As the first trimester comes to an end and we embark into the second, I am blown away by how fast things have gone by!
In 6th grade math, we ended the trimester strong and plan to keep that momentum going into the next. We have a small class, which is proving to be beneficial for both the students and myself. The students are able to ask questions freely in class and get as much help as they need during the class period. As a teacher, I am able to give more one on one attention to students, as needed, and we are able to move at a pace that suits the needs of the majority. Having the flexibility to slow down or speed up, depending on the needs of the class, is something that has been a great!
In 7th grade math, the students finished the trimester on a roll and have, so far, kept it going into the second trimester. The students come in ready to go each day and, even as things get more difficult, they tackle each new challenge. It is exciting to see them motivate themselves to learn, do well, and defeat any problem they may face.
In 7th grade history, we ended the trimester by wrapping up feudal Europe. The students studied the decline and eventual fall of feudal Europe, the 3 main factors that led to the decline, and wrote an opinion paper about the primary reason for the fall. The students really got to see what life was like in Medieval Europe and I think also learned to appreciate all the amenities we have today! As we start second trimester, we are starting to look at the beginnings of Islam, which is a very relevant and large topic that the students want to know more about. It is a great time to learn about another religion and compare/contrast it to ours. With all of the media and happenings in the world today, it is one of the most important topics we need to cover. Also, it is nice because the class becomes a mini Bible class, as well, which I love!
In 7th grade Bible, we have finished the 7 miracles that John writes about in his gospel account. We will be back into John and the miracles after Christmas break, as we are stepping into Matthew and Luke to look into the birth of Jesus and the beauty of that miracle. It is nice to remind the students that Christmas is not about presents, a break from school, or anything else, but simply a celebration of the one, true King entering our world to embark on His journey to save us! It is also nice to get some perspective on Jesus' ministry and see where it all started!
Been an awesome year so far and its looking better and better each day! I am very excited to see what these classes do after break and in a new year!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
September 2015! And so it began...
Well, another September has come upon us and, thus, school has begun!
This year I am teaching 7th Grade math, history, and Bible.
This 7th grade class has a lot of spirit and energy, so I am excited to see where that takes our class discussions/
In History, we are covering the Medieval Era. This begins with the fall of Rome, which they learned about last year, so they are excited to see how and why Rome fell after being so powerful. We take a look into a lot of different cultures, such as China, West Africa, the Americas, and Japan. We will also cover changes in culture and religion, such as Islam, the Reformation, and the Renaissance. This group of students loves debates, discussions, and "what if" questions, which means some great learning will be going on in this class!
In Bible, we are covering the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is such an important aspect of all Christian's lives that I am feel honored and blessed to help them along in their spiritual growth. We are starting in the book of John and will be covering his birth and death/resurrection, specifically, around the holidays. with this class being such a great group for discussions, we have already had some amazing conversations stemming from questions they have about their faith. It is going to be a great journey with these kids and I know they are going to leave stronger in their faith than when they got here!
In Math, we are tackling pre-algebra! This a daunting task for some, but these guys are ready and willing to tackle any challenge. We have completed chapter 1 and they have finished it with flying colors. This is a sharp bunch, so I know this year will be successful.
Also this year I am finally teaching a 6th grade class. Math 6 will be my first go at having 6th graders in the classroom and I am very excited. So far, they are hard working and, possibly, a little overwhelmed with the changes associated with junior High, but they are hanging in there. Their first month almost complete, they are learning and keeping up with the new content. It is going to be great to see them adapt and change into veteran junior highers by the end of the year!
So far the year has gone smoothly and it is looking like smooth sailing ahead. Any storms that come our way will be handled and tackled as they come, as a group, so that we can all grow and become stronger! The 2015-16 school year, here we come!
This year I am teaching 7th Grade math, history, and Bible.
This 7th grade class has a lot of spirit and energy, so I am excited to see where that takes our class discussions/
In History, we are covering the Medieval Era. This begins with the fall of Rome, which they learned about last year, so they are excited to see how and why Rome fell after being so powerful. We take a look into a lot of different cultures, such as China, West Africa, the Americas, and Japan. We will also cover changes in culture and religion, such as Islam, the Reformation, and the Renaissance. This group of students loves debates, discussions, and "what if" questions, which means some great learning will be going on in this class!
In Bible, we are covering the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is such an important aspect of all Christian's lives that I am feel honored and blessed to help them along in their spiritual growth. We are starting in the book of John and will be covering his birth and death/resurrection, specifically, around the holidays. with this class being such a great group for discussions, we have already had some amazing conversations stemming from questions they have about their faith. It is going to be a great journey with these kids and I know they are going to leave stronger in their faith than when they got here!
