intranet!!!) and complete any missing work. Everyone has a final exam coming up in less than two weeks. It's a huge grade, which means for some of you it is a make or break grade.

Check to make sure all of your CNN10 posts are done. Check Google Classroom and make sure those assignments are done, graded, and returned to you. Do your Cornell notes. Check the Resources tab on Canvas & complete the exit tickets.

Email me if you have any questions!

Friday - December 4, 2020

Synchronous learners (L-Z): Join me on Zoom to discuss the outcomes of the Revolutonary War. It worked out pretty well for the colonists!

Asynchronous learners (A-K): This week's assignments: CNN10 Discussion on Canvas & the Animated War Map video/exit ticket under the Resources tab on Canvas. Your Cornell notes should also be finished. After that, go back and complete any missing work.

Thursday - December 3, 2020

Synchronous (A-K): Join me on Zoom to discuss how the Revolutionary War ended.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z): Here are some things you can work on... this week's CNN10 (11/30), your Exit Ticket for the Revolutionary War Animated Map video (linked under the resources tab), and your American Revolution Cornell notes. You should also check the gradebook and complete any missing assignments.

Wednesday - December 2, 2020

Synchronous learners (L-Z): Join me on Zoom to discuss the strengths/weaknesses of the colonial & British armies during the Revolutionary War.

Asynchronous learners (A-K): Work on this week's CNN10, your American Revolution Cornell notes, and the Revolutionary War map video/exit ticket from yesterday in class. You can find them under the Resources tab on Canvas.

Tuesday - December 1, 2020

7th Grade Math Problems

Synchronous learners (A-K): Join me on Zoom to discuss who had the upper hand between the Colonists and the British once the Revolutionary War broke out. We will also watch a video about the major battles of the war.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z): Please complete this week's CNN10 post, then go back and complete any missing CNN10 and/or Google Classroom assignments you are missing. You also need to work on your American Revolution Cornell notes if they are incomplete.

Monday - November 30, 2020

All learners (A-Z) should log into Canvas and complete your weekly CNN10 discussion board post. Remember to write in complete sentences, answer all four questions, and include specific details from the story you chose to write about.

We will continue our discussions about the American Revolution tomorrow.

Wednesday - November 25, 2020

Synchronous learners (L-Z): Join me on Zoom to discuss which ideas and events led to the American Revolution.

Asynchronous learners (A-K): Complete this week's CNN10 post (11/23), continue working on your American Revolution Cornell notes, and complete any missing assignments.

All learners (A-Z): Election test retakes need to be completed by Sunday night.

Tuesday - November 24, 2020

Synchronous learners (A-K): Join me on Zoom to discuss some of the major causes of the American Revolution.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z): Work on your American Revolution Cornell notes & your CNN10 discussion board post.

All learners (A-Z): If you requested a retake for the Election 2020 quiz, it will be open until Sunday.

Monday - November 23, 2020

Good morning! Today, all learners (A-Z) should log onto Canvas & complete this week's CNN10 Discussion Post (Week of 11/23). After that, you can check for missing assignments and click on the Resources link in Canvas to work on your American Revolution notes.

Friday - November 20, 2020

Synchronous students (L-Z): Join me on Zoom at the scheduled time. We will discuss what life was like during the colonial period and a couple underlying causes of the American Revolution. Bring your Cornell notes!

Asynchronous students (A-K): Work on the assignments listed below and any others that you haven't completed.

This week's assignments: CNN10 (week of 11/16); American Revolution Cornell notes; exit ticket about Colonial America video; test retake applications (due today)

Thursday - November 19, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous students (A-K) will join me on Zoom. We will begin discussing the early British settlements in the 13 colonies. If you miss class, there is a video in the Resources tab on Canvas.

Asynchronous students (L-Z) should continue working on their Cornell notes. These can be found under the Resources tab on Canvas. There is also a CNN10 post for this week and many students are missing assignments that could help their grades.

All students (A-Z): Don't forget that request to retake the Election quiz are due this Friday.

