Week 2 - Ethnocentrism

Learning Goal: I will be able to analyze how the geography shaped early development of the Mesopotamian Civilization

Today, students learned the definition of ethnocentrism. This helped students connect with the cultures and civilizations we study. Next, students read an article about the Nacirema tribe. This showed students their own biases and misconceptions. Lastly, students predicted the demographics of the world if it was reduced down to 100 people. For example, 16 of the people would be unable to read or write.

No reminders

End of the First Week

New Learning Goal Monday

It was a long first week but also a great one.  I am excited for what is ahead this year.  Today, students completed a learning preferences survey in class.  This will tell students if they are visual, auditory or tactile learners.  After the survey, students competed in a rock, paper, scissors tournament.  Next, students created covers for their Social Studies binders.  Questions of the Day will begin Monday.


HW: Binder covers must be completed by Monday at the beginning of class

Day 4 - Expectation Quiz and Mindsets

Learning Goal: I will be able to discuss and explain the classroom expectations and procedures.


Today, students spent the first part of class learning from each others mistakes and failures to solve a thinking puzzle.  The activity led students to understand the importance of effort and never giving up.  Students displayed their knowledge of the learning goal through a quiz on the expectations.  After the quiz, students competed in an activity called Gotcha!  Each class period was shortened due to PBIS expectation training in the morning.  

Reminders - 
Binders tomorrow - Friday, August 28th

Day 3 - Mindsets

Learning Goal: I will be able to discuss and explain the classroom procedures and expectations

Today, I spent a few minutes explaining emergency procedures (Fire and Tornado).  Next, students tried to solve a lateral thinking problem.  The goal in trying to solve the puzzle was to see which students have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. We followed the puzzle by discussing our mindsets and tomorrow I will provide students with ways to change their mindset.

Reminders:
- Binders by Friday
- Expectation quiz tomorrow

People with a fixed mindset believe that their traits are just givens. They have a certain amount of brains and talent and nothing can change that. If they have a lot, they’re all set, but if they don’t... So people in this mindset worry about their traits and how adequate they are. They have something to prove to themselves and others.

People with a growth mindset, on the other hand, see their qualities as things that can be developed through their dedication and effort. Sure they’re happy if they’re brainy or talented, but that’s just the starting point. They understand that no one has ever accomplished great things—not Mozart, Darwin, or Michael Jordan—without years of passionate practice and learning.

Day 2 - Review Expectation and Procedures (Get to know you questions)

Learning Goal: I will be able to discuss and explain the classroom procedures and expectations

Today, students reviewed classroom expectations for the quiz on Thursday.  Students were challenged to a pencil flipping brain break.  A few could accomplish the double 360 pencil toss.  Finally, students practiced their communication skills through a questions and answer session.  Between activities students created appropriate Would you rather...? questions for the class.  

Reminders 
- Bring Binders by Friday
- Expectation Quiz on Thursday

First day of the 2015-2016 School Year

Learning goal: I will be able to discuss and explain the classroom expectations and procedures

No Question of the day until Monday

Today, students learned a few of the expectations and procedures for my classroom. Students were able to learn my own story. In between, we had brain breaks to keep students focused. Students will continue studying the expectations tomorrow and learn more about each other.