Math: page 354 #1-12; work on your knowledge hook.
Geography: students will draw and explain how one specialized crop is planted, harvested and transported to their tables; there is a friendly quiz tomorrow on Central American and the Caribbean.
Where is it grown?
Why is this specialized crop valuable?
How is it planted, harvested and transported?
When is it planted or what season is it planted?
Who or what type of workers are needed?
Reading: read your sci fi or fantasy book.
Writing: we will work on a restaurant review tomorrow.

Math Data

Math: page 344 #1-10; do knowledge hook.
Reading: students are reading a sci fi or fantasy.
Art: your comic strips in art are due tomorrow.
Geography: think about a specialized crop you could research.

Math: page 336 #1-17; work on knowledge hook; there is a math test tomorrow, Friday, March the 6th.
Geography: there is a test tomorrow on the factors that influence climate (W.OW.L.A.M.A.)
Next Friday, we will have a friendly quiz on Central American countries and major Caribbean Islands.
*Be sure to have your map coloured for Central America and the United States of America.
*Here is a fun song that will help you remember the capitals of the American states: 
www.njmsgrade7history.blogspot.com
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfckeGW5CUg
(Tour the States with Lyrics)
Science there is an upcoming project.
Writing: Your travel article was done one demand today.
Reading: you are reading a sci fi or fantasy book.
*Think of a specialized crop that you wish to research.*
*The next unit in geography will deal with vegetation.
Art: there is a comic strip due next class.
The girls have a daily meal plan record that is due.

Math: page 333 #1-3, 5-9, 12, 13, and 15; work on your knowledge hook.

Math: page 328 #1-3, 5-9, 12,13,15, and 16; work on your knowledge hook.
Writing: hand in your movie review; there must be three parts: one a chart that has five to six categories to rate your movie; two, there is  a rough copy with corrections; third, there must a good copy.  There has to be evidence of planning, rough work and a good copy for grading.  Be sure to keep your summary short.  You must print or hand write your work. 
Science: students will write their science test, tomorrow, or Wednesday, March the 4th.
Music: projects were due yesterday, but a startling number did not complete them;  next class, there are no classes.
Science: the next unit will have a project.
The girls have an assignment due next health class.
For geography, we will likely have a test on the factors that influence  climate on Friday, March the 6th.
Please review your countries in Central America and major islands in the Caribbean for a quiz next week.

Math: pg. 322 #1,2,4-6,8, and 10-15; work on knowledge hook
Science: there is science test on Wednesday, March the 4th.
Geography: be sure to have your map of Central American and the Caribbean; complete your notes on the factors affect climate; they posted on www.njmsgrade7history.blogspot.com
*Practise your instruments for band and strings.
Music: your music project is due on Monday, March the 2nd.

Math: pg. 314 #1-3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15-17; work on your knowledge hook
Reading: students have chosen a fantasy book or sci fi book for a future presentation
Science: see previous posting for test the outline for March the 4th
Geography: consult the history blog to review the factors that influence climate; color the map of Central America and the Caribbean Islands
Writing: today we reviewed the five components of a newspaper article and posted the information on the writing blog

Geography: complete colouring and identifying the capitals on your map of South America by Friday.
Reading: students chose fantasy or science fiction book from the library to read, today.
Science: there is a test on March the 4th.
Geography: we will be reviewing the factors that influence climate.
Art: complete a face portrait.
Math: work on knowledge hook.

Math: pg. 301 #1-10; there is a data management test on Thursday; be sure to work on your knowledge hook
Writing: students must choose a movie and five categories to critique a film; in a chart, they must talk about a strength or weakness as it pertains to each category chosen.
Reading: the dislike section of the book review is due tomorrow; we are starting a book review on fantasy and science fiction.
Geography: we will be looking at the factors that influence climate (wind currents, ocean currents, bodies of water, latitude, altitude, mountain barriers, and air masses)

Last week, students in 7B were given a letter which outlined that parents and guardians will be contacted for an interview for  Friday, February 14th, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Due to the current constraints,  I will arrange to speak to certain parents to discuss their child's progress on this Friday.  If they are unavailable, I will contract them afterwards through a telephone interview.  If there is not contact, then -at this point- there are no pressing issues. 

Reading: I collected the 'like' section of their book report; on Wednesday, February the 19th, I will collect the 'dislike' section of their book review; it must have three pages: a list of dislikes; a S.E.E. chart that focuses on three specific literary criticism; a final copy of their section that criticizes the book.
History: on Thursday, February the 13th, 7B will write a 20 mark quiz regarding the Rebellions of Upper and Lower Canada; I will also check to see if they have their notes completed from the history blogspot. These notes are on the Rebellions of Upper and Lower Canada. We will be focusing on geography from March to June. 
Math: students must work on the google sheet that examines the statistics of the Raptors basketball team; students should also work on their knowledge hook.
Science: the insulation project and write up was due today; you must have your insulation project ready with the write up- at the latest - by Thursday, February the 13th- so the class can conduct tests.

