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!
Thursday, October 16, 2014
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!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Finishing Strong!
May is upon us and we are still going strong! With the late Easter vacation this year, May seemed to be here before we knew it, but we are taking it in stride and working very hard.
In 7th grade math we are finishing chapter 10, which is a very important chapter for the foundation of Algebra 1 that they will be taking next year. They are doing SO well with this chapter that I am very optimistic about their ability to tackle Algebra 1 next year! We will be doing some more work with it before finishing off the chapter and moving on to our next and final chapter for the year.
In 8th grade math we are solidifying not only new objectives and ideas, but reviewing and making sure all of our years work is put to the test. It is nice to see them working so hard still, knowing how much this will help them next year in high school. I am very excited to see them finish and start again next year with the skills they have been practicing all year. We will be finishing up this last chapter and starting an all book review for a final test!
In 8th grade Bible we have started memorizing our graduation verses. This is no easy task and they have been doing very well remembering verses they recited in September. Also, with Spiritual Emphasis Week in May, we have been talking about our relationship with God. We have been getting into some good conversations about what it means to have a true, meaningful relationship with God, how to maintain and grow that relationship, and the importance of doing so. Watching these 8th grade students grow spiritually this year has been a blessing and I am so proud of the way they have stepped up this year in Bible. I am hoping that I can continue to see them grow and mentor them as they enter their high school years!
Well, we are finishing strong in all aspects and I cannot be happier. The students can see the finish line and they aren't letting up!
In 7th grade math we are finishing chapter 10, which is a very important chapter for the foundation of Algebra 1 that they will be taking next year. They are doing SO well with this chapter that I am very optimistic about their ability to tackle Algebra 1 next year! We will be doing some more work with it before finishing off the chapter and moving on to our next and final chapter for the year.
In 8th grade math we are solidifying not only new objectives and ideas, but reviewing and making sure all of our years work is put to the test. It is nice to see them working so hard still, knowing how much this will help them next year in high school. I am very excited to see them finish and start again next year with the skills they have been practicing all year. We will be finishing up this last chapter and starting an all book review for a final test!
In 8th grade Bible we have started memorizing our graduation verses. This is no easy task and they have been doing very well remembering verses they recited in September. Also, with Spiritual Emphasis Week in May, we have been talking about our relationship with God. We have been getting into some good conversations about what it means to have a true, meaningful relationship with God, how to maintain and grow that relationship, and the importance of doing so. Watching these 8th grade students grow spiritually this year has been a blessing and I am so proud of the way they have stepped up this year in Bible. I am hoping that I can continue to see them grow and mentor them as they enter their high school years!
Well, we are finishing strong in all aspects and I cannot be happier. The students can see the finish line and they aren't letting up!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Ready, Set, Go!
This school year has started off very well! We have been getting back into the swing of things and shaking off the summer little by little. Now that we are mid September, everyone has left behind the back to school mentality and they are ready to tackle this school year!
In my math classes, we have been reviewing some of the end of the year lessons from last year. Most of the time it will click right away and they remember the lesson from last year. We are starting now to get into chapter 2, which will begin to expand on the chapter 1 ideas and move into brand new ideas all together. I am very excited for my math classes this year, as I have 2 very excited classes who are eager to conquer math this year.
My Bible class will again be going through the book of Acts. Acts is a very interesting book and what is exciting, for me as a teacher, is that most of the kids have not done a study on this book before 8th grade. It really allows me to introduce them to things that they may know but have never studied before. Early church history and the beginnings of the Christian faith is something we all need to know and learn. Understanding what our early church founders went through after Jesus ascended is such a crucial aspect of our faith and I am so blessed to be able to embark on that spiritual journey with them!
This year is shaping up to be yet another amazing one and I am cannot wait to watch it unfold!
Mr. B
In my math classes, we have been reviewing some of the end of the year lessons from last year. Most of the time it will click right away and they remember the lesson from last year. We are starting now to get into chapter 2, which will begin to expand on the chapter 1 ideas and move into brand new ideas all together. I am very excited for my math classes this year, as I have 2 very excited classes who are eager to conquer math this year.
My Bible class will again be going through the book of Acts. Acts is a very interesting book and what is exciting, for me as a teacher, is that most of the kids have not done a study on this book before 8th grade. It really allows me to introduce them to things that they may know but have never studied before. Early church history and the beginnings of the Christian faith is something we all need to know and learn. Understanding what our early church founders went through after Jesus ascended is such a crucial aspect of our faith and I am so blessed to be able to embark on that spiritual journey with them!
This year is shaping up to be yet another amazing one and I am cannot wait to watch it unfold!
Mr. B
Monday, October 29, 2012
Classroom Happenings!
After a very active and exciting month of October in the Junior High, I am happy to say that we are finally settling down again! With each grade taking a trip and having different teachers being gone for those trips, it has been a very GO-GO-GO month. As exciting as this month has been, I can honestly say I am happy to start having ALL my students and co-workers back!
In 7th grade math, we have worked through most of the "beginning of the year review" content. A lot of the beginning year lessons are overlap from the previous year, however, we are passed those lessons and moving onto some new territory: the Pythagorean Theorem! This a new endeavor for most of them and it is exciting for me to be able to introduce it to them and see them grasp the new ideas!
In 8th grade math, we have started into the big, bad world of algebraic equations. Like a lot of math books, the first part of the book is overlap of the previous year's concepts. We are moving away from those ideas and moving into new territory. These 8th graders are well prepared, however, and are doing very well with these new ideas and complexity of algebraic equations. I am pleased with the way things are shaping up and I am looking forward to introducing more algebra concepts as we move forward.
In 8th grade Bible, we are chugging along through the book of Acts. We are seeing the many different miracles that God used to bring people to Christianity during the early church. We are also seeing a very involved base of followers, in that they so willingly give to those in need. With that idea in mind, we are preparing to participate in the Operation Christmas Child campaign in the coming month. This involves students making Christmas boxes with different age levels and genders in mind for kids in need. They will donate these boxes and, in December, we will be going to a distribution center to volunteer our time to help ship them all over the world! I am truly looking forward to seeing how our students are impacted by this project!
With all that being said, November and December will be a very busy, but rewarding couple of months in the Junior High!
In 7th grade math, we have worked through most of the "beginning of the year review" content. A lot of the beginning year lessons are overlap from the previous year, however, we are passed those lessons and moving onto some new territory: the Pythagorean Theorem! This a new endeavor for most of them and it is exciting for me to be able to introduce it to them and see them grasp the new ideas!
In 8th grade math, we have started into the big, bad world of algebraic equations. Like a lot of math books, the first part of the book is overlap of the previous year's concepts. We are moving away from those ideas and moving into new territory. These 8th graders are well prepared, however, and are doing very well with these new ideas and complexity of algebraic equations. I am pleased with the way things are shaping up and I am looking forward to introducing more algebra concepts as we move forward.
In 8th grade Bible, we are chugging along through the book of Acts. We are seeing the many different miracles that God used to bring people to Christianity during the early church. We are also seeing a very involved base of followers, in that they so willingly give to those in need. With that idea in mind, we are preparing to participate in the Operation Christmas Child campaign in the coming month. This involves students making Christmas boxes with different age levels and genders in mind for kids in need. They will donate these boxes and, in December, we will be going to a distribution center to volunteer our time to help ship them all over the world! I am truly looking forward to seeing how our students are impacted by this project!
With all that being said, November and December will be a very busy, but rewarding couple of months in the Junior High!
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