Debriefing the drill, defining respect & high-level thinking

Today we spent the first 25 minutes of class debriefing from the mock disaster drill.

Then we spend time reviewing class expectations for respectful behavior.

Finally, we spent the last 40 minutes of class taking notes on what qualifies as high-level thinking, writing high-level discussion questions, and then writing answers to the high-level questions.

The reading schedule has been modified: 1.4 is still assigned, but we won't be discussing it until Tues. 9/6 when we also discuss 2.4

Tomorrow: Quiz on names, procedures, policies, rules and chapters 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3

Potatos & Creation Myths

Today we used potatos as a metaphor for writing and spend about 15 minutes writing in our journals. We will write in them regularly in class and sometimes out of class. Mrs. Gilbert will collect them occasionally for credit.

We also did a timeline & family tree for creation myths. This will be collected at the time of our next quiz (e.g. Thursday). Then we spent time discussing some of the issues involved in creation myths.

We also heard from Mr. Barney over the PA and got a letter to take home to our parents.

The reading for tonight is 1.2 and everyone should come prepared to talk about Dionysus, Demeter and Persephone.

Olympians, classmates and drills

Today we showed our Olympian Graphic Organizers to Mrs. Gilbert for points and we took a quiz over our reading (but we could use our notes on it).

We also read more partner interviews and discussed how to reconcile the different likes/dislikes of people in class (e.g. talking vs. quiet, group work vs. alone, etc.)

Mr. Barney also spoke to us (via P.A.) about the need to be calm and cooperative during disaster drills -- because sometime this week we will have a disaster drill complete with emergency personnel and everything.

The reading for tonight is 1.3. Students should plans on making a timeline and/or family tree as notes, but they'll also have 10-15 minutes in class to work on it as well tomorrow.

Introduction to Mythology

Today we started by reviewing any questions about procedures -- we'll do more with them next week. After a severe weather drill, we started getting into Mythology. We also did an "Instant Expert" activity to just start to get to know the characters. Then we signed out books, got the study guide and reading schedule, and also got our first assignment -- to read 1.1 and make a graphic organizer on the 12 Olympians by Monday. All the handouts (including the graphic organizer rubric) are available on www.cjgilbert.net under the Mythology Unit in ASE.

Be sure to come prepared Monday with your book, graphic organizer and your notebook for writing.

Respect, Procedures & Drills

Today we self-evaluated our peer interviews and then turned them in after reading some aloud. We also brainstormed ways to show respect during different situations (group work, whole-class discussion, etc.) Then, while the Math/Science Center students went to a meeting, we reviewed class procedures (everyone, including M/SC, is to read the handout as homework) and reviewed where we are to meet in case of fire drill.

Popping Balloons & Interviewing Partners

Today we burst at the seams as we added several new students, but we persisted in learning more about the class and the expectations.

We wrote about using balloons and bamboo skewers as metaphors for trying new things (like starting a challenging class).

We also began partner interviews in order to get to know each other-- everyone should write the final draft of their partner interview as homework and be prepared to read it aloud to class tomorrow.

Additionally, everyone should bring back the parent signature slip for their syllabus and be familiar with the contents of the syllabus.

Students who were absent yesterday received a folder of make-up work that should be returned tomorrow.

Welcome to a new school year!

Today we met for 30 minutes and completed the "First Day Folder." As homework, students should bring their syllabus home to share with their parents and get it signed.

Math/Science Center students will need to complete this folder as homework tomorrow.