Wednesday - November 18, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous students (L-Z) will join me on Zoom to discuss how we'll approach our unit over the American Revolution. We'll start by taking Cornell notes over the American Revolution, which you can find in that link.

Asynchronous students (A-K) should continue working on their Cornell notes and also get their CNN10 posts finished. As always, it's a great day to turn in some missing work.

Test retake applications, found on Canvas, are due by Friday for everyone.

Tuesday - November 17, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous students (A-K) will join me on Zoom to introduce our unit on the concept of Power. We will start by working on our American Revolution Cornell notes.

Asynchronous students (L-Z) should complete their CNN10 & can begin working on their American Revolution Cornell notes.

Monday - November 16, 2020

Good morning! Today, everyone is an asynchronous learner (A-Z). You should use today to get caught up on missing assignments, prepare for your 2020 Election quiz retakes, and complete this week's CNN10 discussion board post on Canvas.

Friday - November 13, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (L-Z) will join me on Zoom to discuss some of the tools that historians use to uncover the past.

Asynchronous learners (A-K) need to make sure both attempts of the Election 2020 quiz are completed by 11:59pm tonight. After that, your CNN10 post for this week and the Lunchroom Fight assignment on Google Classroom are both due Sunday.

Thursday - November 12, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous students (A-K) will join me on Zoom to discuss the an historian's responsibilities and the tools they use. Here is a link to the notes we'll review in this unit.

Asynchronous students (L-Z) should work on the Election 2020 quiz (posted on Canvas under the Quizzes tab), this week's CNN10 discussion board, and any missing assignments.

Tuesday - November 10, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will join me on Zoom to take the Election 2020 quiz. Have your Cornell notes handy!

Asynchronous students (L-Z) will not be with me until Friday, so if you'd like to join Zoom today to take the quiz, you are more than welcome. Even if you're just having trouble understanding a question, you can just pop in and run it by me. You also have a CNN10 Discussion Board post to make on Canvas, so get that done if you have time today.

On Thursday/Friday, we'll be starting our Intro to History unit, which will be very brief, so remember to get your two attempts on the Election 2020 quiz done by midnight on Friday.

Monday - November 9, 2020

Good morning! Today, everyone is an asynchronous learner (A-Z). This week, you have a CNN10 Discussion Board post and your 2020 Election Quiz. The quiz will lock on Friday, so get it done! It is posted on Canvas and you have two attempts.

For the quiz, A-day students (A-K) should take their first attempt at the quiz with me on Zoom on Tuesday. If B-day students (L-Z) want to join me on Zoom to take the quiz, that is fine!

Thursday - November 5, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous students (A-K) will join me on Zoom to discuss the results of the election, which is still up in the air.

Asynchronous students (L-Z) should get caught up on all 2nd quarter assignments (both CNN10 posts, Flocabulary: Voting on Google Classroom) and prepare for the quiz over elections/campaigns that will go live next Monday.

Don't forget about your extra credit selfies!

Thursday - November 5, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous students (A-K) will join me on Zoom to discuss the results of the election, which is still up in the air.

Asynchronous students (L-Z) should get caught up on all 2nd quarter assignments (both CNN10 posts, Flocabulary: Voting on Google Classroom) and prepare for the quiz over elections/campaigns that will go live next Monday.

Don't forget about your extra credit selfies!

Wednesday - November 4, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (L-K) will join me on Zoom to discuss a wild election day, will likely stretch into an election week.

Asynchronous students (A-Z) should work on late/missing assignments CNN10 10/19, Flocabulary: Voting, and this week's CNN10. You can also still take an election coverage selfie for extra credit. There is a discussion board post on Canvas for you to post it on, or you can just email it to me.

Monday - November 2, 2020

Good morning! Today, all learners (A-Z) should log onto Canvas and complete the CNN10 discussion board post. Remember to vote in the 2020 GMS Mock Election (if you haven't already) and take a selfie tomorrow (Tuesday) during Election Day coverage. Share it with me via email or post it on Canvas for extra credit.

