Schedule Week of December 17th (WK 3)

Here's the schedule for this week. Now, we had some other stuff planned, but as we found out, not many of the students were adequately prepared for the new materials... The original plan included a new unit on how to study cultures through the lens of various aspects such as geography, social organizations, economic activities, and beliefs and values, BUT... many were not too familiar with basic geographical terms and concepts, so we had to take a step back.

Here's what we are doing (have done) this week.

Monday - We watched a introductory movie on how to study cultures, especially the geographical aspects. We discussed why and how geography impacts the way we live. The lesson of the day: Where we live impact how we live. How very true, indeed...

Tuesday - Class discussion and guided lecture on basic geography, terms, and why geography is important. Discussed some local Navarre and Brewster history as connected with geography (the canal in Navarre, and the railroad in Brewster) and how this impacted the local population. Students began charting out what they know about landforms as well. The landforms we are focusing on are: Deserts, Tundra, Tropics, Temperate Zones, Mountains, and the Savanna.

Wednesday - Students will work in small group to become area experts on one of the six landforms. Most of the classes will work in the library with various atlases, maps, and other materials related to geography. They will have multiple questions to research and document.

Thursday - Students will take a test (an evaluation) including all materials learned and discussed in the past three weeks. The test will be an open-binder test, and students will be allowed to use all notes they have taken, handouts, etc.

Friday - The morning classes will spend some time working on their geography and maps left over from Wednesday. The afternoon classes will watch a movie in their homeroom as part of a school wide Holiday movie. Friday is the last day before break. School resumes Wednesday January 2, 2008.

Revised Week of Dec 3rd (1st WK)

Here is the schedule that we actually followed last week:

M - Intro, quick expectations, handing out of syllabus + parent letter (must be returned signed ASAP)
T - KW on Mr. Johansson
W - SNOW DAY
R - Rules, expectations, social norms, lecture
F - Unwritten rules, slideshow and lecture

Week of Dec 10th... (2nd WK)

Hello!

We are on the second week of class for the new rotation, and so far things are going well. We discussed rules and expectations last week, with both a philosophical and practical view. Students explored where some of the rules in school come from, as well as mapped out some unwritten rules in society. Many were surprised to see so many expectations, especially expectations from the teen category.

This week, we'll look at presentations from the students (the Bag-It Exercise) as well as continue
exploring rules and guidelines. We'll also begin a lecture series on the topic "What is Culture?", and prepare an exhibit next week.

12-5-2007 Snow Day # 1

We have our first snow day of the season today. This will alter the schedule somewhat, but nothing to worry about. If you're on this blog, why not leave a comment telling us what you're doing instead of school.

First week, 12-2, Game Plan

New rotation, new students, new things to learn and explore...

Monday: Introductions, roll call, seating chart, and a brief discussion on expectations. Handing out of syllabi - DUE back on Friday, signed by your parents...
Tuesday: Binders, sign your card, KW on Mr. Johansson, and other questions.
Wednesday: Teacher-led class discussion on the topic: "What is law?", "What should law be?", and how these questions relate to class rules, school procedures, etc. Students should bring their student handbooks for reference materials. We'll explore what students and teachers can expect to experience in the next couple of weeks. We will also work on choices and consequences.
Thursday: Bag-It Exercise - students are asked to bring 5-10 items that represent themselves, and should be prepared to present either Thursday or Friday. We'll pick who goes using our playing cards... Don't bring anything illegal - make sure to check in skateboards and other large items at the front office.
Friday: Continuation, and completion of the Bag-It exercise. Bring cookies!