Debra D. Mays

7th Grade Civics and Geography Teacher

Phone Number 1-334- 567-1413

BIO

Hi.  I am Debra Mays.  I attended Alabama State University, and finished with a Masters Degree in Social Studies.   I later attended Troy State University, and finished with a Masters Degree in Agency Counseling.   
I also attended Auburn University at Montgomery, and received a Certification in Reading.  I presently teach Civics and Geography at Wetumpka Middle School.

 

Courses Taught:

Contemporary Civics/Geography - Grade 7

Contemporary Issues - Grade 7 (Elective)

 

Remind Codes
Homeroom/1st Period - 7th Grade- Geography/Civics -   Text @acgd79 to 81010.
 2nd, 5th, 6th Period - 7th Grade- Geography/Civics -       Text @94393kk to 81010.
 3rd Period - 7th Grade- Contemporary Issues (Elective- Text @4cbh28d to 81010.


Debra D. Mays

Lesson Plan: NAME: Debra Mays      GRADE/SUBJECT:  7th Grade/Civics      WEEK OF: October 27th-October 31st 2025         

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- What does criminal cases involve?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Crimes (2) Government Charges and (3) Violations) 

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the more serious the crime, the harsher the punishment will be.

Essential Question- What purpose does penalties for crimes serve?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Felonies (2) Penal Codes and (3) Legal Proceedings

I can(as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on types of criminal cases. 

Who are the critics?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Resolve Disputes (2) Lawsuits and (3) Arbitration

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on clarifying  differences between the two sides and preparing for the trial.

Essential Question- What are the different types of felonies? 

Learning Targets For Students: (1)  Criminal Trial (2) Lost earnings and (3) The Evidence

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on parties with no settlement will go to trial. 

Essential Question- What happens in a criminal Case? 

Learning Targets For Students: (1) the Judge (2) The Verdict and (3)The Winning Plaintiff

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on a winning plaintiff that may have to wait years before seeing any of the money the court awarded, and may even end up with nothing.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Criminal Cases

Bell-Ringer- What are the penalties for misdemeanors?

Before- Read-Write- Draw

During- Questions

Key Terms

Read to Learn Questions

Main Idea

Open-ended questions

Strategy- Predictions

After- Create a chart.

Whole Group

Formative

Summative  

Objective- Penalties For Crimes

Bell-Ringer- what is the purpose of criminal penalties?

Before- Read

During- Write Notes

Complete Graphic Organizer

Analyze Graph

Key Terms

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me.

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Write two facts on serious law violations.

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

          

Objective- What about critics of the parole system?

Bell-Ringer- What is arbitration?

Before- Read/Discuss

During- Compare

Identify

Draw Conclusions

Sequence Information

Analyze Visual

Strategy- 3-2-1

After- Evaluate Chart

Whole Group

Formative

Summative

Objective- The Trial in Criminal Cases.

Bell-Ringer- What takes place if the defendant wins?

Before- Quick Write

During- Summary

Chart

Examples of civil cases

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After- Sequential Graphic Organizer

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

Objective- The Appeal

Bell-Ringer- What is the arrest phase?

Before- Quick Write

During- Direct Expenditures

Main Ideas

Checking For Understanding

Graphic Organizer

Strategy- Turn and Talk

After- Write 3 positive reactions on the Criminal Court System

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

Student Grouping:X  Whole Group  X Small Group X  Individual Work 

Assessments:X  Formative X Summative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,  X    Shorter Assignments,   X  Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

 

Lesson Plan:NAME:  Debra Mays  GRADE/SUBJECT: 7th Grade Contemporary Issues-Elective  WEEK OF:October 27th-October 31st 2025                   

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill- Reading Comprehension

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill-Reading Comprehension

Skill- Reading Comprehension

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- What is a Natural Resource?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Natural Resources (2) Graphite and (3) Plants and Animals

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on materials found on Earth that people use.

Essential Question- How are natural resources used?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Natural Resources (2) A country’s economy and (3) Products and Services

I can (as a teacher ) help the students gain knowledge on resources used to make products.

Essential Question- What are the Three North American Countries?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Canada (2) New Mexico and (3) The United States 

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on North American Countries

Essential Question-What is one similarity between Canada and the United States?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Canada (2) The United States and (3) The Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on similarities between Canada and the United States.

Essential Question- What is Canada’s Winter Sport?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Hockey

(2) Canada and (3) California

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Canada’s popular sports.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- What is a Natural Resource?

Bell-Ringer- What does water provide?

Before-Quick Write

During-Graphic Organizer

Word Wall

Chart

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Write 3 examples of natural resources.

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

.

Objective- Using Natural Resources

Bell-Ringer- What type of sweater do most people buy?

Before- Read/ Write/Discuss

During- Completions

Matching

Find the Words

Strategy- 3-2-1

After- Reading Check Question

Whole Group

Formative

Summative 

Objective- Three North American Countries

Bell-Ringer- How can Canada be described?

