Virtual 7th Grade
Virtual 7th Grade
2023/2024 will be taught by Tegan Wong-Daugherty
Virtual Peer Projects | Student Work Samples (pdf)
7th Graders are at a developmental stage where they yearn to see the world with their own eyes and recreate it for themselves. Enki supports this stage and engages with them through a curriculum that explores these issues as seen in Ancient China (fall); in a true sea survival story (winter); and in the European Renaissance (spring). The Fall and Winter units each reserve a week to focus on peer projects. More information including examples of the group projects which foster the peer-to-peer learning that middle school students need to thrive.
- Autumn, 13 weeks: Ancient China
- Winter, 8 weeks: Adrift (this unit focuses on resilience through a story of survival at), with a Grammar unit focused on shoring up the fundamentals and extending into work with imagery, metaphor, and simile.
- Spring, 13 weeks: The European Renaissance
Fall – Ancient China
(September to December)
Humanities
In this program we will focus on the explorers of Ancient China, explorers who traveled the world, explorers of philosophy, and explorers into new societies. This will include Confucius, Genghis Khan and the Warrior Queens, and sea explorer Zheng He.
Enhanced Study Class: Math
In this Unit we work with the patterns of early Chinese number systems, exploring the suanpan – or abacus – and the first base ten system, which is found in China. Through this the children will review and firm up all calculation processes using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
If your child does not have a solid understanding of and skill with computation with whole numbers and fractions, basic geometry, and an introductory understanding of decimals, please email the office to discuss home support.
Enhanced Study Class: Science
In connection with the experience of Ancient China, we will explore human anatomy and physiology through the lens of acupuncture and the meridian mapping of the body.
As always, Enki math and science work is approached through a discovery process so the learning is the children’s own. We are happy to have discovered that this can be done in an online video-class, with support at home!
Mongolian Memories (student work)
On the long never-ending steppe, I see the open plains and rivers.
I can feel the wind on my neck.
And I smell the sweet bitter food of the market.
I taste the savory meat of the palace.
And I feel the sandy rubble under my hands.
The wind like a howling wolf, sets my heart free.
Winter – Survival at Sea
(January to February)
Humanities
Through the true story of Steven Callahan who spent 76 days in a life raft, we step into the budding adolescent’s drive to explore their own power and to navigate the optimism and despair of life in a creative and life-supporting manner. Callahan comes to know the culture of the sea, the ways of the creatures and of the weather. And we come to see the unyielding force of balance, just studied in ancient China, in a new context: the interdependent life of the sea.
Enhanced Study Class: Grammar
We will begin this unit with a short review of basic grammar (punctuation, sentence structures, paragraphing, and logical sequencing). If your child does not have familiarity with these, please email the office to discuss home use of our grammar basics program prior to this unit beginning.
On this base, and in keeping with the writing in the book they are reading, we will focus on use of image, metaphor, and simile. We will also explore use of rhythm to create mood.
Students will be given practice worksheets to keep math skills active.
Spring – The European Renaissance
(March to June)
Humanities
This Unit covers the time of Marco Polo, through the plague and on into the writers, artists, explorers, and scientists of the European Renaissance. The children see all this through the eyes of a composite figure modeled on the early female Renaissance poets, and follow her transition from the horror of illness to inspiration of a new life.
Enhanced Study Class: Math
In this Unit we explore base systems as step one in looking at the shifts brought forth in the European Renaissance. From there we will work with ratio and proportion, and with the early algebraic thinking needed for this. All this happens in the context of the changes in approach to mathematical thinking brought about by the European Renaissance, and Fibonacci in particular.
Enhanced Study Class: Science
In connection with the European explorers and scientists, our science work will focus on astronomy – particularly the shift from geocentric to heliocentric (solar) systems – and mapping/star navigation. Approximately once a week, this unit requires at home observation of the skies for which parental support will be needed.
As always, Enki math and science work is approached through a discovery process so the learning is the children’s own. We are happy to have discovered that this can be done in an online video-class, with support at home!
From Stories on the Plague (student work)
I wake to the sound of bells. I am Matteo and I am trapped in this confusion of death, despair and suffering. As I rise from my bed I notice a small bird crouching on the window ledge.
I am struck by the colorful feathers rustling in the wind. A small point of happiness in this dead city. As I gaze at this wonderful and colorful creature I remember the old days. The days we spent having celebrations and feasts. Now everybody avoids each other. They fear that if they get too close they will get the disease as well. I put my head in my hands. What have we done to deserve this…….. this plague!
~Dash
Want to see more? See the Grade 7 virtual peer projects and student work samples (pdf).
