Field trip to the movies . . .

Tomorrow, the 7th grade team is off to see Life of Pi at Edwards Cinema in Mira Mesa.  The movie is playing at 11:55 and is about 2 hours longs.  We'll be walking to the theater, which is about a 3 mile walk. Everyone should bring their own lunch or money to buy lunch or snacks at the movie theater.  The cost of the movie is $10 and money can still be brought in tomorrow.

Other things we are working on . . .

Life of Pi
We are almost done reading the book.  This week students took a copy of the book home and read about 10 chapters at home. Also, the team has been writing journal entries as if they were Pi or Richard Parker describing key events that took place in the story using the five senses.  I think students need to practice more looking at things in other people's perspectives.  Asking questions like why did this person do this?  How did this person feel when something happened?  Understanding what it likes to walk in someone else's shoes for a few hours is a skill that all students can practice.

Important Due Dates
Journal Entry - 3 -4 paragraphs due by this Friday.

Illustration & Caption - Students choose an important scene from chapters 58-85 to draw and color.  They must include a caption of what's happening in the scene and why this was an important scene in the book.
Due this Friday

Zero Waste Lunch Project
We are wrapping up our first team project this week.  Students have been writing a five paragraph detailed reflection of the project.  They are finishing up their drafts today and getting feedback by peers or family members at home.  Final is due this Friday.

Potluck - This Friday from 10:30 - 11:30.  We decided to end 2012 with a team potluck.  Hoping students will bring dishes that are signature to their family and share these dishes with the team.  I know it's last minute, so if it's hard to bring family dishes other suggestions can be:  paper cups, salad, fruit, wipes to help clean up afterwards, cream cheese, veggie platter, etc.
A challenge was given to the class to make an Indian dish as we will be wrapping up Life of Pi and reflecting on the movie during our potluck.

Feel free to email me any questions you may have.  Hope you and your family have a restful and safe winter break.


-Jennie

What's happening in Humanities . . .

Dear Friends,

So sorry for not updating my blog the past few weeks.  I had a death in the family recently and it's been a little chaotic at home for me the past few weeks.  A big thank you to those that have stopped by or sent emails for your kind words and encouragement during this time.

I hope that your child has been sharing what's happening in Humanities the past few weeks and is keeping you in the loop.  Here's a quick rundown of what's been happening . . .

Family Night - This week we are gearing up for Family Night next week.  It takes place next Thursday night from 5:00 - 8:00.  If you are new to IA, Family Night is a chance for parents and members from the community to visit our school and discover the exciting things happening at our school.  Our team will be exhibiting the Zero Waste Project.  Their final product that they are making is due next Tuesday.

Writing - Students are going through the writing process with the DEAR Book Review.  Write now most are getting feedback and revising and editing their 3rd drafts.  They are also writing responses to specific prompts as we read Life of Pi.

Reading - DEAR is on hold in my class, since we are reading Life of Pi.  We typically read about 3 chapters a day, 3-4xs a week.  The team seems to be really enjoying the book so far and hear them talking about it outside a class (always a good sign).

Social Studies - We are focusing on world geography this week and will begin to focus each week on a specific continent and it's various geographical features.  Also, we continue to talk about different religions and philosophies around the world.  I'm looking to schedule a few guest speakers of different religions and philosophies to share their beliefs and cultures.

Language Arts - New vocabulary words for the week include:  aversion, callous, carrion, coherent, conundrum, dire, dyspeptic, empathy, lucid, and sullen.  The team was assessed on the first five last week and will be assessed on the next five this Friday.  These words are taken right from Life of Pi.

Field trip this Thursday

Hello Families!


This Thursday we have an exciting field trip planned to the San Diego Zoo.  The purpose of the trip is to see some of the animals we've been reading about in Life of Pi up close and personal. We'll be leaving at 9:45 and staying till 2:00.  Students can bring their own lunch or buy lunch at the zoo.  We need about 5-6 drivers and 2-3 chaperones.  Please email me if you are available to drive or chaperone.  Admission will be free!

Thanks again for your continued support!

-Jennie