Friday - October 30, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (L-Z) will join me on Zoom to VOTE and to discuss the upcoming election. We will cast our votes in the GMS Mock Election and, if there's time, we will play an election Kahoot.

I decided to be kind to my asynchronous learners (A-K) and not pile on more work when there are already a LOT of missing assignments in the 2nd quarter gradebook. Please get these assignments done:

1. CNN10 Discussion (10/19) on Canvas


2. Flocabulary: Voting annotations & paragraph



3. Don't forget about your (optional extra credit) Election Day selfie

Thursday - October 29, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will join me on Zoom to VOTE and to discuss the upcoming election.

I decided to be kind to my asynchronous learners (L-Z) and not pile on more work when there are already a LOT of missing assignments in the 2nd quarter gradebook. Please get these assignments done:

1. CNN10 Discussion (10/19) on Canvas


2. Flocabulary: Voting annotations & paragraph

Wednesday - October 28, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (L-Z) will join me on Zoom. We are less than one week away from the 2020 election, so we will be discussing how candidates campaign, how elections work, and why we use the electoral college in the USA.

Asynchronous learners (A-K) discussed those notes with me yesterday. Today, you need to copy those down in your notebook. If you need help organizing your notes, there are a ton of videos on YouTube if you search: How to take Cornell notes.

Tuesday - October 27, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will join me on Zoom to talk about the election process.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z) need to copy down these Cornell notes. Students who have them copied down for tomorrow will earn their class some MP4's.

Monday - October 26, 2020

Good morning everyone. No new assignments today due to MAP testing.

However, there are many missing assignments from last week (CNN10 for the week of 10/19 & your Flocabulary: Voting annotations and response). These are due tomorrow.

Friday - October 23, 2020

Good morning! Synchronous students (L-Z) will join me on Zoom to discuss the importance of voting.

Asynchronous students (A-K) will want to finish their Flocabulary: Voting assignment on Google Classroom and then work on this week's CNN10 discussion post.

If anyone completed his/her extra credit assignment and took a selfie with the presidential debate last night, you can share that with me on the Debate Selfies discussion board on Canvas or share it with me directly via email or the Canvas messaging system.

**Here are your assignments for the week, due Monday, October 26:**

• Flocabulary: Voting


• CNN10 Discussion (Week of 10/19)


• Extra credit: Debate Selfie

Thursday - October 22, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will discuss the importance of voting and begin an assignment on Google Classroom.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z) will watch CNN10 and complete a discussion board post on Canvas. Remember to use complete sentences and answer each question of the prompt.

All learners (A-Z) have an extra credit opportunity tonight. The final presidential debate is tonight from 8pm-9:30pm. It will be on dozens of news channels and my tech savvy students can likely find streams online. All you have to do is tune in and take a selfie with the candidates debating in the background. Obviously, make sure it's an appropriate selfie! I will create a discussion board on Canvas for you to share the picture. If you have any questions, let me know.

Wednesday - October 21, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (L-Z) will join me on Zoom to discuss missing assignments and test retakes. With the end of first quarter looming, we must bring our grades up!

These assignments and retakes were discussed on Zoom yesterday with all of today's asynchronous learners (A-K). There are no new assignments. Today is for you to get caught up and bring your grades up. Email me if you have questions about the work!

Tuesday - October 20, 2020

Good morning 7th graders! Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will join me on Zoom. We will discuss the upcoming debate, preview how the rest of our election unit will go, and I will go over your missing assignments.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z) should use this time to get caught up. You may use your test retakes, complete your old CNN10 posts, or go back and submit your Google Classroom assignments.

Monday - October 19, 2020

Good morning. All learners (A-Z) are asynchronous today. No new assignments. Make sure you go to your Advisory at 8:00am to take your MAP test. Remember that missing assignments are due Wednesday. Email me or message me on Canvas if you have any questions. Have a good day!

Friday - October 16, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (L-K) will join me on Zoom to learn about each candidate's views on major campaign issues in the upcoming 2020 presidential election.

