Sorry in the delay in getting this site going. September is always a busy time of the year. Hopefully I will get a chance to meet some of the parents of my students at the open house BBQ this evening (from 5-7 p.m.).
To date, we have covered similar items in both the Grade 7 and Grade 8 Social Studies. I have been teaching some historical thinking concepts which are relevant at any grade level. Students have been introduced to the difference between an event and a narrative. Ask them if they can tell you the difference!
As well, we discussed and defined the terms "past", "history" and "historical thinking". Students were introduced to the six historical thinking concepts; historical perspectives, cause& consequence, continuity and change, ethical dimensions of history, primary source evidence, and historical significance.
The first historical concept we covered in class was historical significance. In order for something to be considered historically significant, it must meet three criteria; durability (changes last a long time), quantity (affected many people) and profundidity (the effects are great). This is how we determing what and whose stories to tell. Try this with any current event to predict whether it will be considered historically significant in the future.
Students have looked at the over-view for the year and the first unit. The year is really tied to The Creeds. An over-view of the year is in the prezi below.
We are beginning with a unit titled "We believe in the Holy Spirit". Students will identify and evaluate expectations that affect their behavior. We will explore this first theme over then next week.
Social Studies (Grade 7 and 8)
To date, we have covered similar items in both the Grade 7 and Grade 8 Social Studies. I have been teaching some historical thinking concepts which are relevant at any grade level. Students have been introduced to the difference between an event and a narrative. Ask them if they can tell you the difference!
As well, we discussed and defined the terms "past", "history" and "historical thinking". Students were introduced to the six historical thinking concepts; historical perspectives, cause& consequence, continuity and change, ethical dimensions of history, primary source evidence, and historical significance.
The first historical concept we covered in class was historical significance. In order for something to be considered historically significant, it must meet three criteria; durability (changes last a long time), quantity (affected many people) and profundidity (the effects are great). This is how we determing what and whose stories to tell. Try this with any current event to predict whether it will be considered historically significant in the future.
Inquiry Model
I am also introducing the Inquiry Model to students at this point. I absolutely love the Inquiry Model and have withnessed great student success with it. It is a model we will be using often in all subject areas and with all grades. There are links to help parents support the model at home which I will include in my resources list on the blog. As I mentioned, September is a busy month and I am building this blog/online classroom as I go. I will be adding other 21st Century tools to assist students throughout the year.Religion
Students have looked at the over-view for the year and the first unit. The year is really tied to The Creeds. An over-view of the year is in the prezi below.
We are beginning with a unit titled "We believe in the Holy Spirit". Students will identify and evaluate expectations that affect their behavior. We will explore this first theme over then next week.
Students have also been introduce to Father Catfish. We watched his homily from past Sunday, as well as his weekly rant which was on "Is it wrong to play Call of Duty?" It comes down to some guidelines and balance.
We have not started health yet, but will be in the next week. Students will be attempting their first inquiry which will involve the topic of Study Habits.
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