Math: page 289 1-4, 6, 8-15; work on your knowledge hook.
History: complete the posted notes we reviewed in class on the points regarding the Rebellion of Lower Canada; we will have an upcoming quiz on the Rebellions of Upper and Lower Canada.
Science: your insulation project is due Monday, February the 10th.
Music: chose a song to do a presentation.
Reading: your like section of the book review is due Monday, February the 10th.

Math: page 283 #1-11, 13-15; work on knowledge hook.
Science: complete insulation project.
History: students wrote their test on the War of 1812; we will quickly review the Rebellions of Upper and Lower Canada,  assign a date for the quiz, and soon begin our lessons on physical geography.
Reading: summaries and title pages were collected on Monday; the like section of the book review is due on Monday and the dislike section is due the following Monday.
Writing: we will begin our class newspaper soon and the first article will focus on how to write a movie review.

History: your War of 1812 test is tomorrow, Tuesday, February the 4th; you must also bring your notes on the War of 1812; there will be an upcoming quiz also on the Rebellions of Upper Canada.
Science: the insulation project is due Monday, February the 10th.
Math: page 276 1-6, 9, 10,12,13,15,17,20, and 21; do your knowledge hook.
Reading: your like section of book review is due Monday, February the 10th; please consult the writing blog for details discussed in class.

Math: page 272 1-9; work on knowledge hook.
Science: work on your project that involves insulation.
Reading: complete your summary and title page for your book review;  you must have a time line that indicates plot, characters, conflict, theme and setting; there must also be a rough copy with evidence of editing; finally, there must be a final copy; it should be one page in length; your title page must illustrate a scene from the book, your name, the title of the book, and the name of the book's author; this is due Monday, February the 3rd.
History: there is a test on the War of 1812 on Tuesday, February 4th; students must have evidence of their notes from the history blog regarding key ideas, heroes, major battles, the causes, and the effects.

Math: page 264 1-12 and page 268 1-18; work on your knowledge hook.
Reading: your one page summary of your book is due next Moday.
History: next Tuesday, there is a test on the War of 1812.  Check your history blog: 
https://njmsgrade7history.blogspot.com/
Science: work on your insulation project.

History: Tuesday, February 4th, there is a test on the War of 1812.  Please consult the notes on the history blog.

The grade 7 students are presenting, completing activities, and creating projects on New France, British North America, the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1837.

Math: page 262 #1-19; there is a unit test tomorrow.
Science: you need to work on your insulation project.
Reading: your summary and title page of your book report need to be submitted Monday, February the 3rd and your two pages of likes and dislikes need to be handed in Monday, February the 10th.  Bring your book and notes to class as evidence of your rough work and progress in your work.
Writing:  you must hand in your cover letter, resume and answered interview questions on separate sheets of paper tomorrow for the 'fictitious' Third Cup Coffee House.
History: the remaining groups need to present their history projects.
*Consult the writing blog for information about the book report and the resume project.*

https://njmsgrade7writing.blogspot.com/

Writing and Oral Presentation Assignment:  consult the writing blog and prepare your cover letter, resume, and answered interview questions      (See:   https://njmsgrade7writing.blogspot.com/  ).  This is due on Tuesday, January the 28th.  Parents, especially those who have recently applied or have served on hiring committees, are strongly encouraged to provide their input to their children on the job market and the interview process.  The example provided in class is simply one format. There are many types of resumes.
Math: page 260 1-16; there is a unit test on Tuesday, January the 28th.
History: all history presentations must be ready by Monday, January the 27th.
French: presentations were finished today.
Science: there is an insulation challenge/project due in two weeks.

Math: page 255 #1 to 20; the students must have their quizzes signed.
Science: students will submit their insulation projects by Thursday, February the 6th, to see which project is able to retain the most heat.
French: those who have not presented must French projects must present next  class.
History: students must be ready to present their chapters by  Monday, January the 27th.

Reading: students are preparing a book review for a historical fiction novel study.
Writing: we looked at how to write a cover letter.
Math: page 249 1-13, and 16; there is a unit test on Tuesday, January the 28th.
History: students must have their notes written on the War of 1812; please refer to the history blog; students are presenting in history.

Math: page 244 #1-13
Reading: students are reading a historical novel
Writing: students are learning how to write a resume

Reading: we are working on how to write a historical book review in class.