Before- Quick Write

During- Discussions

Sum-It-Up

Inferences

Cause and Effect

Main Idea

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After- Write 3 conclusive statements.

Individual Work

Formative 

Summative

Objective- Comparing Canada and the United States

Bell-Ringer- What language do most people in Canada and the United States speak?

Before- Read/Write Facts

During- Read to Learn Questions

Completions

Sum-It-Up

Strategy- Predictions

After- Drawing

Whole  Group

Formative

Summative

Objective- Canada’s Winter Sports

Bell-Ringer- What did professional hockey players on specific teams learn to do?

Before- Read  and write facts.

During- Matching

Graphic Organizer

Complete the words

Strategy- Turn and Talk

After- Write 3 reactions.

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

www.pearsonlearning.com

Student Grouping:X  Whole Group   XSmall Group X  Individual Work 

Assessments:X  Formative X Summative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,   X  Preferential Seating,  X    Shorter Assignments,     Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

Lesson Plan NAME: Debra Mays      GRADE/SUBJECT: 7th Grade/Civics         WEEK OF: October 15th-October 17th, 2025

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Fall Break

Fall Break

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

Parent Report Card Day

Standard 6- Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

  

Essential Question- What are the causes of juvenile delinquency?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Juvenile (2) Juvenile Delinquents and (3) Serious Crimes

I can (as a teacher) gain knowledge on a certain age at which people become adults in the eyes of the criminal justice system. 

 

Essential Question- What role does rehabilitation play in the juvenile justice system?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Juvenile Courts (2) Parents Responsibilities and (3) Rehabilitation

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on juvenile  delinquency.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

  

Objective- Young People and the Courts

Bell-Ringer- What is allowed by the courts for older juveniles who are charged with very serious crimes or already have criminal records?

Before- Quick Write

During- Write Notes

Graphic Organizer

Questions

Key Terms

Strategy- 3-2-1

After- Making Judgements

Whole Group

Formative

Summative.

 

Objective- Young People and the Courts.

Bell-Ringer- What types of cases does the juvenile court system handle?

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During- Summary Statements

Chart

Read to Learn Questions

Main Ideas

Word Wall

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After-List types of crimes that children and teenagers commit.

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

  

Social Studies

 

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

  

civ.glencoe.com

 

civ.glrncoe.com

Student Grouping:  XWhole Group   XSmall Group  X Individual Work 

Assessments:X Formative XSummative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,   X   Shorter Assignments,  X   Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

Lesson Plan -NAME: Debra Mays  GRADE/SUBJECT: 7th Grade/Contemporary Issues-Elective   WEEK OF: October 15th-October 17th 2025

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

  

Reading Comprehension

 

Reading Comprehension

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Fall Break

Fall Break

Essential Question-Who was King Chandra Gupta?

Learning Targets For Students.: (1) The Gupta Empire (2) The Mughal Empire. and (3) Great Britain Takes Control.

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Indian Rulers.

Parent Report Day

Essential Question-Who were the Magnificent Mayas?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Mesoamerican Empires 92) The Mayas and (3) City-States

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the piece of land that joins the North American and South American continents.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

  

Objective- Indian Rulers

Bell-Ringer- How long did the Gupta Empire last?

Before- Quick Write

During- Write 5 notes.

Word Wall

Find the Words

Write 3 descriptive words

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Reading Check Question- How long did the Great Conflict last?

Whole Group

Formative

Summative

 

Objective- Mesoamerican Empires

Bell-Ringer- What were the Mayas known for?

Before- Quick Write

During- Graphic Organizer

Read to Learn

Sum-It-Up

Inferences

Fact/Opinion

Drawing

Strategy- Turn and Talk

After- Main Idea Question

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

  

Social Studies

 

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

  

www.shelleducation.com

 

www.shelleducation

Student Grouping:X  Whole Group  X Small Group  X Individual Work 

Assessments:X  Formative  XSummative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,  X    Shorter Assignments,  X   Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

Lesson Plan - NAME:  Debra Mays  GRADE/SUBJECT: 7th Grade Contemporary Issues-Elective   WEEK OF: October 6th-October 10th, 2025                    

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- Where is Greece located?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Art (2) Theater and (3) Plays

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the mainland, islands, and climate of Greece.

Essential Question- What are Greek City-States?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Minoans (2) Mycenaeans (3) Athens

and (4) Sparta

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on military leaders and wealthy families that ruled small parts of Greece.

Essential Question- What is the history behind the mighty Roman Empire?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Rome (2) Roman Rulers and (3) Julius Caesar

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the beautiful city of Rome.

Essential Question- What caused the rise and fall of the Roman Empire?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) A Strong Army (2) Weather and Crops and (3) Roman Temples

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on legionnaires that made the Roman Empire strong.

Essential Question - Where is Early India located?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) India (2) Dravidians and (3) The Aryans

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on Early India.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- Ancient Greece

Bell-Ringer- What were some of the accomplishments of the Greeks?