In Math, we are tackling pre-algebra! This a daunting task for some, but these guys are ready and willing to tackle any challenge. We have completed chapter 1 and they have finished it with flying colors. This is a sharp bunch, so I know this year will be successful.
Also this year I am finally teaching a 6th grade class. Math 6 will be my first go at having 6th graders in the classroom and I am very excited. So far, they are hard working and, possibly, a little overwhelmed with the changes associated with junior High, but they are hanging in there. Their first month almost complete, they are learning and keeping up with the new content. It is going to be great to see them adapt and change into veteran junior highers by the end of the year!
So far the year has gone smoothly and it is looking like smooth sailing ahead. Any storms that come our way will be handled and tackled as they come, as a group, so that we can all grow and become stronger! The 2015-16 school year, here we come!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
November is flying by!
This month has been a whirlwind of learning, activity, and hard work as we closed out the 1st trimester. With all of the class trips ending in October, November was time to get back to normal schedules, full hallways, and finishing up strong.
In History 7, we finished up Unit 1 with a paper about the decline of feudalism. There were 3 key factors that led to its fall and the students had to remove one factor, explain its cause, and defend whether or not feudalism would have fallen had it not occurred. The papers turned out amazing and it really challenged them to see the cause and effect different social factors have on a society.
In Math 8, we started on fractions and decimals within the context of Algebra. Gaining a firm grasp on these 2 major concepts is going to be crucial for future success in any math class, so we are spending time hashing out the details and nailing down the mechanics of converting, ordering, comparing, and using fractions and decimals. The students come in ready and willing to learn, which is the first step in doing well in math. I am encouraged by there eagerness to master this skill and I am looking forward to seeing them use it later on this year.
In Bible 7, we tackled the Sermon on the Mount. With so many great life lessons and ways to live within this message, we spent a good amount of time breaking down the key concepts and learning how we could apply them to our daily lives. We learned how to pray and live as Jesus wants us to. I am hearing and answering some great questions. This group is great and they are hungry for His word!
Overall, this trimester has been great, but we still have a lot of work to do! We are continuing to grow and mature in our spiritual and academic lives. I cannot wait to tackle 2nd trimester with these classes!
In History 7, we finished up Unit 1 with a paper about the decline of feudalism. There were 3 key factors that led to its fall and the students had to remove one factor, explain its cause, and defend whether or not feudalism would have fallen had it not occurred. The papers turned out amazing and it really challenged them to see the cause and effect different social factors have on a society.
In Math 8, we started on fractions and decimals within the context of Algebra. Gaining a firm grasp on these 2 major concepts is going to be crucial for future success in any math class, so we are spending time hashing out the details and nailing down the mechanics of converting, ordering, comparing, and using fractions and decimals. The students come in ready and willing to learn, which is the first step in doing well in math. I am encouraged by there eagerness to master this skill and I am looking forward to seeing them use it later on this year.
In Bible 7, we tackled the Sermon on the Mount. With so many great life lessons and ways to live within this message, we spent a good amount of time breaking down the key concepts and learning how we could apply them to our daily lives. We learned how to pray and live as Jesus wants us to. I am hearing and answering some great questions. This group is great and they are hungry for His word!
Overall, this trimester has been great, but we still have a lot of work to do! We are continuing to grow and mature in our spiritual and academic lives. I cannot wait to tackle 2nd trimester with these classes!
Thursday, October 16, 2014
October is in full swing
This school year has been a whirlwind of activity and it is hard to believe we have been in school for over a month now. With the class trips this month, it seems like the month just started, but we are already half way through!
In 7th grade History we are experiencing Medieval life. From commerce and trade to disease and medical treatment, we have been getting a glimpse of what it was like for Europeans in the the middle ages to live. We have been really focusing in on what the effects of this time period have on us today and how it has helped shape our culture and way of life in modern times. We have interactive reenactments coming up next week, which will be a lot of fun and a great way for the students to experience this way of life firsthand.
In 8th grade math we are working through the beginnings of algebraic equations. We stormed through 1-step problems and are now working diligently on 2-step equations. We are doing a lot of practice with this concept, as it is a very key aspect of algebra later on. We are making sure that steps are shown, done correctly, and mastered and the kids are doing great! I really feel we are building a solid foundation for Algebra 1.