Math: page 239 1-14, 18, and work on your knowledge hook
History: in two weeks, we will have a test on the War of 1812; you need to copy down the notes on the history blog; you will tested on key terms, heroes, causes, effects, and battles.  Notebooks will be checked.
*Starting next week, students will be doing their history presentations.  The outline is on the history blog, too.
French: slide presentations were due today.

Homework:
Math: work on knowledge hook; complete page 228 1-29.
French: there is a project due next Wednesday.
History: we are covering the War of 1812 and students will begin their presentations next week.
Reading: students are reading a historical fiction book in class and will be working on a book report.
Writing: we are focusing on how to write a cause effect paragraph and how to write a resume and cover letter.

We will be covering the key terms, heroes, major battles, the causes, the effects, and the conditions of soldiers in the War of 1812.  I will base a test on the following notes in the upcoming weeks:

Overview of the WAR OF 1812 

Key Terms

1.       the French Revolution of 1789- France declared bankruptcy; the king was deposed; the people attempted to introduce liberty, fraternity, equality, and democracy

2.       Napoleon Bonaparte-a military general who rose to power during the French Revolution and invaded other European countries

3.       Louisiana- a territory from France that was sold to the United States

4.       impressments- forcing sailors to serve for another navvy

5.       American expansion into the Ohio Valley- settlers began expanding west of the Appalachian territories into Native territories

6.       the Canadian militia-volunteer Canadians who served under British forces

7.       national identity- the belief that you and other people in your country share the same history, set of beliefs, and other characteristics used to define your nation

8.        propaganda- lies told by the government

9.       jingoism- a fervent belief that your nation is superior to other nations

10.   romanticism- the idealized belief of your nation and the belief that one can only excel  in your homeland or its culture

11.   stalemate- neither side is able to win enough battles, border  raids that are able to gain territory or end a war

12.   the War Hawks- a term used by historians to label a group of powerfully influential American politicians who strongly advocated a war against the British since Canada , Britain’s colony, was vulnerable while the Britain fought France in Europe

13.   the Rideau Canal- a strategic canal built after the War of 1812 in Bytown (Ottawa) was intended to carry supplies in the event of a future war

14.   the Lachine Canal- a canal built to bypass the rapids around Montreal, so ships could easily sail up the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario or Upper Canada; without canals, things were unloaded from ships and transported overland to other ships; this was time consuming and costly

15.   Mr. Merrit’s Ditch (the early stages of the Welland Canal System)- the Niagara Region had a series of canals built transport goods and people from Lake Ontario to the Chippawa River and eventually the entrance of the Niagara River, because  the Niagara Falls prevented ships sailing up the river to Lake Erie

16.   the Treaty of Ghent- Americans and British representatives signed a treaty in Belgium because the war had reached a stalemate

Heroes:

1   Tecumseh- a highly respected and key Native leader who was allied with Britain; he was essential in the Battle of Detroit, and uniting Native forces against the Americans; he died at the Battle of the Thames or present-day London, Ontario

2.   Sir Isaac Brock- an experienced officer who had a good rapport with Tecumseh and who also died in the Battle of Queenston Heights

3.   Laura Secord- a woman who took a 23 km journey to warn General Fitzgibbon of an impending American attack

4.   Charles de Sala berry- a French Canadian officer who led the Volitgeurs who defended French Canada from American invasions

5.  Richard Pierport- was taken from Senegal to the American colonies; he fought in the American Revolution against the Patriots and at 68 he offered to train a corps of Black men in the Niagara region to fight in the War of 1812; these men were instrumental in the Battle of Fort George and the Battle of Queenston Heights

12 Major Battles of the War of the 1812 

1.   the Battle of Detroit-the first battle that was largely won using psychological tactics since the fort was taken by a small group of Canadian militia, Native forces, and British troops

2..   the Battle of Queenston Heights- just south of Newark (modern-day Niagara-on-the-Lake) a battle took place between American and British forces along the west side of the Niagara River

3.   the Battle of York- American forces crossed Lake Ontario and burned down Fort York and neighbouring buildings; present-day Toronto was once called York

4.   the Battle of Beaver Dam-  British forces, thanks to Laura Secord, defeated American forces around present-day St. Catharines and Thorold, Ontario 

5.   the Battle of Crysler’s Farm- British and French Canadian forces stopped a sizeable invasion of American forces from invading Montreal

6.   the Battle of Lundy’s Lane- British forces suffered casualties and American forces retreated around present day Niagara Falls

7.   the Battle of Washington- in retaliation to the burning of York, British forces burned down the White House and attempted to take Baltimore;  the original White House was unpainted because of the cost of paint; it was later restored and painted white

