7-8th Grade

Comm. Central’s Classical Rotation:

  • Comm. Central embraces the principles of classical education, an important component of which is the integration of subjects for greater learning through studying multiple subjects within their historical context. The history class is the organizing outline for literature, geography, and some composition assignments. When students can engage more with the culture, the lessons become more meaningful and understanding and retention increases. 
  • In addition, science classes are on a four-year rotation and cover one subject per year where students can dig deep rather than skimming the surface of a plethora of science topics.
  • Comm. Central’s Classical Core follows a four-year rotation: World I, II, III, and American.
    • Beginnings of Time and Life:
      • World History I: Creation thru the fall of Greece 
      • Science: Life Science
    • Weathering the Storms of Time:
      • World History II: Rome thru Early Exploration
      • Science: Earth Science
    • Compositions of Nations and Matter:
      • World History III: Age of Exploration thru Modern Times
      • Science: Chemistry and Ecology
    • Innovations of America and Society:
      • American History: Founding thru the 19th Century
      • Science: Physical Science
  • NOTE:  The 24-25 School Year will offer classes following the Innovations of America and Society Rotation.

Comm. Central Curriculum Guide (CCCG):

  • Tuition includes a CCCG which will aid students each week by providing the following:
  • Daily checklists which include the following:
    • A schedule of each assignment to be completed 
    • Space for scheduling additional assignments/activities such as math, spelling, chores, etc.
  • History/Geography:
    • Memory Fact
    • Points to Remember (P2R) to focus students’ attention on important concepts
    • Clear and concise map instructions
    • Timeline instructions for weekly entries
  • Science:
    • Memory Fact
    • Points to Remember (P2R) to focus students’ attention on important concepts
  • Composition instruction
  • Literature book lists
  • Unique Design topic and project ideas 

Classes:

  • Tuesday (Included in standard tuition):
    • Composition/Grammar
    • Math 7 / Pre-Algebra / Algebra I
    • Science
    • History
    • Literature
    • Oral Communications
  • Optional Thursday Additions:
    • Support Classes:
      • Composition (Writing Workshop)
      • Math 7 / Pre-Algebra / Algebra I
      • Science
    • Electives:
      • Patterns for Success
      • Creative Writing
      • Arkansas History
      • Theology

History:

  • Class time consists of a history lecture with a PowerPoint slide show to enhance student understanding with images from the time period and maps. Students are taught various note-taking skills throughout the year in preparation for high school and beyond. 
  • Students will continue their history studies at home as follows:
    • Read from a selected history text outlined in the CCCG (See NOTE below.) 
    • Complete a black-line map using an atlas and map directions in the CCCG
    • Prepare a Digging Deeper one-paragraph report using outlining and summarizing skills learned in composition class. (See “Digging Deeper” at the end of this document.)
    • Continue timeline creation by adding weekly entries
    • Study Points to Remember (P2R) to prepare for weekly quizzes given in class.
  • NOTE: The CCCG outlines weekly readings from a plethora of different history texts. Families are able to choose the history texts that best suit their needs and students’ learning styles.

Literature:

  • Students begin the semester spending four weeks at home reading a historical fiction classic. 
  • Class discussions consist of reviewing content as well as the following:
    • Setting/Characters
    • Conflict/Plot Development
    • Resolution/Theme
    • Literary Elements
    • At the completion of the book, the class completes a plot diagram to assist in visualizing the story structure.  Weekly quizzes are given for accountability.
  • The next three weeks are spent reading a selected book at home from a specified genre as listed in the CCCG. In class students are introduced to the genre. Students reading the same book will work in groups to complete genre-related tasks and complete a fun project at the conclusion of the book such as performing skits, conducting interviews, and presenting story boards.
  • This schedule is repeated three additional times to complete the school year. Students work through four different genres such as realistic, adventure, mystery, science fiction, or fantasy.

Composition/Grammar:

  • Students moving from 6th to 7th grade will learn brand new skills in composition. The focus in 7th-8th grade composition is on writing essays and narratives, emphasizing writing from the brain and defending an opinion.
  • Students will compose four to six paragraphs over a three-week period:
    • Week one of the process emphasizes researching, brainstorming, and critical thinking.
    • Week two focuses on sorting, logical organization, and outlining.
    • Week three consists of composing and perfecting the composition.
  • In addition, instruction on finding and using outside sources, completing a works cited page, and including in-text citations is provided.
  • Grammar concepts are taught to aid students in completing their weekly homework. 

Science:

  • Class time consists of a science lecture with a PowerPoint slide show to enhance student understanding with images and diagrams.
  • To supplement the instruction, demonstrations, experiments, and activities are completed. 
  • In addition, students are taught the critical thinking skills needed to complete lab reports and conclusions.
  • Students will finish their science study at home utilizing curriculum designated in the CCCG. In addition, students will study the Points to Remember (P2R) in their curriculum guide to prepare for the weekly quizzes and/or tests given in class.

