1. Welcome to 7th Grade World History
Mrs. Beth Gray
Thompson Junior High

2. Mrs. Gray’s Background Mrs. Beth Gray
Grew up in Boulder Hill, and am a former Thompson Tiger!
Graduated from Oswego High School in 1997.
Went to undergrad at North Central College and completed my masters in 2006 at Rockford College.
This is my 17th year at Thompson. 5 years teaching 6th Grade, 12th year teaching World History. I also run the Thompson Drama Club after school program.
Mrs. Gray’s Background

3. I believe that Junior High years are some of the most important years in your students’ physical, social and emotional development and will provide a safe learning environment where differences are embraced.
My Philosophy

4. There is a heavy emphasis on writing in this course-Elaborating and proving claims with evidence and support.
Challenging perceptions
Reading with a purpose to increase fluency
Making inferences and logical connections between past civilizations and our modern world
An upbeat setting where students are encouraged to challenge what they learn and create lasting connections
Emphasis of the Course

5. Skills we build this year…
Techniques and strategies in expository reading
Maps: Using thematic maps, scale and distance, etc.
Fact, Judgment, and Opinions and evaluating information
Critical thinking and decision making
Evaluating and Analyzing Sources
Research skills
Interpreting and creating charts, tables, and diagrams
Understanding how we have come to where we are today
Skills we build this year…

6. Grading Grading Breakdown: *Students’ grades are weighted. Breakdown:
65% Assessments (Performance- Projects, Tests, Quizzes, Papers)
20% Reading and Writing
10%- Classwork (Notes, Speaking and Listening)
5%- Homework/Short Term Assignments
*Homework is usually worth 5 points, but can be turned in for half credit before the day of the test if turned in late.
*Students are allowed do test corrections on two tests per semester to earn back half the points lost.
Grading

7. What we Study in World History
Topics that will be covered this year:
Historian’s tools, sources, and job description
The development of agriculture vs. hunting and gathering
Permanent settlements, development of culture and writing
River valley civilizations (Mesopotamia (Sumerians, Babylonians), Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, and India)
Ancient Israel and monotheism vs. polytheism
Ancient Greece (democracy, western culture, architecture)
The Roman Republic and the Roman Empire
Roman contributions and the development of Christianity
Mohammed, the Middle East, and the development of Islam
The Medieval Society and feudalism
Comparative Religions and Philosophies: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism
Critical analysis of both primary and secondary sources in history.
What we Study in World History

8. bgray@sd308.org (Preferred) 630-636-2657
Contact Information