8.   the Battle of Baltimore- British forces attempted to take Baltimore and Fort McHenry; the Americans sank their ships at the mouth of the harbour to create a man-made blockade; the British failed to take the fort and the hail of cannon fire inspired a poet to write the lyrics that would later become the national anthem for the American people

9.   the Battle of Stoney Creek- British forces defeated the American troops; the American forces who later retreated at the 40 mile creek (present-day Grimsby)

10.  the Battle of the Châteauguay-took place on 26 October 1813. Canadian troops, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles-Michel  Salaberry, defeated a larger American force

11   the Battle of New Orleans- although the War of 1812 had ended, news had not spread to the United States; the Americans, nevertheless, defeated the British at this battle

12. the Battle of Plattsburgh-  also known as the Battle of Lake Champlain, ended the final invasion of the northern states of the United States during the War of 1812

Causes of the War of 1812: 1) War Hawks 2) impressments 3) Napoleon 4) over confidence 5) no respect 6) alliances 7) cotton sellers 85) Ohio Valley 6) weapons 7) naval blockade  Memory Trick: WINONA COWN 

1)        The politically powerful American group known as the ‘War Hawks” advocated the American congress for war against Britain. 2)        In order to regain sailors, British ships boarded and ‘impressed’ or captured sailors from American ships to serve on British ships. 3)        The British were busy fighting a war with Napoleon in France, so Canada was vulnerable. 4)        America allied with France. 5)        Americans expanded into the Ohio Valley and disrupted native villages.  The Natives allied with the British in many cases. 6)        The British sold or traded weapons with the Natives. 7)           Although it had declared independence in 1776, England did not respect America’s sovereignty or independence. (America had declared bankruptcy twice before 1812.) 8)        Some, like Jefferson and Madison,  thought that a war with Canada would be a ‘mere matter of marching’ and Canada would easily fall. This  was overconfidence. 9)        The British formed a naval blockade, so American ships could not trade with France. This hurt businesses and trade.10)      Southern planters could not sell cotton or tobacco to Britain because there was an embargo or ban placed on American products.

The Effects of the War of 1812 

Memory Trick: CUDA CARPE DIEM (Canals Unification Demilitarized Anti Americanism Capital Assimilation Roads Pride Economic prosperity Manifest Destiny Independence Expansion Myth-Making) 1)        The capital of Upper Canada moved from York (Toronto) to Bytown (Ottawa), so the capital would be further from future American attack. 2)        The Rideau Canal was built in case an American attack would cut off the St. Lawrence and cripple supplies from Lower Canada to Upper Canada. 3)         More roads were built to better move troops, supplies, settlers, and goods across the land. 4)        The Maritimes prospered economically since Halifax became a major center of operations. 5)         English and French colonists were united under a common enemy- America. 6)        American settlers were discouraged from settling in Canada.  British immigration was promoted. 7)        The border known as the 49th  degree parallel was established which separates British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba from the United States.  8) The Great Lakes were demilitarized and shared, but Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain were allowed to keep naval forces to prevent smuggling. 9)        Britain recognized America as independent by stopping impressments. 10)      America focused on expanding westward to their Pacific Coast.  11)      There was greater nationalistic pride and participation in military campaigns. 12)      Despite great Native contributions, Native groups were assimilated into the military and the dream of a Native confederacy was overturned. 13)      The Lachine and Welland Canals were built in order to increase supplies and trade.14)      A great deal of myth making occurred since educators and historians saw the war as an opportunity to promote nationalism and to create heroes. 15)      The memory of an American invasion lingered well up until the 1860’s and arguably motivated Canadians to become a nation in 1867.

The Diary of Camp Life at Point Henry, Kingston, May 1813:

We were ordered by General Prevost on the 17th of May to cross over to Point Henry, where we now occupy tents which we again once more put up in a wilderness of stumps, fallen trees, boulders, and rocks of all sizes and shapes; sharing our blanket with reptiles of varied species; carrying out the precepts of the most self-sacrificing charity towards ten million insects and crawling abominations, the ones more voracious and disgusting than the others.  Phlebotomized by the mosquitoes, cut and dissected by gnats, blistered by the sand flies, on the point of being eaten alive by the hungry wood rats as soon as they shall have disposed of our provisions. Pray for us! Pray for us! Ye pious souls….

Broken down with fatigue, drenched with rain, I enter my tent to find that the birds of the air have besmirched me with lime; I have no sooner sat on my only camp stool when a horrid toad springs on to my lap in a most familiar way; I cast my wearied limbs on to my couch, a slimy snake insists on sharing with me the folds of my blanket, I hastily retire and leave him in possession.  

 Jacques Viger, a captain in the War of 1812, went on to become Montreal's first mayor in 1833.