Post date: Nov 09, 2013 12:26:2 AM
Happy Friday!
I'll write this week's newsletter before I leave school so as to encourage my own much-needed brevity of writing.
Science:
This week the kids assembled their relatively small unit 3 packet (on cell parts and processes) and hopefully brought it home for your review and comment. The current unit is on the organization and diversity of life and it started with the kids writing lists of diverse species and then creating ways to sort organisms into groups and subgroups. For two days, they used then built activities that helped them discern common characteristics among things. Next week we'll explore the six kingdoms as well as the subgroups of some and learn how to use (and make) dichotomous identification keys.
I also showed the kids how to do write a lab report, which is the final written step in their Fall science experiments.
English:
The conversations about the Ender's Game book and movie continue to be good, but relatively shallow. The kids wrote short movie reviews and then scoured the web for great ideas for their final writing project (described here) -- which they should probably start this weekend. Most of the book-club groups had good discussions all along the way, although often due mostly to the parent's prodding and patience rather than the student's self-regulation, engagement, and maturity. The wordy Wednesday was quite entertaining this time as I indulged the class's current preoccupation with all things "your mom" and came up with the category of "maternal adjectives" for their four words.
Social Studies:
Current events sessions went well this time, with fewer non-participants and better preparation for those that followed through on their responsibilities. I'm glad to see some of the kids actually taking on topics of global concern and relevance.
This was the last week of our study of Islam. I've started using the "Across the Centuries" book because it has a more challenging reading level, goes into greater depth, and utilizes source documents and has some special-interest features. Today groups presented the results of their reading and research so as to best prepare their peers for the (chapter 4) test on Tuesday. A bit of weekend studying for that would behoove the kids as well.
Help Wanted: I'm wondering if any of you can help me with the next phases of construction of the drinking fountain in middle school alley. It has been in process for far too long, awaiting the expertise of someone who can help do the plumbing (sweat copper pipe) as well as someone who can help with the masonry work. Any takers? I'm willing to finance the materials, but I need help with the skilled labor part. It would be great to get this project finished before the muddy ground of winter causes further delays.
Upcoming Events
11/11: No School; Veteran's Day
11/15: Middle School Dance
11/25-11/29: Thanksgiving week (!) off
12/12: Family Giving Tree field trip
12/23-1/10: Winter Break
Football game is over (we won), family is calling, time to get home.
Have a good 3-day weekend.
Chris