Seventh grade brings more responsibilities and more challenging subjects. Students who are well prepared for 7th grade enter school ready to manage more difficult coursework, be independent learners, and respond effectively to social change.
- Developing Study Habits:
Encourage your child to develop good study habits before school starts. This includes setting aside regular time to study, creating a quiet and organized workspace, and practicing note-taking and review techniques.
- Development of Critical Thinking:
Seventh grade emphasizes analytical thinking and problem-solving. Develop these skills by discussing current events, participating in debates, and encouraging your child to ask questions and explore different points of view.
- Building Independence:
Encourage your child to take more responsibility for school and daily life. This includes managing time effectively, tracking assignments, and setting personal goals. Develop independence by allowing them to make decisions and learn from their experiences.
Here is an example checklist of what your child needs to know before starting first grade.
What Your 7th Grader Should Know
7th Grade Math
Seventh-grade math builds on foundational knowledge and introduces more advanced concepts, helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here's what your seventh grader will learn:
1. Understand and classify numbers into real, irrational, rational, integer, negative, natural, and integer.2. Solve one-step, two-step, and multi-step algebraic equations.
3. Work with variables and understand inequalities.
4. Convert fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios.
5. Write and compare coefficients.
6. Understand surface area and lateral surface area.
7. Analyze the mean, median, mode, and range.
8. Find average absolute deviations.
9. Understand random samples and their impact on probability.
10. Solve magic squares where each row, column, and diagonal sum to the same number.
Tips for Parents
- Ensure your child is familiar with basic math operations and can solve more complex problems.
- Provide opportunities for your child to practice math regularly using workbooks or online resources.
- Talk regularly with your child about their learning and help them solve difficult problems.
- Engage your child in games that require strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
7th Grade Reading and Reading Comprehension
Seventh-grade reading deepens comprehension and analytical skills, preparing students for more complex texts and research-based writing. Here's what your seventh grader will learn:
11. Understand and use features such as glossaries, indexes, graphs, captions, and tables.12. Apply reading comprehension skills to more complex nonfiction texts.
13. Learn various genres to provide exposure to various forms of literature.
14. Determine the author's purpose and main idea.
15. Understand foreshadowing, allusions, and the impact of dialogue.
16. Demonstrate understanding through engaging reading passages.
17. Study various figurative language forms, including personification, proverbs, and metaphors.
18. Learn to cite texts to support statements in an essay effectively.
19. Highlight evidence that demonstrates an advanced understanding of indications.
Tips for Parents
- Provide various reading materials and encourage daily reading to develop comprehension skills.
- Discuss the characters, conflicts, and points of view in the books your child reads to deepen their understanding.
- Help your child practice quoting passages from their reading to support their ideas and statements.
- Identify and discuss figurative language in everyday conversations and media.
7th Grade Writing
Seventh-grade writing emphasizes the development of structured, argumentative essays and vocabulary development. Here's what your seventh grader will learn:
20. Research and formulate personal beliefs on a topic.21. Provide supporting evidence to support their opinion.
22. Use transition words to create smooth connections between ideas.
23. Research topics to argue their point and persuade readers.
24. Refute opposing arguments with researched evidence.
25. Craft persuasive essays using well-supported arguments.
26. Conduct in-depth research on a topic.
27. Gather and cite evidence to inform the audience.
28. Write informative essays that present factual information.
Tips for Parents:
- Give your child opportunities to practice writing essays and journal entries.
- Help your child find reliable sources for their essays and discuss how to evaluate and cite those sources.
- Use new vocabulary words in everyday conversations and encourage your child to use them in writing.
- Give constructive feedback on your child's writing to help them improve their skills.
7th Grade Social Studies
Seventh-grade social studies gives students a deeper understanding of history, geography, and civic concepts. Here's what your seventh grader will learn:
29. Explore significant historical events and personalities.30. Understand the causes and consequences of major historical events.
31. Learn various physical, political, and thematic maps.
32. Study local, state, and national government structures and functions.
33. Understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
34 Study different cultures and their traditions, values, and belief systems.
35. Develop research skills to study historical and contemporary events.
36. Participate in critical discussions and debates on social science topics.
Tips for Parents:
- Discuss historical topics to increase understanding and interest.
- Visit museums, historical sites, and cultural festivals for real-life learning experiences.
- Use maps and globes at home to practice geographic skills and explore different regions.
- Help your child find reliable sources and discuss research findings.
7th Grade Science
Seventh-grade science encourages students to explore and understand the natural world through hands-on experimentation and critical thinking. Here's what your seventh grader will learn:
37. Application of the scientific method, including forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data.
38. Develop the skills to observe, ask questions, and draw informed conclusions.
39. Study human impact on the environment and study sustainable practices.
40. Study cell biology, including cell structure and function, cell division, and the role of DNA.
41. Understanding the properties of matter, including states of matter, density, and chemical changes.
42. Study the properties of light, sound, and electromagnetic waves.
43. Participate in projects that combine science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Tips for Parents:
- Provide opportunities for your child to explore science through hands-on experiments and projects at home.
- Connect scientific concepts to everyday life to make them more understandable and relevant.
- Expand learning opportunities by visiting museums, planetariums, and nature reserves.
- Involve your child in discussions about science and encourage them to ask questions and seek answers through research.
7th Grade Social Skills and Abilities
Seventh grade is a critical year for developing the social skills and abilities that help students navigate relationships and interact effectively with others. Here's what your seventh grader will learn:
44. Practice active listening and clear, respectful speech.45. Learn strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully and constructively.
46. Work effectively in a group, distribute responsibilities, and value each team member's contribution.
47. Learn to work together on projects and tasks, developing a sense of community and teamwork.
48. Value diversity and show respect for others, regardless of differences.
Tips for Parents
- Create a safe space for your child to express himself and actively listen to his problems and feelings.
- Encourage group activities, clubs, or sports participation to promote teamwork and cooperation.
- Talk about respecting diversity and inclusion and encourage your child to stand up to bullying and exclusion.
Genie Academy offers personalized after-school enrichment programs in math, reading, writing, and coding for preschool through 9th-grade students throughout New Jersey. Additionally, we provide specialized test preparation courses for SAT, ACT, and ASVAB exams. With centers in Plainsboro, Hillsborough, East Brunswick, South Brunswick, South Plainfield, and Marlboro, we serve various academic needs. Contact us today to schedule a free assessment and help your child succeed academically.
Read the Rest of the Series!
Have multiple children in multiple grades? Read the rest of the series!
- 21 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Kindergarten
- 45 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering First Grade
- 45 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Second Grade
- 43 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Third Grade
- 48 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Fourth Grade
- 49 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Fifth Grade
- 48 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Sixth Grade
- 48 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Seventh Grade
- 42 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Eighth Grade
- 37 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Ninth Grade
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