Social Studies Syllabus and Vocabulary Terms - September 15, 2008

Mrs. Alexander Team 6 – 3
Social Studies Syllabus
Week of September 15, 2008
Blog Website: http://d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org
Hello Parents and Guardians:
*The Parts of the Book quiz will be returned by Wednesday
*I will offer a differentiation activity for all students who did well on their geography assessment
*Don’t forget that students may attend our Homework Club Tuesday, Wednesday,
and/or Thursday from 3:30 – 4:30 P.M. in order to study or finish homework.
*We will begin an in class mini project researching an assigned country. I will provide all research materials to students. Students will need one picture of a cultural item relating their country. Although, some students may wish to do independent research for this picture at home. See below.

Monday, September 15 –
Finish reading and discussing pp 7-8 then do small group activity
Introduce Elements of Geography Activity and select country for mini project activity
Homework: None

Tuesday, September 16 –
Begin copying definitions for new geography terms in spiral: latitude, longitude, map key, hemisphere, scale, inset map, compass rose, borders, prime meridian, and equator.
Complete A – Z Coordinates World Map- activity due Friday
Differentiation Grp: Complete “How Well do you know World Geography” research handout –due Friday
Homework: A – Z Coordinates World Map- activity due Friday
Different. Grp handout- due Friday

Wednesday, September 17 –
In groups, begin working on Elements of Geography Activity handout in groups given handout
Homework: A – Z Coordinates World Map- activity due Friday
Different. Grp handout- due Friday

Thursday, September 18–Go to Multicultural Center to locate cultural artifact for assigned country and share- create a drawing of it and label artifact, and continue working on handout
Homework: A – Z Coordinates World Map- activity due Friday
Different. Grp handout- due Friday

Friday, September 19 – Go to Multicultural Center to locate cultural artifact for assigned country and share - create a drawing of it and label artifact, and continue working on handout
Homework: Drawings due Monday

Map Terms

1. Latitude - distance north or south of the equator

2. Longitude - the distance east and west of the prime meridian

3. Equator - a latitude line that divides the world into northern
and southern hemispheres

4. Prime meridian - a longitude line that divides the world into
eastern and western hemispheres

5. Compass rose - symbols used to point out east, west, north,
and south

6. Scale - A small ruler used to measure relative distance on a
map

7. Inset map -A small map related to a larger one

8. Border - An imaginary line that separates two countries, continents, etc

9. Map key –Information given to explain symbols on a map

10. Hemisphere – An imaginary line that separates our world into
2 - 4 parts

Social Studies Syllabus- Week of September 8, 2008

Mrs. Alexander Team 6 – 3
Social Studies Syllabus
Week of September 8, 2008
Blog Website: http://d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org

Hello Parents and Guardians:
*We will have our first quiz on Wednesday. Each student should know the following parts of our textbook, what material can be found there and/or learned in each of the following parts: Table of Contents, Copyright Page, Atlas, Political Map, Physical Map, Glossary, Index, Spanish Glossary, Primary Sources Library, Chapter Focus Box, Terms, Graphic Organizer Activity, and Unit.
*A study guide was given to students last week on the back of their first syllabus.
* I found more CD’s to exchange for a textbook. If students would still like a CD please obtain a pass
to see me at lunch to return the textbook.
*Homework Club begins this week, Tuesday – Thursday from 3:30 – 4:30 P.M.

Monday, September 8 – Review TS176
Begin scavenger hunt
Homework: Complete study guide – due Tuesday

Tuesday, September 9 – Finish scavenger hunt and discuss
Review study guide
Homework: Study for Wednesday’s quiz

Wednesday, September 10 – Take Parts of the Book Quiz
Discuss skimming and scanning. Students will skim and/or scan pp. 5-8 in Chapter 1 to locate and define the following terms: geography, absolute location, relative location, place, region, ecosystems, adapt, modify, and environment. If no definition can be found, then students should use the glossary.
Homework: Finish defining the above terms, due Thursday

Thursday, September 11–Briefly discuss-Remembering 9/11
Read and discuss pp. 5-8
Homework: None

Friday, September 12 – Take geography pre-assessment
Finish reading and discussing pp. 5
Homework: None

Reading L/Arts Syllabus -Week of September 8,2008

Mrs. Alexander - Team 6-3
Reading and Language Arts Syllabus
Week of September 8, 2008
Blog Website: http://d97jalexander.blogspot.com
Email: jalexander@op97.org

Important Information:
*You will find my syllabi posted on the above website.
*The edited Vital Statistics draft will be returned by Tuesday, Sept 9th. The typed final copy will
be due Mon. Sept. 15th. If students do not have a computer, please plan to use the public library.
*Our school library will only be open Monday of this week due to teacher training. Although, it may
open during our 6th period lunch for student use. We'll check to see if training is over for the day.
*There will be a Seedfolks test on Thursday, September 18th.
*Students received their Reading Logs last week and their first Reading Log is due on October 2nd.
Students must read 2 or more books, log it, & obtain parent signatures for each book read.
*Mark your calendars! Curriculum Night is Thursday, Sept. 18th, at 6:45 P.M.
Picture Day is Tuesday, Sept. 23rd (information will be sent

home soon)
*Homework Club begins this week Tuesday - Thursday from 3:30 - 4:30 P.M.

