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Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
This Week in Humanities
January 14th - 18th
Hello 7th Grade Families,
Sorry for the delay in my posts. I hope you're all doing well and staying warm in this chilly weather.
Overview Of This Week . . .
POLs
We are preparing for POLs that will take place next week. The purpose of presentations of learning (POL) is for students to reflect on what they've learned this semester, their struggles and successes. The 7th graders will be creating a photo gallery on their blog that represents all their learning this semester. Here is a link of the POL prep packet they received yesterday. POL Prep Packet
POL's will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week. Students will be presenting their POLs to a small group and also be a panel member and ask questions to other presenters. We encourage that you be present for your child's POL. They've been working hard this semester and want to share the exciting skills they've learned in and outside of the classroom. Here is a link to schedule your child's POL. Thursday, January 24th POL Sign UP or Week 2 POL Sign Up.
Vocabulary
The team took their vocabulary quiz today. The words included: authentic, canny, figment, melancholy, robust, trivial, majestic, excellence, toxic, and consult. Students always can retake any of their quizzes on Fridays if they want to do better.
Challenge - use all 10 words in conversation over dinner!
Social Studies
This week we are looking at the Medieval Era in Europe. We will be watching a documentary on this next week.
Writing
Students are practicing how to show, not tell in their writing. In other words, students are practicing writing with more details. Instead of writing I had a good dinner last night, students are using words like juicy, mouthwatering, zesty, bitter, golden brown, buttery, etc. to describe their dinner.
Reading
We kicked off DEAR (drop everything and read) again. All students must bring a book from home or library to school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for the next month. It should be a book that they haven't read yet.
I hope you all have a great week and feel free to email me any questions or concerns.
Remember next Monday the school will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.
Hello 7th Grade Families,
Sorry for the delay in my posts. I hope you're all doing well and staying warm in this chilly weather.
Overview Of This Week . . .
POLs
We are preparing for POLs that will take place next week. The purpose of presentations of learning (POL) is for students to reflect on what they've learned this semester, their struggles and successes. The 7th graders will be creating a photo gallery on their blog that represents all their learning this semester. Here is a link of the POL prep packet they received yesterday. POL Prep Packet
POL's will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week. Students will be presenting their POLs to a small group and also be a panel member and ask questions to other presenters. We encourage that you be present for your child's POL. They've been working hard this semester and want to share the exciting skills they've learned in and outside of the classroom. Here is a link to schedule your child's POL. Thursday, January 24th POL Sign UP or Week 2 POL Sign Up.
Vocabulary
The team took their vocabulary quiz today. The words included: authentic, canny, figment, melancholy, robust, trivial, majestic, excellence, toxic, and consult. Students always can retake any of their quizzes on Fridays if they want to do better.
Challenge - use all 10 words in conversation over dinner!
Social Studies
This week we are looking at the Medieval Era in Europe. We will be watching a documentary on this next week.
Writing
Students are practicing how to show, not tell in their writing. In other words, students are practicing writing with more details. Instead of writing I had a good dinner last night, students are using words like juicy, mouthwatering, zesty, bitter, golden brown, buttery, etc. to describe their dinner.
Reading
We kicked off DEAR (drop everything and read) again. All students must bring a book from home or library to school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for the next month. It should be a book that they haven't read yet.
I hope you all have a great week and feel free to email me any questions or concerns.
Remember next Monday the school will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, December 3, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Who is Richard Parker & Orange Juice?
Hello 7th Grade Families!
We are in the middle of another exciting week! The class and I finally started reading Life of Pi yesterday. The class had lots of questions as we read and made lots of great predictions of what they think will happen. Many wonder how Pi survived the boat ride with a Bengal tiger and many predicted that Pi will kill the tiger. They received a character chart graphic organizer and wondered who is Richard Parker and Orange Juice? Questions and predictions are a great discussion tool as students read any book. As your child reads his or her own book at home each week, as them what questions they have and to make 1 -2 predictions of what will happen next.
Looking Ahead:
Unfortunately, I will be out the rest of this week (Wednesday - Friday) to attend a funeral in Texas. Our team will be in great hands with Tiffany. She will be subbing for me and is a co-teacher at our school and helps out at all grade levels.
Writing - Students began writing their first book review on their DEAR book. They were given a template of topics to include and have time each day this week to work on their first drafts. The first draft will be due this Friday. This is a great time to take a look at their writing and give them some feedback. I encourage students to read other book reviews on Amazon to see both good and bad models of book reviews.
Vocabulary Charades & Quiz - Students have been reviewing their vocabulary words all week. We did a crossword puzzle and will play charades today to review. Quiz on the first five terms will be this Friday: abiding, credible, compulsion, discernment, and exemplary. There will also be a few questions on Life of Pi.
Social Studies - Students are in groups and have been researching different topics that relate to Life of Pi, such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, India, Canada, etc. The groups are becoming experts in their topic and creating posters to present to the class early next week.
Other exciting news:
Its Zero Waste Lunch week! Students have taken inventory in two grades so far and saw a HUGE improvement in the amount of trash produced. Teachers and students were very impressed with our team's assembly on Zero Waste last Friday. Maybe we'll take our show on the road!
We are in the middle of another exciting week! The class and I finally started reading Life of Pi yesterday. The class had lots of questions as we read and made lots of great predictions of what they think will happen. Many wonder how Pi survived the boat ride with a Bengal tiger and many predicted that Pi will kill the tiger. They received a character chart graphic organizer and wondered who is Richard Parker and Orange Juice? Questions and predictions are a great discussion tool as students read any book. As your child reads his or her own book at home each week, as them what questions they have and to make 1 -2 predictions of what will happen next.
Looking Ahead:
Unfortunately, I will be out the rest of this week (Wednesday - Friday) to attend a funeral in Texas. Our team will be in great hands with Tiffany. She will be subbing for me and is a co-teacher at our school and helps out at all grade levels.
Writing - Students began writing their first book review on their DEAR book. They were given a template of topics to include and have time each day this week to work on their first drafts. The first draft will be due this Friday. This is a great time to take a look at their writing and give them some feedback. I encourage students to read other book reviews on Amazon to see both good and bad models of book reviews.
Vocabulary Charades & Quiz - Students have been reviewing their vocabulary words all week. We did a crossword puzzle and will play charades today to review. Quiz on the first five terms will be this Friday: abiding, credible, compulsion, discernment, and exemplary. There will also be a few questions on Life of Pi.
Social Studies - Students are in groups and have been researching different topics that relate to Life of Pi, such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, India, Canada, etc. The groups are becoming experts in their topic and creating posters to present to the class early next week.
Other exciting news:
Its Zero Waste Lunch week! Students have taken inventory in two grades so far and saw a HUGE improvement in the amount of trash produced. Teachers and students were very impressed with our team's assembly on Zero Waste last Friday. Maybe we'll take our show on the road!
Some of our Zero Waste Superheroes greeting students after our assembly last Friday.
Zero Waste Superheroes having lunch with the lower grades this week.
7th grade bake sale - We're having a bake sale Tuesday - Thursday this week from 3:30 -4:15. Thank you to all the families that have already donated some delicious baked goods and beautiful jewelry to sell. We're hoping to raise enough money for future field trips to Suzie's Farms and museums at Balboa Park.
Class Buddies - Below are a few pictures of when some of the team met with their buddies in first grade. They'll meet with them again this Friday and will continue every other Friday.
I will have access to my email, so if you have any questions, feel free to email me. Thanks and have a great week!
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