Math - Math 7, Pre-Algebra, or Algebra I:

  • Class time consists of notetaking and completion of practice worksheets.
  • Students will reinforce their learning at home by completing notetaking, workbook pages, and Khan academy assignments and quizzes.
  • Students are held accountable for retention of material taught by completing mastery challenges daily, weekly in-class mastery checks, and periodic tests.
  • In addition to the Comm. Central Academy schedule, three additional weeks will be added over interim break.

Oral Communications:

  • Class time consists of instruction and encouragement for four presentations given over first semester. 
  • Second semester consists of fun mock interview exercises and an introduction to formal debate. 
  • Games that foster speaking and listening skills and other impromptu activities are conducted as time allows. 
  • Unique Design is introduced, taught, and discussed in this class, and accountability is provided for the year-end project. Please see “What is Unique Design?” below for more information.

Parent Responsibilities

  • Parents are responsible to assist their student each week as needed and to complete the following:
    • Edit compositions and Digging Deeper Paragraphs for grammar and spelling (graded by teacher)
    • Oversee self-grading of grammar
    • Compile a course book as the year progresses as desired

How do I determine math placement for my 7th grader?

  • If your student enjoys math, can add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and decimals with no problems, has been introduced to negative numbers, and typically grasps new math concepts fairly quickly, then we recommend Pre-Algebra.
  • If this does not describe your student, and math can sometimes be a struggle, then we recommend Math 7.
  • In addition, if you know your student’s long-term math/science goals, you may want to keep this in mind.
    • Taking Pre-algebra as a 7th grader will have your student taking Algebra I as an 8th grader, which will allow for an extra year of advanced math as a senior.
    • If you think your student will complete their math studies with College Algebra, then they should probably wait and take Algebra I in 9th grade.

What is Digging Deeper?

  • Composition skills are paramount, and students should have a regular opportunity to practice researching and to independently practice the composition skills they are learning in class each week: outlining and summarizing. The Digging Deeper assignments achieve this goal. 
  • Each week students are either assigned to “dig deeper” into the time period or their Unique Design and compose a paragraph. When digging deeper into the time period, students choose a topic within the scope of their history reading for further research. 

What is Unique Design? 

  • God has gifted each student with a unique design that includes interests, skills, and abilities unique to them. Unique Design assignments facilitate students in discovering more about themselves and celebrate each student’s individuality.
  • Each year the student picks an area of interest. 
  • Over the course of the school year, students are assigned to perform research and compose eight paragraphs presenting this research. 
  • In addition, students are allotted six weeks to work on a related project. 
  • Projects are presented at the year-end assembly. (Think Science Fair.)
  • Possible areas of interest and project ideas are included in the appendix pages of the CCCG.
  • Accountability for these assignments takes place in the oral communications class.

THURSDAY ELECTIVES:

What is the homework load for the Thursday electives?

  • Homework for all Thursday electives can typically be completed in one hour per week each.

SUPPORT CLASSES

  • Math, Science, and Writing Workshop for Composition
  • No additional homework for these classes; students receive help in completing work assigned on Tuesday
  • Tuition:  $75 per class per semester

CREATIVE WRITING: The Art of the Short Story

  • Curriculum: TBD
  • Course Description:
    • This course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the structure and tools relevant to writing powerful short stories, as well as provide exposure to a variety of American short stories and poetry.
    • The first half of the school year will focus on identifying and analyzing the key elements of story: premise, character, and plot. Students will explore how authors of the past have used the elements and will work through exercises to apply these concepts to their own work.
    • The second half of the year students will transition to writing their own pieces and workshop their ideas among their peers.
    • Grades will be based on classroom discussion, assignment completion, and peer reviews.
  • Tuition – Thursday only: $150 per semester

PATTERNS FOR SUCCESS

  • Curriculum: TBD
  • Course Description:
    • Many students struggle with the basics of personal organization and are unable to manage time well and keep up with assignments and responsibilities. In addition, they lack good personal habits like prayer, bible reading, exercise, sleep rhythms, etc.
    • This course will provide students with an understanding of how to get things done in today’s digital age. It will focus on understanding common obstacles to productivity and how to overcome them.
    • In addition, students will learn the power of daily and weekly routines and how to establish personal healthy habits.
    • Class time will involve discussion and sharing, following at-home application.
    • Grades will be based on class participation, homework completion, and an assessment of concept application.
  • Tuition – Thursday only: $150 per semester

THEOLOGY

  • Curriculum: Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudham
  • Course Description:
    • In this course students will discover how they are actually practicing theology each and every day, yet on most occasions they do not have an understanding about the foundations of Christianity.
    • The class is intended to take weighty issues and bring them into everyday conversation and challenge the students, yet it will not unnecessarily overload them.
    • The course is designed to encourage a greater desire to study the Christian faith and excitement in a subject that can seem unapproachable at first glance.
    • Theology topics have been divided into two groups (A & B) but don’t have to be taken in any particular order.
    • The textbook may seem daunting; however, it will be used to facilitate class discussion and student growth, not as something that must be read cover to cover unassisted.
  • Tuition – Thursday only: $150 per semester

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