Asynchronous learners (A-K) should get the 2020 Election: Trump versus Biden assignment completed and submitted by Sunday, and then continue working on submitting late work and test retakes. You can request a test retake for the 50 States Quiz and/or the Geography Unit Test by emailing me or messaging me on Canvas.

Thursday - October 15, 2020

Good morning. Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will join me on Zoom to discuss major election issues of 2020. We'll find out where the candidates fall on each of these issues.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z) will want to complete question #2 on their 2020 Election: Trump versus Biden assignment. This is on Google Classroom. Once that is complete, check the gradebook to find missing assignments and complete those. The deadline to turn in missing work is next Wednesday! Test re-takes are also available by request.

Wednesday - October 14, 2020

Good morning. Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will join me on Zoom to begin our election unit. We will start by learning about the two major political party candidates: Donald Trump & Joe Biden.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z) should complete question #2 on the 2020 Election: Trump versus Biden assignment by reading the two Newsela articles and discusssing (in complete sentences) what you learned about each candidate. You may also want to check the gradebook to see what assignments you're missing and get those made up. Test retakes are also available by request. Get your grades up ASAP. The end of first quarter is fast approaching!

Tuesday - October 13, 2020

Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will join me on Zoom to get started on our 2020 Election unit. The assignment is on Google Classroom, but we will do much of it together on Zoom.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z) should wait to start on the 2020 Election: Trump vs. BIden assignment that is posted on Google Classroom. We will start that together on Zoom. Instead, use today to make up missing assignments. There are a LOT of missing assignments and first quarter ends at the end of next week! You can still make up much of that missing work and bring your grade up, but you have to make the effort to do it! Email me or message me on Canvas if you need help figuring out what you are missing.

Friday - October 9, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (L-Z) will join me on Zoom to take their end of unit geography tests. Remember, you have TWO attempts on it and both are due Sunday night by midnight.

Asynchronous learners (A-K) should prepare to take their 2nd test attempts (again, due Sunday night by midnight) and get their CNN10 discussion posts done for this week.

Thursday - October 8, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will join me on Zoom to take the end of unit Geography test.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z) will want to continue preparing for the test by means of completing and reviewing your Cornell notes, re-reading your Newsela article about American geography, and perhaps taking some of the Sporcle quizzes I posted in the daily agenda earlier this week. Be prepared!

Reminder: Both groups also have a CNN10 discussion post to make this week!

Wednesday - October 7, 2020

Good morning! Today, if you are a synchronous learner (L-Z) you will join me on Zoom to play a review game for your geography tests. You will take them on Friday. We'll discuss them on Zoom.

Asynchronous learners (A-K) should use today to study for the test. You should primarily review your Cornell notes, which were posted Sept. 14 on the Daily Agenda (so just scroll down), and your Newsela Geography article, which is on Google Classroom. If you look at yesterday's daily agenda, you can find a couple other resources like Sporcle quizzes to help review. Please email me or message me on Canvas if you have questions while preparing for the test!

Tuesday - October 6, 2020

Good morning! Today, synchronous learners (A-K) will join me on Zoom to play a review game in preparation for our Geography Test. A-day students will take the test on Thursday.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z) should use today for two things: study for your Geography Test and get your CNN10 discussion board post for this week completed. To study, I would use the following resources:

• Review your Geography Cornell notes (posted on the Daily Agenda on September 14)


• Re-read your Newsela Geography article on Google Classroom


• I also found the following Sporcle quizzes, which might be helpful:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

You can search for other resources related to the topics on the test (landforms, maps & map tools, and American geography). There are a ton of resources out there you could use.

Monday - October 5, 2020

Good morning! Today is an asynchronous day for all students, last names A-Z. Today would be best studying for your Geography Test this week. My advice is primarily to review your Cornell notes (posted in the Daily Agenda back on September 14).

You may also want to spend some time catching up on missing CNN10 posts, re-taking your 50 states quiz, and completing the annotations on your geography article on Google Classroom.

Friday - October 2, 2020

Good morning! Today I would like asynchronous learners (A-K) to work on their CNN10 posts, their Newsela article annotations (on Google Classroom), and to begin studying for the geography test next week. If you need help adding my history course on Google Classroom, check the Assignments tab on Canvas.

