ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

SEVENTH GRADE

WELCOME TO SEVENTH GRADE!

Welcome to Seventh Grade at our Day School, an exciting stage of growth and exploration where students journey deeper into the world of academia. In Seventh Grade, literature studies become more nuanced, fostering advanced critical thinking and interpretive skills. Our math curriculum covers a range of topics, including Algebra I and geometry, fueling logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. In-depth exploration of life science and world geography broadens students' understanding of their global environment. Seventh graders also enhance their digital literacy, preparing them for a technology-driven world. Throughout this academic journey, our Christ-centered values guide students, instilling a strong spiritual foundation. Guided by our committed educators, Seventh Grade at our school is a crucial stepping-stone, preparing students for the intellectual and personal challenges of the final years of middle school.

Below, you can find an excerpt of the academics that your child will experience in their seventh grade year at TLS.

Mrs. Stacey Steel

  • I have been teaching elementary school since 1996. I graduated from Mankato State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and then got a Master’s degree at Cal Baptist in 2004 in Education. I live in Owatonna, MN and married to Andy Steel. I have 4 children, two of them have graduated from MSU as well. I have been teaching at TLS since 2018 in second grade. I am a proud mom of 5 bunnies and a hamster.

    I also have my own photography business in Owatonna, called Steel the Moment Photography. My hobbies are gardening, camping, photography, reading a good book.

  • Yes, he will give a command to his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.. Psalm 91:11

  • The staff is so wonderful to work with! We are like a family and help each other no matter what. I also get to express my faith in God and pray openly with my students.

CONFIRMATION

Seventh and eighth-grade Confirmation Class is a two-year course in basic Bible teaching. The Bible and Luther's Small Catechism are used as textbooks. Pastors teach the classes through a combination of lecture, group discussion, faith formation essays, memorization, and provocative stories. The goal is to prepare young adults for meaningful membership in the Lutheran Church and for Godly living in the real world.

ENGLISH

English instruction includes grammar, sentence structure, capitalization, punctuation rules, usage, mechanics, and the writing process. Types of writing may include research papers, short stories, and poetry.

LITERATURE

The sixth, seventh, and eighth grades use the Prentice Hall literature series. Students are introduced to several literary genres, including short stories, drama, non-fiction, poetry, oral tradition, and novels. They analyze story development, such as character, setting, plot, and theme. Vocabulary acquisition, reading speed, and basic reading skills are improved through the Accelerated Reader program and other materials. Public speaking, presentation, and time management skills are developed as students share written and oral reports on the books they have read.

U.S. HISTORY & WORLD GEOGRAPHY

Seventh and eighth grades rotate between US History and World Geography. US History focuses on the mid-1800s to the present, integrating the perspectives of indigenous peoples and immigrants. Geography covers global studies, exploring different regions of the world and contemporary world history.

MATH

Students learn to read, represent, and compare positive and negative numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, and understand exponents, proportional relationships, algebraic skills, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and probability. They apply these concepts to real-world problems.

TECHNOLOGY

Students work on keyboarding skills, proper technique, accuracy, and speed. Chromebooks are provided for completing assignments, research, and projects. Google programs are used for presentations, spreadsheets, and advanced options. Students are introduced to databases and 3-D drawings.

SCIENCE

Students study basic Life Science with an emphasis on scientific inquiry. Topics include cell theory, diversity of creatures, interdependence of life on Earth, heredity, evolution, matter and energy flow, human body systems, and conservation and stewardship of God's creation.

ART

Students have the opportunity to learn different art techniques in a variety of mediums, including watercolors, acrylics, colored pencils, chalks, and charcoal.

CHOIR/MUSIC

Junior High Choir provides musical enjoyment, vocal technique, and glory to God through singing. They perform at scheduled church services and the Christmas service.

BAND

Seventh and eighth graders have the option to join the band. Band class and lessons are provided by the JWP band director. Students develop musical understanding and performance skills.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical education focuses on developing and refining locomotor skills, object control, strength, endurance, flexibility, and power. Social and personal skills are emphasized, including cooperation, leadership, integrity, respect, fair play, initiative, responsibility, effort, self-discipline, and decision-making. Students have the opportunity to qualify for the Presidential and National fitness awards, promoting lifelong fitness activities and fun.