Post date: Sep 14, 2013 2:59:54 AM
One of the great highlights of the week for me was spending time with you parents on Monday during our first evening meeting together. I know that I spoke quickly and not always coherently, but it sure was great to see some affirming nods as I explained some aspects of my teaching, the curriculum, and the imminent tremendous growth that your kids will undergo during this very important year. I loved spending time with you and beginning some conversations about the amazing potential that this year holds. I'm hoping to get the evening of October 17th onto the calendar for our second parent meeting -- this time we will focus on goal-setting for the students and preparations for student-led conferences.
Science: We were all about metric measurement this week. I'm not very neutral when it comes to the metric-standard debate and I hope the students aren't either. I assume that they have gained an even deeper operational understanding and appreciation of the metric system. We started two different assignments on metric measurement as well as scales and increments. Today the kids got good at calibrating and using triple-beam balances and on Monday we'll get into the graduated cylinders during our measurement lab. After that, the kids will start their Fall science experiments -- much more information on that in next week's newsletter.
English: For 2 days of the week the students and I worked hard on refining their "Reader Profile" essays. I gave a bit of a pep talk about the increase in the overall quality that can result come from working hard to create a solid draft and then working with someone to improve a piece of writing. It is hard, but most valuable to move beyond editing for just mechanics, and reach into the realm of organization, voice, and creating the "sweet spots" that make a paper powerful and effective. In addition to getting that essay rolling, the kids also did their weekly vocabulary entries as well as a few online grammar games.
Social Studies: The three aspects of social studies continues. In geography, the kids learned more about global positioning and the various outdated and current map projections types. Starting on Monday, new routine for current events will replace our use of CNN's Student News Summary. I think that, if the kids follow those instructions and really get into this, they'll have some amazing conversations going on in class about some extremely interesting and relevant topics. Please, if at all possible, take a look at those instructions with your kid and help them to be prepared, at least for this first round. The History Alive chapter topic was feudalism and the kids did an "each one teach one" during class and then took my quiz on Monday. That process continues this week with chapter 3 on the role of the church in medieval Europe.
A Concern of Mine: I have noticed lately that there are some things about the class atmosphere, freedoms, & activities that I value in a classroom are being more expected by the kids than they are appreciated and "paid forward" -- almost being abused and taken for granted. I've been noticing the trend (but hoping for it's cessation) since school started, but it became most evident to me when I realized how often (and for how long) I have to get kid's attention while giving instructions. Although I encourage the kids to feel relaxed in class and I give lots of freedoms (including the use of school and personal technologies, eating anytime, classroom mobility, an open door policy, and my providing class-wide treats a few times), I do expect that the kids will value those 'privileges' and use them (especially the technology) wisely and with an academic focus. So, what bothers me is that some (and really just about 8) kids are showing too little self-responsibility or personal initiative and aren't finding action(s) that perpetuate the positive climate in the room. Perhaps over-familiarity between them and immaturity levels in some are causing the sibling-rivalry flavor to some of their interactions, but the result is draining the energy/enthusiasm from this whole-class parent. Said bluntly, the kids are acting more as takers rather than givers. I'm going to speak with them quite honestly about this on Monday and possibly pulling back on some of the "givens" until a get a greater sense of reciprocity and peer-to-peer generosity and mutual support. I want them to appreciate and value what they have in their class and their school and chill-out on the apparent sense of entitlement and detachment from responsibility.
On A Positive Note: I'd hate to end this week's writing on the downer note of that previous paragraph, so let me sum up by saying that I have high hopes and high expectations for this class in so many realms, including academics, peer relations, personal challenge, self responsibility, social awareness, and even community service -- we have immense potential and capacity and I have no intention of letting anyone settle for anything less than the best of what they are. Oh, and also, here is a link to a shared dropbox folder that has hundreds of pictures from the ropes course.
As always, I invite your reply.
Chris
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, 9/19: School pictures
Friday, 9/27: Middle school dance
Monday, 9/30: Parent workshifts start & selectives begin
Tuesday 10/8 to Thursday 10/10: Cal Coast Walkabout
Friday, 10/11: No school (staff development day)
Thursday, 10/17: Room 25 parent meeting #2
Monday 10/21 to Friday 10/25: Conferences
Monday 11/11: No school (Veteran's Day)
Monday 11/25 to Friday 11/29: No school (Thanksgiving week)