Synchronous learners (L-Z) will join me on Zoom to take the Google Maps challenge with a chance to earn some extra credit.

Thursday - October 1, 2020

Good morning! Today I would like asynchronous learners (L-Z) to get the following assignments compelted:

1. Watch this Google Maps tutorial on YouTube for our activity Friday.


2. Get your CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/29) post completed. Remember to write in complete sentences and respond to each question in the discussion prompt.


3. Post your 5+ annotations on your geography article. Remember that this assignment is posted on Google Classroom. If you need help adding my course on Google Classroom, check the assignments tab on Canvas and click on Newsela: USA Geography for instructions, or email me for an invite.

Wednesday - September 30, 2020

Good morning. Today, asynchronous learners (A-K) will want to watch this Google Maps video tutorial. This will be helpful for an activity we'll do together tomorrow.

If you have time, you can also complete your CNN10 discussion (week of 9/29) post and finish your annotations on our geography article. You will have time to work on those assignments on Friday too.

Tuesday - September 29, 2020

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

Please log onto Canvas & complete your CNN10 discussion board post for the week of 9/29. Remember, if you are not writing in complete sentences or responding to each question, points will be taken off.

Also, you have a chance to earn some MP3 points (that's Mr. Peter Pizza Party points for those keeping score at home) if you turn into the first presidential debate tonight. It will be on from 8pm-9:30pm and be on dozens of channels and I'm sure it will be streaming online as well.

Friday - September 25, 2020

Synchronous learners (L-Z):

Join me on Zoom for a little geography practice. We're going to try to put some of the tools, knowledge, and skills we've acquired over the last couple weeks to use. Possible chance to earn some Mr. Peter Party Points.

Asynchronous learners (A-K):

No new assignments today, so this is a great time to get caught up! Here are all the assignments you should have done:

• CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/8)


• CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/14)


• 50 States Quiz (take it as often as you want but I've extended the due date to Sunday!!!)


• Geography Cornell notes (these aren't for a grade... they are to STUDY)


• CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/21)

The first three will be going on your PROGRESS REPORTS which are coming out NEXT WEEK.

Thursday - September 24, 2020

Synchronous learners (A-K):

Join me on Zoom for a little geography practice. We're going to try to put some of the tools, knowledge, and skills we've acquired over the last couple weeks to use. Possible chance to earn some Mr. Peter Party Points.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

No new assignments today, so this is a great time to get caught up! Here are all the assignments you should have done:

• CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/8)


• CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/14)


• 50 States Quiz (take it as often as you want but it is due Friday!!!)


• Geography Cornell notes (these aren't for a grade... they are to STUDY)


• CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/21)

The first three will be going on your PROGRESS REPORTS which are coming out NEXT WEEK.

Wednesday - September 23, 2020

Synchronous learners (L-Z):

Join me on Zoom for class! We will finish our discussion over the Cornell notes and move on to practicing what we (should have) learned.

Asynchronous learners (A-K):

Good morning! We discussed your assignments yesterday. You have your CNN10 Discussion Board (Week of 9/21) and your 50 States Quiz to complete this week.

You should already have the previous two CNN10 posts and your geography Cornell notes completed. If not, go back and do those as well. If you need help finding them, email me or message me on Canvas.

Tuesday - September 22, 2020

Synchronous learners (A-K):

Join me on Zoom for class! We will finish our discussion over the Cornell notes and move on to practicing what we (should have) learned.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

Good morning! Please head over to Canvas and complete this week's CNN10 discussion board post.

Remember that you also have CNN10 posts from the weeks of 9/8 and 9/14 that you may still need to make, plus a quiz over the 50 states that was posted yesterday. See the Daily Agenda from Monday, September 21 for instructions on how to complete that.

Progress reports come out next week. Get your work done!!!