In 7th grade Bible we are working through the Sermon on the Mount, which is no small matter. There are some deep, life changing messages within this sermon and we are breaking them down, discussing, and applying these on a daily basis. From how to pray, how to treat our enemies, and building a solid relationship with Jesus, we are growing in our faith one step at a time. I am loving going through the gospels with these students! A lot of them may know the ideas, but getting deeper into the concepts has been a joy and I feel they are getting a lot out of the Word. This a great age to start exploring their faith on a deeper level and I am blessed to help them do that!
So far, October has been a great month and I am looking forward to finishing this month just as strong as we started it!
In 7th grade History we are experiencing Medieval life. From commerce and trade to disease and medical treatment, we have been getting a glimpse of what it was like for Europeans in the the middle ages to live. We have been really focusing in on what the effects of this time period have on us today and how it has helped shape our culture and way of life in modern times. We have interactive reenactments coming up next week, which will be a lot of fun and a great way for the students to experience this way of life firsthand.
In 8th grade math we are working through the beginnings of algebraic equations. We stormed through 1-step problems and are now working diligently on 2-step equations. We are doing a lot of practice with this concept, as it is a very key aspect of algebra later on. We are making sure that steps are shown, done correctly, and mastered and the kids are doing great! I really feel we are building a solid foundation for Algebra 1.
In 7th grade Bible we are working through the Sermon on the Mount, which is no small matter. There are some deep, life changing messages within this sermon and we are breaking them down, discussing, and applying these on a daily basis. From how to pray, how to treat our enemies, and building a solid relationship with Jesus, we are growing in our faith one step at a time. I am loving going through the gospels with these students! A lot of them may know the ideas, but getting deeper into the concepts has been a joy and I feel they are getting a lot out of the Word. This a great age to start exploring their faith on a deeper level and I am blessed to help them do that!
So far, October has been a great month and I am looking forward to finishing this month just as strong as we started it!
Monday, September 8, 2014
The ready, set is done..
We are officially going!
This year, so far, has been a learning experience for all involved! With the addition of the 1-1 iPad program came a lot of new things all at once and I feel we are taking them in stride.
In History 7, we have an all digital curriculum that is accessed via a website. Students had to learn that coming into class didn't mean waiting for me to start class or that they could wait until the last minute to get their book out. They learned, fairly quickly, that they need to come in and log in to their book. This habit formed fairly easily and they are ready to go once class starts. We dive right in each day and cover a lot of good material that keeps them engaged, discussing, and learning a lot! We have discussed a lot about the Roman Empire, why it fell, and how it has impacted the world (especially us!) today. So far, the digital curriculum has been an amazing addition and I am so excited to continue using it.
In Math 8, we started out with some review of last years content and quickly moving through the first chapter. I am blessed to have this group this year. We are going to bring math class alive each and every day!
In Bible 7, we are starting with the Greatest Story Ever Told. Jesus' birth started a change in the world like none other. One that continues to impact us in the classroom, as well as people groups on the other side of the world. We are looking into, discussing, and enjoying the beginning stories of most impactful man to ever live. I am really excited to hear this class break down parables and apply them to today, as this group loves the discussions and has some very insightful things to add!
Superheroes class is my first elective and, "With great power, comes great responsibility" is our motto for this class. While we have fun breaking down different superheroes, we spend a good deal of time applying their sayings, life styles, and actions to our every day lives as Christians. We have so much to offer this world, as Christians, and our responsibility to the lost cannot be ignored! That is our focus and I am looking forward to showing them how they can become a super hero for Christ!
This year, so far, has been a learning experience for all involved! With the addition of the 1-1 iPad program came a lot of new things all at once and I feel we are taking them in stride.
In History 7, we have an all digital curriculum that is accessed via a website. Students had to learn that coming into class didn't mean waiting for me to start class or that they could wait until the last minute to get their book out. They learned, fairly quickly, that they need to come in and log in to their book. This habit formed fairly easily and they are ready to go once class starts. We dive right in each day and cover a lot of good material that keeps them engaged, discussing, and learning a lot! We have discussed a lot about the Roman Empire, why it fell, and how it has impacted the world (especially us!) today. So far, the digital curriculum has been an amazing addition and I am so excited to continue using it.
In Math 8, we started out with some review of last years content and quickly moving through the first chapter. I am blessed to have this group this year. We are going to bring math class alive each and every day!
In Bible 7, we are starting with the Greatest Story Ever Told. Jesus' birth started a change in the world like none other. One that continues to impact us in the classroom, as well as people groups on the other side of the world. We are looking into, discussing, and enjoying the beginning stories of most impactful man to ever live. I am really excited to hear this class break down parables and apply them to today, as this group loves the discussions and has some very insightful things to add!
