This Week 9/18/17

Hello Middle School Families!

I'll be using this blog to give you updates (every two weeks) about what we're working on in each class that I teach.  We're working on implementing Google Suites at MID, so the format may change once that's completed...I'll be sure to let you know :)

This week in...

Social Studies (both A and B day)
We recently completed our first unit...Geography Review...and are now beginning a unit on Ancient Civilizations.  We're studying the Aztec, Maya, and Inca civilizations, and will learn about their development, culture, and accomplishments, as well as what led to their downfall.  We just watched some introductory videos, and next will learn about Central and South America to become familiar with where these people lived. 

Over the next two weeks we'll spend time learning about each of these civilizations, specifically, their location, form of government architecture, religious practices, advances, and what happened to them?  Our final activity will be for each student to create a clay mask.  They'll each decorate the mask with symbols that represent the three cultures, and will write an essay explaining what each symbol stands for and why it was chosen.

English Language Arts (A and B day)
During the first weeks of school we spent quite a bit of time talking about reading,  We discussed the fact that reading involves thinking, and the different types of thinking we do when we read (predicting, questioning, making connections, inferring, etc.).  My goal is for students to be active, mindful readers, engaged with their chosen text. 

I introduced the kids to Biblionasium.com where they can keep track of their reading, as well as review books and give recommendations to other students.  This is a safe, monitored forum for 6-13 year olds, and they only interact online with other MID students after you've given them permission.  If you haven't already, you'll be receiving an email inviting you to join us on Biblionasium :)

Over the next two weeks, we'll be starting the first unit of our new curriculum which will have us reading some selections by Roald Dahl (James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and working on writing in the narrative style.  A lot of this work will be done using student iPads,

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about what we're doing in class, or about your child.  The easiest way to reach me is via email at kpoole@midschool.org. 

Have a  great week!