Monday - September 21, 2020

Asynchronous learners (A-Z):

Good morning everyone! You have two assignments today. One, make sure BOTH of your CNN10 discussion board posts are complete (one from the week of 9/8 and one from the week of 9/14). Two, there is a quiz over the 50 states. I asked everyone to practice the 50 states on Sporcle last week, so today I'm asking you to show me the fruits of your labor.

Here are some things to know about this quiz:

• It is located under the Quizzes tab on Canvas and will go live at 8:00am this morning.


• You may take the quiz multiple times. If you're not satisfied with your score, take it again!


• The quiz will be worth 10 points.


• 'But Mr. Peter, how can it be worth 10 points if there are 50 questions??' Good question! Here's a breakdown of how it will be entered into the gradebook:
  
  
  
  • 0-5 states correct: 1/10 points
  
  
  • 6-10 states correct: 2/10 points
  
  
  • 11-15 states correct: 3/10 points
  
  
  • 16-20 states correct: 4/10 points
  
  
  • 21-25 states correct: 5/10 points
  
  
  • 26-30 states correct: 6/10 points
  
  
  • 31-35 states correct: 7/10 points
  
  
  • 36-40 states correct: 8/10 points
  
  
  • 41-45 states correct: 9/10 points
  
  
  • 46-50 states correct: 10/10 points
  
  
  
  


• Since it's the only quiz grade of the year so far, it will be worth 70% of your total grade when I enter it. That's a lot! Make sure you are satisfied with your attempt and absolutely do NOT take a zero on it.


• We're operating on the honor system here. I obviously can't check over your shoulder to make sure you're not cheating, but I am asking that you do not use any outside resources while you're taking the quiz. Show me what you know! If you don't know, learn it!


• It is due Friday, September 25th at midnight.


• The quiz will be included on your progress report grades.

Email me at npeter@sps186.org if you have any questions.

Friday - September 18, 2020

Synchronous learners (A-K):

Join me on Zoom for class! We will discuss different map types and how to read them using map tools. Hopefully you have your Cornell notes done!

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

Make sure you have your CNN10 discussion board posts done. Both are available on Canvas for you to complete. Look at the September 15/16th posts for instructions. You should also get your Cornell notes finished. Those were posted on Monday, September 14. Don't fall behind!!!

On Zoom yesterday, I told you about Sporcle. Use these three links to practice your 50 states.

1. Link 1 will take you to a map of the USA. That's it. If you don't know them, you should give this a look.


2. Link 2 is a quiz on Sporcle where you have to name all 50 states by just looking at a blank map of the 50 states.


3. Link 3 is a quiz on Sporcle where you have to click on a specific state given by the USA.

September 17, 2020

Synchronous learners (A-K):

Join me on Zoom for class! We will discuss different map types and how to read them using map tools. Hopefully you have your Cornell notes done!

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

Make sure you have your CNN10 discussion board posts done. Both are available on Canvas for you to complete. Look at the September 15/16th posts for instructions. You should also get your Cornell notes finished. Those were posted on Monday, September 14. Don't fall behind!!!

After that, I'm going to have you work on identifying the 50 states. Next week you will have an assignment where you must know all 50 states. Here are three links to help learn them:

1. Link 1 will take you to a map of the USA. That's it. If you don't know them, you should give this a look.


2. Link 2 is a quiz on Sporcle where you have to name all 50 states by just looking at a blank map of the 50 states.


3. Link 3 is a quiz on Sporcle where you have to click on a specific state given by the USA.

Give them all at least one look and let me know how you do on Friday!

September 16, 2020

Synchronous learners (L-Z):

Check the daily schedule and join Zoom at the appropriate time. Please bring the Cornell notes you copied down on Monday (hopefully)! That is what we will be discussing.

