only homework is to read the novel, Milkweed, for Tuesday- I reminded the students about the literature circle activities for it beginning next week.
General Day
At an assembly this morning, Scott Verbeek, one of our high school students treated the students to a guitar romp through musical history from the 50's to the 21st Century. He used a power point presentation to show visuals of the different musicians that he was showcasing with his guitar. He was a very good guitarist and very entertaining. The students received his CD by guessing the name of the artists. We heard pieces from Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jimmi Hendrix, Neil Young, Guess Who, AC/DC, Santirini and Van Halen. Everyone enjoyed it. Thanks, Scott.
Music with Mrs. McPhee
A math (geometry) unit review test was next- hate to be a 'told you' teacher but it is so obvious that some didn't bother to study as recommended. What do you do without turning it into lecture 101?
I reminded some that they have to recognize their personal responsibilities for learning. I want students to have a sense of pride about what they can do so they can be clear about what they need to work harder at improving.
After the test when evryone did what they could, we had a bit of a discussion about math and high school- what it might look like under the 20 week semester system and what a 'traditional' course outline might include.
We began a 'dream house' creation today- many students had a bit of fun creating their own space (some are imagining how they could transform refrigeration boxes and submarines for their ideal homes). The poster plans are underway and are incredibly creative. Our inspiration was Matt Groening's Bongo's Dream House which I have in a cartoon from.
Physical Education with Mr. Parker.
DEAR time (some worked on their posters)
Personal Planning- the ground rules and question protocals for our upcoming sexual health unit were discussed and agreed on today. The students all agreed that we need 'confidentiality' as a class and that slang language is to be corrected with proper anatomy terms. Questions will be categorized and dealt with as part of the lesson pertaining to them so that we don't have a 'show' of questions and answers.
The students can ask questions confidentially (no names needed) and the "Curiosity Box" will be available throughout the remainder of the school year. Today (after school) I categorized the first 18 questions from your children into 4 different categories.
- puberty and body changes
- sexual relations (relationships)
- babies and pregnancy
- sexually transmitted diseases
The questions were specific and typical for this age level. Meg Hickling refers to this age group (adolescent) as the "students who don't know that they don't know" which just cracks me up as it is so accurate. This age level lives on rumours and 'myths' and today they don't need to wait until school or after school to gossip- it happens instantaneously on the internet and their texting on phones. Think for a moment what they have access to virally (on-line I mean!!!) - it is truly scary. Now consider that their developing brains are not completely making sense of adult content and the types of 'jokes' or parody humour that are written into the shows they watch (like Family Guy or American Dad). There is a reason these shows have a viewer's discretion warning. Some of their questions were derived from the stupidity promoted in these shows- take note parents.
If you would like to discuss the content of the lessons or see my resources, you are very welcome to contact me or come in for a visit (or join us for a class session). Again the intention of the curricular coverage for sexual health is for students to know what they need to know to make informed and healthy decisions for themselves. Next week we will start with the changes of puberty and the male/female reproductive systems. Ask you children what they are learning.
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend- I have heard the weather is supposed to improve.
See everyone Tuesday.
Mrs. J.
No comments:
Post a Comment