Post date: Jun 07, 2015 6:53:21 AM
Hi Room 25 Families.
The highlight of the week was obviously our camping/rafting trip and it was absolutely one filled with adventure, camaraderie, and an ever-growing love of the family that this 8th grade has become. I really appreciate that you parents continue to support us teachers and your kids by allowing us to do these excellent (but expensive) experiences. Whether it was during meal time, camp time, or river time, there were many important and impactful moments to be had/created out there. There is something absolutely magical about the energy and atmosphere created by groups of kids in natural environments and it has always permeated deep into my core -- it is where love grows strongest and I'm so glad that I got to spend some time there with this group out there.
Recap: During the first three days of the week we actually did get some work done. In science the kids did some research into various aspects of light, vision, and optics and then I taught them what I know about the parts and functions (and possible dysfunctions) of the eye. The social studies time involved watching/discussing a documentary about the well-known power-men of the industrial period including Cornelius Vanderbilt, John Rockefeller, and Andrew Carnegie. In English I'm still pushing the kids to be able to write some sort of eloquent and in-depth page about something seemingly simple, which is a hard task yet valuable skill.
UpComing: Starting tomorrow, there are quite a few loose-ends to tie up and projects to complete, including the skills-teaching sessions that the kids will do, the completion of a poster or infographic, and the remaining curiosity slides. In science this week we (all 8th grade) will be dealing with some interesting and sensitive topics of sexuality, stereotypes, and anatomy (as needed/requested by kids), some of which will be in gender separated groups and other parts will be mixed but with homerooms only. Our class will wind up the social studies curriculum with a bit more on the less glamorous aspects of the industrial revolution and then some cursory exploration of westward expansion. The ELA tasks still remaining are the completion of that last essay, some cumulative vocabulary activities, one last book-club session, and (maybe) a lesson co-taught by my older two daughters.
Calendar:
Wednesday, June 10: Talent Show and Maker Day
Thursday, June 11: Last day of selectives
Friday, June 12: Field Day
Monday, June 15: Beach Day
Wednesday, June 17: Graduation practice and graduation
Thursday, June 18: Last day of school
Friday, June 19: Staff work day