Asynchronous learners (A-K):

Head to Canvas and complete this week's CNN10 discussion board. We talked about this yesterday. These are graded! Here are step-by-step instructions:

• Log into Canvas


• Click on Discussions on the left side of the page


• Open the post called CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/14)


• Open the link and watch CNN10


• Choose one story from CNN10 that you liked


• Click on the Reply button underneath the prompt on Canvas


• Write me a summary and write a question about your topic


• Make sure you write in complete sentences and in your own words


• Click Post Reply to submit your response

September 15, 2020

Synchronous learners (A-K):

Check the daily schedule and join Zoom at the appropriate time. Please bring the Cornell notes you worked on yesterday! That is what we will be discussing.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

Head to Canvas and complete this week's CNN10 discussion board. Here are step-by-step instructions:

• Log into Canvas


• Click on Discussions on the left side of the page


• Open the post called CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/14)


• Open the link and watch CNN10


• Choose one story from CNN10 that you liked


• Click on the Reply button underneath the prompt on Canvas


• Write me a summary and write a question about your topic


• Make sure you write in complete sentences and in your own words


• Click Post Reply to submit your response

September 14, 2020

Asynchronous learners (A-Z):

Everyone! All students last name A-Z need to log into Canvas today. If you've already done that, read the following very carefully.

Here are your landforms & maps Cornell notes. You have the option to copy these down or not. I am assuming that this is a review and you already know this, but you need to look at them anyway. If you don't already know this, you should copy them down too.

Here are your Cornell notes about American geography. Copying these down is required. We will discuss them on our Zooms this week.

September 11, 2020

Synchronous learners (A-K):

Good morning! Join me and your classmates on Zoom to discuss the September 11, 2001 attacks. Check the daily schedule to see what time class is.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

All of this was discussed on Zoom yesterday. I want you use today to clean up all loose ends (any incomplete or missing assignments). Check to make sure you've done each of the following:

• Please complete your student interest survey


• Weekly CNN10 discussion board post on Canvas (check the agendas from Sept. 8 or Sept. 9 for instructions)


• If you missed your Zoom on Tuesday or Wednesday, here's the Cornell note poster we looked at yesterday with info on how I'd like you to organize your notes this year... Don't worry! I will post your notes at the start of the year and all you'll need to do is copy them down.

September 10, 2020

Synchronous learners (A-K):

Good morning! Join me and your classmates on Zoom to discuss the September 11, 2001 attacks. Check the daily schedule to see what time class is.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

Hello everyone! I know I told you on Zoom yesterday that you'd be watching a video on 9/11 today, but I changed my mind. We'll be doing that and discussing it together on Friday on Zoom. Instead, I want you use today to clean up all loose ends (any incomplete or missing assignments). Check to make sure you've done each of the following:

• Please complete your student interest survey


• Weekly CNN10 discussion board post on Canvas (check the agendas from Sept. 8 or Sept. 9 for instructions)


• If you missed your Zoom on Tuesday or Wednesday, here's the Cornell note poster we looked at yesterday with info on how I'd like you to organize your notes this year... Don't worry! I will post your notes at the start of the year and all you'll need to do is copy them down.

September 9, 2020

Synchronous learners (L-Z):

Check the daily schedule and join Zoom at the appropriate time. If you remember from Thursday/Friday, I mentioned that you will need to use the Zoom link posted on Canvas to join.

We will be discussing the use of Cornell notes in History class. Once you get the hang of them, they're a great tool for keeping your information organized.

Asynchronous learners (A-K):

You will need to watch CNN10 and make a post on this week's discussion board. This is your first graded assignment. It is due Sunday by 11:59pm, so you can watch any episode this week. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to get it done:

1. Go to Canvas


2. Click on Discussions on the left side of the page


3. Open the discussion titled CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/8)


4. Watch CNN10


5. Click on the Reply button


6. Type your response to ALL THREE parts of the discussion prompt


7. Click the blue Post Reply button under your response

September 8, 2020

7th Grade Agenda

Synchronous learners (A-K):

Check the daily schedule and join Zoom at the appropriate time. If you remember from Thursday/Friday, I mentioned that you will need to use the Zoom link posted on Canvas to join.

We will be discussing the use of Cornell notes in History class. Once you get the hang of them, they're a great tool for keeping your information organized.

