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Seventh Grade 
Two teachers guide our seventh grade - one specializing in literature, language arts and history, the other in math and science. These teachers work seamlessly to stimulate the children’s desire to learn, to foster their love of learning, to impart information and, more importantly, to learn processes that will help them find answers to their questions and communicate their thoughts to others. Students learn to work together as a group, but at the same time are allowed to develop their individual voice. Focus is placed on helping students gain new more sophisticated skills that will allow them to become more responsible independent thinkers. In our language arts curriculum, we move literary analysis beyond just summarizing the plot, and engage in exploring how authors’ experiences have influenced their writings. We have guided reading of short stories, novels, drama and poetry along with individual reading journals, and use double-entry journals, comprehension questions and essays to respond to readings. We work with a variety of writing styles, including various essays, short stories, report writing and poetry. In seventh grade the level of understanding of words and the capacity to use them effectively increases significantly. Extensive grammar work is undertaken to ensure that our students are more than ready for high school. The students gain a real appreciation for drama; studying plays such as “The Crucible” and linking this to their Colonial American social studies unit. They also deliver the school’s Thanksgiving play, incorporating dramatic techniques they have learned. Our year ends with our “Shakespeare Festival” - the study and dramatization of Shakespeare’s play, “The Merchant of Venice.” The seventh grade is divided into two groups for math during the year - one studying the Pre-algebra curriculum, whilst the other commences the Algebra I curriculum. Regardless of the group a child is in, our objective is to ensure they build their understanding of patterns in math to enable individual problem solving. In the Pre-algebra math group, the major objectives include mastering operations with integers and rational numbers, exposing students to major topics of algebra and geometry, and developing critical thinking and problem solving skills. The Algebra I group works on a comprehensive introduction to algebra, from the basic simplifying of algebraic expressions to solving and graphing linear inequalities In history, we focus on multiple topics including Native Americans, The First Colonists, European Colonization of the New World, the events that led to The Revolutionary War, and Early American Government. As part of these studies one of our major highlights is a weeklong field trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. Our trip follows an in-depth research project completed by each student concerning some aspect of colonial life. As well as the history of our country we also focus on current events, reading magazines and news publications and encouraging students to apply their knowledge of our history to the challenges facing society today. The science curriculum in seventh grade is designed to inspire excitement and a sense of wonder in the world of scientific discovery. Our focus is on the topics of Biology and Ecology. During the course of the year, students have many opportunities to complete hands-on science and problem-solving activities, laboratory investigations, and creative projects, both individually and in groups. These activities enhance their skills of observation, organization, and recording as well as developing students' understanding of scientific patterns, and the relationship they have to the world around them. We begin with a study of the organization of living things at the cellular level, and expand to the macro level. The study of genetics and heredity establishes a foundation for the movement through the increasingly complex systems of viruses, bacteria, and protists, fungi, plants and animals. The writing of lab reports is used to communicate student results and analysis. Our seventh graders also enjoy lesson time every week with our French and Latin teachers, and additionally, they attend computer studies, art, music and physical eductaion - these subject areas are fully integrated into the themes we are covering in our study units. Seventh grade’s service project are the Holiday Gift Program -and- Clothing For The Needy. During the months of November and December, the seventh grade class, with the help of the eighth grade class, will collect, sort, and pack gifts for the needy contributed by the Westfield Community. Our seventh graders are “Journal Buddies” with our kindergarten class. They meet together several times during the year and help with language arts development of our younger students. Also, our grade is responsible for managing the end-of-school pick-up car line. At the end of seventh grade, we love to see more mature, self-assured, self-directed children moving on to their final year at Westfield Friends School. They are valuable members of our community, who are more self-confident and aware of their role within our community, and the larger world. 7th Grade Curriculum Overview: Reading/Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
History
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