Before- Quick Write

During- Read/ Write Notes

Questions

Completions

Inferences

Strategy- Write 3 predictions

After- Write how the Greek way of life had an effect on many places?

Whole Group

Formative

Objective- Greek City-States

Bell-Ringer- Who were the Minoans?

Before- Read/Write/Discuss

During- Summary

Read to Learn

Find the Word

Questions

Strategy- 3-2-1

After- Create a word wall

Whole Group

Summative

Objective- The Mighty Roman Empire

Bell-Ringer- How can the city of Rome be described?

Before- Quick Write

During-Drawing with illustrations.

Cause and Effect

Skill Activity

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After- Read to Learn Activity

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

Objective- The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire.

Bell-Ringer- What training was used to make the Roman Empire strong?

Before-Read

During- Notes

Graphic Organizer

Matching

Drawing

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Write 2 reactions 

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

Objective- Early India

Bell-Ringer- What type of language did the Aryans come up with?

Before- Quick Write

During- Discussion

Chart

Key Terms

Summarizing

Strategy- Turn and Talk

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

Leveled Texts for Social Studies

World Cultures Through Time

Leveled Texts for Social Studies

World Cultures Through Time

Leveled Texts for Social Studies

World Cultures Through Time

Leveled Texts for Social Studies

World Cultures Through Time

Leveled Texts for Social Studies

World Cultures Through Time

Student Grouping: X Whole Group X Small Group X  Individual Work 

Assessments:X  Formative X Summative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,   X   Shorter Assignments,  X   Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

Lesson Plan -NAME: Debra Mays      GRADE/SUBJECT:  7th Grade/Civics       WEEK OF: October 6th-October 10th, 2025

 

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Standards/Skills

Standard 5- Compare duties and functions of members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama’s local and state governments and of the national government.

Standard 5- Compare duties and functions of members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama’s local and state governments and of the national government.

Standard 5- Compare duties and functions of  members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of governments and of the national government.

Standard 5- Compare duties and functions of members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama’s local and state governments and of the national government.

Standard 5- Compare  duties and functions of members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama’s local and state governments and of the national government.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Learning Targets

“I can …”

Essential Question- What are the lower state courts?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Justice of the Peace. (2) Misdemeanors and (3) Magistrate Courts

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on the organization of courts in most states.

Essential Question- What courts do larger towns have?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Civil Cases (2) Lawsuits and (3) Police Courts

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on a judge or justice of the peace hearing and deciding each case in a lower court.

Essential Question- What is meant by the phrase” Americans in Action”?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Common Pleas Court (2) Domestic Relations and (3) Juvenile Division

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on improving the juvenile system in ways that will continue  in years to come.

Essential Question- What are the higher State Courts?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Felonies (2) General Trial Courts and (3) Appellate Courts

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on cases involving large amounts of money.

Essential Question- What are Appellate Courts?

Learning Targets For Students: (1) Review Decisions (2) Majority vote and (3) Fair Trial

I can (as a teacher) help the students gain knowledge on a panel of judges deciding cases by a majority vote.

Instructional Strategies/

Activities

(Before, During, & After)

Objective- The State Judicial Branch

Bell-Ringer- What does the federal court system handle?

Before- Read/Discuss

During -Write Notes

Questions

Graphic Organizer

Strategy- 3-2-1

After- Write 3 discussion questions

Whole Group

Formative

Objective- Lower State Courts

Bell-Ringer- What are misdemeanors?

Before- Quick Write

During- Reading Aloud

Summarizing

Chart

Read to Learn

Strategy- ABC Brainstorm

After- Create a word wall

Whole Group

Summative

Objective- Americans in Action

Bell-Ringer- Who was Ohio’s youngest elected judge?

Before- Read/Quick Write

During-Discuss

Write final Thoughts

Venn diagram Activity

Key Words

Sum It Up

Strategy- Predictions

After- Drawing

Individual Work

Formative

Summative

Objective- Higher State Courts

Bell-Ringer- What are felonies?

Before- Read

During- Organize Information

Completions

Find the Word

Strategy- Save the Last Word For Me

After- Write 3 conclusive statements.

Individual Work

Formative

Sumative

Objective- Appellate Courts

Bell-Ringer- Who are the defendants?

Before- Quick Write

During- Fact/Opinion

Evaluating Charts

Matching

Strategy- Turn and Talk

After- Graphic Organizer

Small Group

Formative

Summative

IXL Skills 

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Resources

(for Parent Transparency)

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

civ.glencoe.com

Student Grouping:X  Whole Group  XSmall Group X Individual Work 

Assessments:  Formative Summative

ACCOMMODATIONS:     Retake Tests,     Preferential Seating,  X    Shorter Assignments,   X  Additional Time,      EL Strategies,       Language Modifications, 

          Compacting the Subject (gifted),       Less Repetition (gifted),       Alternative Assessment,       Other:                                                                       X

 

Sample News Posts


Events