To prepare for the upcoming brain unit in science, I have been reading and investigating a plethora of articles, research, and lessons relating to the brain. It is essential to guide students in how to best use their most powerful tool; the brain. Throughout my teaching career, I have always been mindful of this important task and “peppered” my lessons with different types of brain-based teaching strategies, yet it has rarely been done as overtly as it will be with this unit. It has been shown that If we want to empower students, we must show them how they can control their own cognitive and emotional health and their own learning. Teaching students how the brain operates is a huge step towards this goal.
Not only will we be investigating the structure and function of the nervous system, students will be collecting data on the time they spend studying and learning at home in order to better understand what works for them and why.
On the math front, the 7th grade will be moving into operations with rational numbers; beginning with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions. Eighth grade is continuing their quest to work with all things linear. In both cases, I just wanted to remind you of my test retake policy. If a student fails a test or is unhappy with the grade they receive, I encourage them to retake it! In both grades we are learning critical scaffolding they will need in their tool box as they move forward and engage in higher level math courses. My policies for retake are outlined below:
Other announcements:
Not only will we be investigating the structure and function of the nervous system, students will be collecting data on the time they spend studying and learning at home in order to better understand what works for them and why.
On the math front, the 7th grade will be moving into operations with rational numbers; beginning with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions. Eighth grade is continuing their quest to work with all things linear. In both cases, I just wanted to remind you of my test retake policy. If a student fails a test or is unhappy with the grade they receive, I encourage them to retake it! In both grades we are learning critical scaffolding they will need in their tool box as they move forward and engage in higher level math courses. My policies for retake are outlined below:
- In order to retake, a student must come into homework club to make test corrections (with support from me).
- Students must complete a short, focused review assignment and demonstrate readiness to show that they have studied.
- The retake must be completed in homework club within in 1 week of the test being passed back. For example, 7th grade gets their test back tomorrow. They would be expected to attend homework club on Thursday and retake on Tuesday.
Other announcements:
- Due to high demand we will be starting a Science Club, which will be meeting on Fridays at lunch. I will be sending home a commitment contract with interested students next Monday and will limit the number to 14. This will be on a first-come, first-to-turn in basis.
- I am searching for a neuroscientist that would be willing to come in to speak to my science classes in January. If you have any contacts, please let me know!
- As the head of the Architects for the Cedars piece of the playground project, I will be seeking help from professionals in the fields of engineering, architecture, public safety, and county permitting. Again, if you or someone you know who possesses these talents, please let me know.