Monday, September 8 –
Leona and Sam completed chart due today
Spelling pre-test- Lesson 1
Spelling - Part A (only)-top of page 9
Read Virgil story and complete chart, including character traits
Homework: Finish spelling Pt. A - p. 9, if necessary
Read Sae Young story and complete chart including character traits

Tuesday, September 9
Read Curtis and Nora story and complete chart, including character traits
Spelling -Review Pt. A- p. 9
Return Vital Statistics survey and discuss
Homework: Finish Curtis and Nora story and chart, if necessary

Wednesday, September 10
Seedfolks activity # 1 (a surprise)
Spelling Pt. B- bottom p. 9 and top of p. 10
Homework: Finish spelling work, if necessary

Thursday: September 11
Seedfolks activity # 2 (a surprise) & begin wrap-up activity # 3
Read Amir story and complete chart, including character traits
Copy given vocabulary definitions for Seedfolks test next week
Spelling- review Pt. B p. 9-10
Homework: Study for spelling test tomorrow

Friday, September 12
Take Lesson 1 spelling post test
Read Florence story and complete chart, including character traits
Finish Seedfolks wrap-up activity and share
Homework: None but you may wish to begin studying for your Seedfolks test.
Enjoy your weekend!

Reading and Language Arts Syllabus, Week of September 1, 2008

Team 6-3 Mrs. Alexander
Reading and Language Arts Syllabus
Week of September 1, 2008
Blog Website - http://d97jalexander.blogspot.com

Important Information-Please Read:
*You will receive a syllabus in each core subject at the beginning of each week. You will find my
syllabi posted on the above website.
*Students will receive their first monthly Reading Log this week. All students are required to read 2 or
more books a month and record the books on their log, with a parent signature for each book read.
* By this Wednesday, my students should have a pleasure book that he/she has not read before. Bring
book to reading/language arts class, or plan to check one out from Ms. A or one of our core teachers.
*Please plan to bring a quart size Ziploc bag by Wednesday, Sept. 3rd, for our Seedfolks novel study.
Students may purchase bags from his/her teacher for 25 cents.
*A typed draft of the students' Vital Statistics survey is due by Fri. Sept. 5th to be returned back to
students by Tues. Sept. 9th. The typed final copy will be due Mon. Sept. 15th. If students do not have
a computer to type the Vital Statistics survey, please plan to use the public library.
*Mark your calendars! Curriculum Night is Thursday, Sept. 18th, at 6:45 P.M.
Picture Day is Tuesday, Sept. 23rd (during school hours)
*Starting this week, our library is now open for students to check out books, do homework, research,
use computers, etc. It is open everyday except Wednesday's from 8 - 8:50 A.M. Students may not use
the computers until they receive their log-ins, which will happen by the end of the week. To be
allowed in the library in the a.m., students must wear their I.D. In order to use the computers, students must bring their planner to the library with proof the student/parent contracts have been read & signed.

Monday, September 1 - Labor Day: No School

Tuesday, September 2
Begin Vital Statistics Survey
Introduce Reading Logs
Finish pre-reading packet, read and discuss Ana story, then complete chart
Homework: Get your syllabus signed & bring pleasure book to class-due Wednesday
Finish handwritten draft of Vital Statistics survey- due Wednesday for check-in only

Wednesday, September 3
Read and discuss Ana & Wendell stories, then complete chart
Team 6-3 meeting-discuss team procedures & policies
Homework: Books will be assigned on Thurs.-You need to have your Ziploc bag in class-due Thursday

Thursday: September 4
8th period- Library orientation - Front library tables
Read & discuss Gonzalo story then complete chart
Complete spelling/grammar pre-assessment
Assign SeedFolks books (only if you have your Ziploc bag)
Homework: Vital Statistics typed draft-due Friday

Friday, September 5 – Spirit Day! - Wear Red and White or Julian Apparel
Typed Vital Statistics survey due today (Ms. A will edit it and returned it by Tues., Sept 9th)
Read and discuss Leona & Sam stories, then complete chart
9th period- Library Media Center Computers-receive login information
Homework: None! Enjoy your weekend!

Parents and Guardians:
Please sign below indicating you have seen your child’s syllabi for all core subjects (reading, math, science, social studies, and language arts). This syllabus will be returned to your child the same day.

