Entrance Slip and Characteristics of Civilization

ELO#1 - I can analyze how the geography shaped early Mesopotamia.

Today, students completed a short formative assessment on vocabulary.  Next, students participated in a hand shake activity to move around and refocus.  Finally, students discussed and took notes on the seven characteristics of a civilization.

Mesopotamia - A Picture Says a Thousand Words

ELO - I can analyze how the geography of the area shaped early development of Mesopotamia.

Today, students started class by putting timeline dates in the correct order.  Next, students analyzed a set of pictures related to Mesopotamia.  Students listed their observations on a T-chart and later we filled in the correct definitions as a vocabulary resource.  Students participated in another 'gotcha' brain break game.  Finally, I presented the grading scale for the year and how students will be assessed.

Kahoot and B.C.E./C.E. Assessment

Mesopotamia - I can analyze how the geography of the area shaped early development of Mesopotamia.

Today, students reviewed the information learned last week, for example, mindsets, citizenship grade, expectations and having an open mind about other cultures.  Next, students will compete in groups to put a timeline in the correct order for an informal assessment.  Finally, students competed in a Kahoot review of their world history prior knowledge.

Last Day of the First Week - Village of 100 and Nacirema Tribe

New learning goal on Monday

Today, students started class by guessing how many people would be Christian/Non-Christian, white/non-white, able to read and write or live on two dollars a day if the world was a village of 100.  The statistics for the activity are available at this link.  Next, students read an article about the Nacirema tribe, a fictional culture that is actually American spelled backwards.  The article described rituals that appeared weird, for example, "As part of the daily ritual for adult men, they scrape and cut their face with a sharp instrument."  The students discovered that this was just shaving.  Students learned that they need to examine cultures with an open mind because even our culture may seem strange to outsiders.

Day 3 - Mindset, Citizenship Grade and Expectation Review

New learning goal on Monday

Today, students put labels on their binders.  These binders will stay in class for students to manage their assignments and notes.  Next, I presented a discussion on growth vs. fixed mindset.  For more information on mindset click this link.  The most important idea was that effort = success and with practice, all students can be successful.  Finally, students participated in skits to act out the right and wrong ways to follow the expectations.  Below I have included the citizenship grade, which will provide feedback to students on their classroom behavior.  

Citizenship Grade

Respect	4	Exceeds level 3 by consistently being a role model in the classroom.
	3	Respects adults and students in the classroom by following classroom expectations.
	2	Mostly meets level 3 but has areas of improvement.
	1	Needs guidance and support in meeting classroom expectations.
Responsibility	4	Exceeds level 3 by adding to class discussions with new and meaningful information.
	3	Consistently brings materials to class, completes work on time, and participates in class discussions.
	2	Mostly meets level 3 but has areas of improvement.
	1	Needs guidance and support to meet responsibility expectations.
Integrity	4	Exceeds level 3 by consistently demonstrating good moral character inside and outside of the classroom and helps to promote a safe learning environment.
	3	Consistently puts forth best effort and shows academic honesty.
	2	Mostly meets level 3 but has areas of improvement.
	1	Needs guidance and support to meet integrity expectations.

Day 2 - Expectations and Mindset

New learning goal on Monday

Today, students filled out an index card with information about themselves.  This will help me get to know each student.  Next, students played a game called "gotcha", to help students refocus.  Information was presented to students about the citizenship grade and mindsets.  There will be more information in the blog about both topics tomorrow.

Reminder - All students need a binder tomorrow

First Day of School!

No current learning goals yet.

Today, students began class with a playdough activity.  Students sculpted a shape to represent a favorite activity or summer event.  After the activity, I presented some information to let students know more about myself.  This led to a discussion of teacher and student jobs in a classroom. Finally, students participated in a Would you rather...? game to connect with their classmates.

All students need a binder by Thursday.

Welcome to a New School Year!

This is the template for the blog this year:

1. Current learning outcomes

2. Daily events and activities

3. Related quotes, resources, fun facts, and practice questions

4. Pictures, videos, or memes

5. Assessments, special events or examples of student success

I am excited for another school year!