A huge
welcome to our new Willow Park families and hello again to those returning to
us this year. My name is Shelina Knight and I am very pleased to teach
your child this year. I teach Grade 7 Humanities to 7-3 and 7-5. I share 7-2
with Mrs. Brown. I taught last year in grade 6, and am happy to be
teaching some of our students for a second year! I am having a baby boy at Christmas, and will
update you with any pertinent staff changes as soon as I become aware.
Thank you very much for sending your child in with a binder,
lined paper, duotangs, pencils, pens, pencil crayons, markers, 2 fine
sharpies and a box of Kleenex to share with the class for the upcoming cold
season.
Grade 7 is a huge transition year. Your child will have multiple
teachers and will travel to different classes throughout the day. They will
have to use a locker and become responsible for bringing their school supplies
to classes. Grade 7s are also allowed to leave school at lunch. This brings
further responsibility of time, money, behaviour and food choices. It's a big
year!
Homework:
I recommend reading for 20-30 minutes per evening. Daily reading
is critical to increasing comprehension, speed and the understanding of how our
language is constructed.
All deadlines are posted on the board as reminders. I will also
post deadlines here as well. Students will be given at least a week notice of
all deadlines.
Humanities Curriculum:
At Willow Park, all courses are taught through an Arts-Centered
Learning approach and Humanities is no exception. English Language Arts is
combined with the Social Studies curriculum to provide a
rich understanding of topics and skills. Students will use concept-based
learning and the Arts to develop their understanding. This year's learning
question is: How do actions impact outcomes and how do outcomes impact actions?
The aim of English Language Arts is to enable each student to
understand and appreciate the English language. To read, write and speak
confidently and competently. I have added the Grade 7 Book List to my blogger.
Students are expected to read a minimum of 3 books from the list this year. The
books are available in the school library, public library, bookstores and in my
classroom. Students are encouraged to read a variety of types of books and may
choose books not on the list.
In Social Studies, students will explore the origins, histories
and movements of people who have forged the foundation of Canadian
Confederation. Students will examine how political, economic, social and
demographic changes have shaped Canadian history and Canada today.
I look forward to meeting you on our meet the teacher
evening/day later this month on September 19/20.
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Please contact me with any further questions at srknight@cbe.ab.ca,
All the best,
Shelina