Parent signature __________________________________________Date_____________

Social Studies Syllabus- Week of September 1, 2008

Team 6 – 3 Mrs. Alexander
Social Studies Syllabus
Week of September 1, 2008
Blog Website: d97jalexander.blogspot.com
email: jalexander@op97.org
Voice Mail: (708) 524-5830 Ext. 1305

Hello Parents and Guardians:
*Your child will receive a syllabus at the beginning of each week. If the syllabus is lost you may go to my blog to print another copy of it.
*This will be the first full week of classes so each child should have a folder and spiral that is the same color. The folder and spiral should be purple, if at all possible. Matching materials help students to stay organized.
*Students should know the following parts of our textbook, what material can be found and/or learned in each of the following parts: Table of Contents, Copyright Page, Atlas, Political Map, Physical Map, Glossary, Index, Spanish Glossary, Primary Sources Library, Chapter Focus Box, Terms, Graphic Organizer Activity, and Units. My students will take a short quiz on these parts of the book next Wednesday, September 10th.
**A study guide can be found on the back of this syllabus

Monday, September 1 – No School-Labor Day

Tuesday, September 2 – CD/Book Swap letters due today
Social studies introductory activities
Homework: None

Wednesday, September 3 – Preview textbook
Discuss social studies strategies
Homework: None

Thursday, September 4– Textbooks or CD’s given to students to take home today.
Copy and review vocabulary terms
Homework: Complete worksheets TS 175 and TS 176

Friday, September 5 – Review homework and continue discussing parts of book
Homework: None but you may wish to start studying for test next
Wednesday



Study Guide For Parts of the Book Test

1. Using the Contents page:
a. How many units are on p. iii

b. How many chapters are listed only on p. iv

c. In what chapter would you probably find information about King Tut?

2. In what part of your textbook, is the best place to look up information
about glaciers?


3. Define caliph here:


4. What is the Spanish word for civil wars?

5. In the Primary Sources section, when was Nelson Mandela freed from
prison?

6. On the Reference Atlas page draw the symbol that indicates the
national capital here:

7. On the World Political map, what does this abbreviation, EST., mean?

CD/BOOK SWAP LETTER

August 28, 2008
Dear parents and guardians,
I would like to offer an opportunity that will help make your child’s book bag a little lighter and afford me the chance to have a classroom set of textbooks that would stay permanently in my classroom. I am requesting that you consider allowing your child to use one of our Human Heritage CD’s instead of being assigned a hardback textbook. Please note, the CD contains all the same material that is in our textbook. If you have a computer in good working order, this opportunity may be just what the doctored ordered. Students who opt not to take a CD will still be assigned a textbook. The good part about this plan is that all my students will be able to leave their textbook or CD at home and return it in June before the school year is over. This entire plan is contingent upon 26-27 students agreeing to use the Human Heritage CD instead of a textbook because this will allow me to be able to accumulate a classroom set of textbooks. Be assured, if the CD fails to operate adequately I will be happy to replace it with another CD or a book. Please discuss this plan with your child, complete the form, and sign it below. I plan to give out textbooks next week therefore this form is due no later than Tuesday, Sept 2nd .
Thank you,

Jolynn Alexander
Email: jalexander@op97.org
Voice Mail: 708 524-5830 ext. 1305

------------------------Please cut and return this form to Ms. Alexander------------------------------

Student name____________________________________________ Per.________
Please check one of the following:
______ Yes. I would like a CD to be assigned to my child.

______ I prefer a text book to be assigned to my child.

______I would like to preview the CD before making a decision.

Parent signature ______________________________________ Date______________
Comments:

Welcome New Team 6-3 Students

Thank you for visiting my blog. Just for fun be sure to take my survey. Please read the following important information carefully.

• I prefer to be contacted by email. Here's my email address: jalexander@op97.org

• By the first day of school you should know how to use a combination lock. We want you to be able to get your things from your lockers once you put them in it.
  

• Bring your supplies to school the first day and everyday.

• Be sure to bring a box of facial tissues (Kleenex) and a roll of paper towels. Thank you.
  

• We have many special advisory activities planned for our first week of school involving our Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) Program.
  

• Julian Middle School looks like such a big school but it really isn't. The teachers will be in the hallways to help you find your classes for the first week of school. So don't worry.
  

• Starting the week of September 1st you will receive a syllabus from all your teachers at the beginning of every week. I post my syllabus every week on my blog at the end of the day.

• The information on my blog will help you when planning special events for yourself and your family.

• If you lose your syllabus all you have to do is go to my blog to check your homework and upcoming activities.

• I even have a link on my blog to Ms. Koplin’s, Mr. Morrell’s blog, and our team calendar.

We really want you to have a successful academic year at Julian Middle School therefore checking our blogs will really help you to make sure your homework is done everyday, turned in on time, and that you’ve completed the correct assignments. I can’t wait to meet you.