Superheroes class is my first elective and, "With great power, comes great responsibility" is our motto for this class. While we have fun breaking down different superheroes, we spend a good deal of time applying their sayings, life styles, and actions to our every day lives as Christians. We have so much to offer this world, as Christians, and our responsibility to the lost cannot be ignored! That is our focus and I am looking forward to showing them how they can become a super hero for Christ!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Adventure is out there!
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
- W.B. Yeats
Well, the school year is upon us, as is another adventure! This year is going to be different for both the students and myself, as digital curriculum and iPads are making their way into the classroom. This is a very exciting time to be a part of the U.C.A. family and I am truly blessed to be a part of it!
This year I will leave P.E. behind and pick up 7th grade History! We have an entirely digital curriculum that we are using this year and just looking through the content excites me for all the possibilities this class will have due to this technology. We are going to have a blast going through medieval history using digital resources such as online homework assignments, digital flashcards and review for tests, and awesome presentations from both myself and student created.
I will also be doing 7th grade Bible this year, which will go though the life and ministry of Jesus. I previously taught the book of Acts to 8th grade, but love the transition to the story and meaning behind our Christian faith. I am really looking forward to the discussions, questions, and growth of the 7th grade class in learning about Jesus and his ministry. This is going to be another great opportunity to use the iPads in the classroom, as they open up the possibility for student led presentations, research into current events, and access to many biblical resources via the internet.
I will retain my 8th grade math class from last year, which is Algebra Readiness. I absolutely love teaching this class. It allows me to really help the students master the skills needed to be successful next year in an Algebra 1 class. I feel that the small class size and being able to set our own pace is such a key aspect to the effectiveness of this class that each year I am truly blessed to be teaching it. I am looking forward to many eureka moments within this class as we tackle each new concept and master it!
Well, the adventure awaits and all we can do is start it! Start strong, stay strong, finish strong!
- W.B. Yeats
Well, the school year is upon us, as is another adventure! This year is going to be different for both the students and myself, as digital curriculum and iPads are making their way into the classroom. This is a very exciting time to be a part of the U.C.A. family and I am truly blessed to be a part of it!
This year I will leave P.E. behind and pick up 7th grade History! We have an entirely digital curriculum that we are using this year and just looking through the content excites me for all the possibilities this class will have due to this technology. We are going to have a blast going through medieval history using digital resources such as online homework assignments, digital flashcards and review for tests, and awesome presentations from both myself and student created.
I will also be doing 7th grade Bible this year, which will go though the life and ministry of Jesus. I previously taught the book of Acts to 8th grade, but love the transition to the story and meaning behind our Christian faith. I am really looking forward to the discussions, questions, and growth of the 7th grade class in learning about Jesus and his ministry. This is going to be another great opportunity to use the iPads in the classroom, as they open up the possibility for student led presentations, research into current events, and access to many biblical resources via the internet.
I will retain my 8th grade math class from last year, which is Algebra Readiness. I absolutely love teaching this class. It allows me to really help the students master the skills needed to be successful next year in an Algebra 1 class. I feel that the small class size and being able to set our own pace is such a key aspect to the effectiveness of this class that each year I am truly blessed to be teaching it. I am looking forward to many eureka moments within this class as we tackle each new concept and master it!
Well, the adventure awaits and all we can do is start it! Start strong, stay strong, finish strong!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
End of the Year
As the year comes to a close and we wrap things up, I am so proud of the work my students have made and the progress they have shown. In Math 7 and Math 8 we spent the last 1-2 weeks reviewing and preparing for their next journey, Algebra 1. I was so impressed by all they retained and remembered from September through June and I know they will take on any challenge they face next year. Keep up the great work and remember to keep it all fresh this summer with some periodic reviewing!
In Bible 8, we spent time reviewing and reciting verses for graduation. We also spent time going over the year in Acts and what it means to have a relationship with Christ. I have seen these kids grow spiritually throughout the year and I am praying for them each day that they continue to do so as they move on into high school. I am so proud of each and everyone of them!
This year has been such a blessing for me as a teacher and I pray that I have been able to be a blessing to my students as they have been a blessing to me!
In Bible 8, we spent time reviewing and reciting verses for graduation. We also spent time going over the year in Acts and what it means to have a relationship with Christ. I have seen these kids grow spiritually throughout the year and I am praying for them each day that they continue to do so as they move on into high school. I am so proud of each and everyone of them!
This year has been such a blessing for me as a teacher and I pray that I have been able to be a blessing to my students as they have been a blessing to me!
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