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

You will need to watch CNN10 and make a post on this week's discussion board. This is your first graded assignment. It is due Sunday by 11:59pm. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to get it done:

1. Go to Canvas


2. Click on Discussions on the left side of the page


3. Open the discussion titled CNN10 Discussion (Week of 9/8)


4. Watch CNN10


5. Click on the Reply button


6. Type your response to ALL THREE parts of the discussion prompt


7. Click the blue Post Reply button under your response

Vandeventer 7th Grade Agenda

September 4, 2020

Synchronous learners (L-Z):

Log into Canvas and join Zoom for class. Remember our expectations for Zooms: show up on time and be ready to participate. Turn on your camera and have your full name posted. Don't forget... I might quiz you on some of the things you were supposed to review on Thursday!

Asynchronous learners (A-K):

Make sure you log into Canvas if you haven't done it already. Do it right now!

As I mentioned on Zoom yesterday, I would like you to TAKE THIS SURVEY about your interests and hobbies. It will only take 10-15 minutes or so, but this will help me get to know a little more about you as a student and a person. My hope is that there might be something in this survey that helps be a better teacher for you. To take the survey, you'll have to make sure that you're logged into your District 186 Google account.

Last, please watch the September 4th episode of CNN10 in case we want to discuss it next week.

All learners (A-Z)

No school on Monday for Labor Day. I may give your class some points if you can tell me what Labor Day is celebrating. Labor is a huge part of what we'll learn about in 8th grade. But, like, why? Be prepared to tell me on Tuesday. I know you're not 8th graders yet, but you should still know why you get the day off!

7th Grade Reading Agenda

September 3, 2020

Synchronous learners (A-K):

Log into Canvas and join Zoom for class. Remember our expectations for class on Zoom: show up on time and be ready to participate. Don't forget... I might quiz you on some of the things you were supposed to review on Wednesday!

Asynchronous learners (L-Z):

First, make sure you log into Canvas if you haven't done it already. Do it right now!

7th Grade Free Online Learning

After that, I would like you to TAKE THIS SURVEY about your interests and hobbies. It will only take 10-15 minutes or so, but this will help me get to know a little more about you as a student. My hope is that there might be something in this survey that helps be a better teacher for you. To take the survey, you'll have to make sure that you're logged into your District 186 Google account.

Last, please watch CNN10 so that we can discuss it on Friday.

September 2, 2020

7th Grade Work online, free

Synchronous learners (last name L-Z):

You should log into Zoom at the appropriate time. Here is a copy of the daily schedule and here is a link to your teachers' Zoom links. Find me (Peter) on page 4 and click on the blue link. We will be going over my classroom management plan. See you there!

Asynchronous learners (last name A-K):

I know we went over it today, but you should take some time to review my teacher page, my class on Canvas, and my classroom management plan.

After that, I want you to watch CNN10. There is a link on your Canvas home page. You don't have to post anything, but be prepared to discuss it when you have class on Wednesday.

Possible non-official quiz about CNN10, my classroom management plan, and the info posted on Canvas to start Zoom on Thursday...

September 1, 2020

Synchronous learners (last name A-K):

You should log into Zoom at the appropriate time. Here is a copy of the daily schedule and here is a link to your teachers' Zoom links. Find me (Peter) on page 4 and click on the blue link. We will be going over my classroom management plan. See you there!

Asynchronous learners (last name L-Z):

You should take some time to explore both my teacher page (you're already here!) and my class on Canvas. If you're having trouble logging in, check the Remote Learning Resources Guide.

After you check out my teacher page and my Canvas class, I want you to watch CNN10. There is a link on your Canvas home page. You don't have to post anything, but be prepared to discuss it when you have class on Wednesday. But remember, I will be able to tell if you've logged in today when I take attendance!

August 31, 2020

Hello everyone! If you're reading this, good job! Read the rest of it!

Every day, you will find your daily agenda posted here. Today, the only thing you have to do is log into Canvas so that I can take attendance. If you don't know how to do that, click here for a handy guide on how to log in.

However, I'm having some issues with my courses on Canvas. If you log in and DON'T see your History class on Canvas, follow this link to find my attendance survey.

Otherwise, have a good day and I look forward to meeting you guys over the course of the rest of this week.

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