Post date: Dec 13, 2014 5:15:23 AM
Hi Families.
I've already written to you a couple of times last week, so I'll try to keep this one shorter than usual.
Science
Our "Work, Machines, and Energy" unit continued this week. The kids should be on the downhill side of their energy conversion and storage device, which is due before vacation. Most have submitted their diagram/description document to me (scores are on PowerSchool) and I've reminded them to get building! Thomas and I both showed examples that we had made, and are hoping that each kid creates a device that challenges them just a bit in regards to construction, design, and explanation.
The book-work part of science has taken us through chapter 9 (scores on PowerSchool) and the scores for tests are very high -- we discuss & review the sections during class and the kids had the question stems before the test (which are also open-note). My goal is to give them experience with traditional publisher-made multiple-choice tests in a way that builds confidence. By the end of the year, the preparation crutches will be minimal and I'm confident that they will be fully able to bear their own full weight (be autonomous and well prepared).
English
The expository essay winds up during this coming week. All of the components that I've had the kids create will be turned in, including a list of unorganized ideas, some sort of organized outline, a rough draft, edited drafts, and the final copy. Before they started to write their drafts, I read them some good (but achievable) samples written by middle school kids on various topics. I also tried to give them some explanation of the purpose & process of editing. This kind of writing process continues to be the most challenging one and yet the most valuable (in my opinion) as kids prepare for high school life. I am a part of many teacher groups and PLCs, and the one thing that I hear most often from high school teachers is that they desire/expect that the kids be able to write well, write often, and write with purpose.
Social Studies
I am very pleased with how well the current events process is going. The kids are preparing well, discussing the topics with good knowledge and depth, and gaining a wider and deeper understanding of the world. Yay!
After we covered various topics about the 1760-1776) history I gave the kids some "prove your understanding" questions a while ago, and the results are, for the most part, good. Although only about one third of the class consistently contributes to class discussions, I assume and hope that the rest are learning something through auditory-osmosis (at least I hope for that).
The practice for the Age of Sail trip also allowed for some historical empathy and understanding, and I'm eager to watch the kids put their skills (nautical and dramatic) into action when we get to finally go (see "reschedule dates" below). I know that some parents were upset that I didn't assert more decisiveness on Thursday early in the morning, but I really wanted the kids to be aware and involved as the weather and traffic status progressed and therefore deeply understand that we left all the options open until a "best decision" became glaringly obvious. If I am transparent about the process involved in making the decision, then, hopefully, they will be more understanding, but also more likely to mimic that process when they have to make big decisions in their near future. Like I've said, personal adventure and a "go-for-it" attitude often need to be tempered by a bit of a reality check, lest we all suffer from adrenaline or testosterone poisoning.
Another amazing thing that came out of our long and emotional day together on Thursday was the viewing and discussion of Lord of the Flies. The story is rife with material for social analysis and personal reflection, and this group of kids is very ready for that.
Age of Sail reschedule date options available:
The Program Coordinator called me on Friday to offer the following dates. Please let me know which you prefer. I know that choosing one will be tough and not be the top choice for everyone.
January 16-17 (Friday-Saturday, right before MLK Monday and our 8th grade SF trip)
February 1-2 (Sunday-Monday)
February 8-9 (Sunday-Monday)
April 4-5 (Friday-Saturday)
Calendar:
December 22 - January 9: Winter Holiday
January 13: High School Information Night (parents and kids)
January 20-23: SanFrancisco Trip
January 23: Middle School Dance
February 6: Selectives end
February 6: Family Dance
February 9 & 10: Age of Sail
February 26: Exploratorium
April 28: Levi Stadium Tour
June 3 to 5: Rafting the South Fork American River