Last Blog

It is hard to believe that this is my last blog. I have really enjoyed reading many of your ideas and comments. Enjoy the time off because the spring semester is right around the corner. Good luck to those of you who are on their way to their practicum!!!!

Technology

Now that I feel like I have a new insight into technology, I now notice how I could make my classes even better. The only problem is the lack of equipment at our school. I would love to hook up my computer and take the kids to some really interesting websites to make the information more relevant. Does anyone know of any grants that I could work towards to get equipment like a laptop with projector or smart board etc?

First Aid

Since I only teach health, I can only give you some of the things that I do in class. Today was the last day of the quarter and I gain new kids on Monday. My 8th graders ended the first aid unit with putting together a first aid kit. I put them in groups of about 3-4 and they had to make up a kit of their own. Then I brought in mine and we compared. (I found that I should add a few things in my kit.) The kids did a wonderful job and I challenged them to go home and look at their own first aid kit and encourage their parents to put one together. They had a good time with this one. They actually tried to beat me and have more items in their kits. I thought for next quarter, I would give out bandaids as a "good job" prize.

How much do you know about food game

The last day of the quarter I give my classes a chance to find out how much they know about the food they eat. I took 22 foods out of my cupboard, refrigerator, or freezer that they would commonly have in theirs. I write down all the ingredients and they have to come up with the type of food it is. Out of the 22 foods, the most correct is 13. Then we talk about corn syrup and other hidden sugars and what are all those ingredients that they are eating. They seem to really like it. One of them I listed the ingredients from dog food. They get a kick out of it when they find out that is what it is.

Review Game

Today all my classes were reviewing for the test tomorrow. They love when we play this game before test day. I divide the class into small groups of 2-3. Groups are different every time. Each group gets a dry erase board, pen and paper towel. They were told to review ahead of time on their own because 2 bonus points was going to be added to the winning team's test. I ask them questions and if their group comes up with it, they get a point. If not, no point is awarded. I don't look for speed, but accuracy. Sometimes I will give bonus points for correct spelling or for multiple answers. They are competing against other teams so the room is usually quiet because they don't want other teams to hear them. Very simple, but something they look forward to.

End of the Quarter

I can't believe that we are almost at the end of our first quarter. Only one more week left!!! I am looking to end my unit a few days early just in case a few of the students are absent. We need to turn in our grades the last day of the quarter. Does anyone have any fun health activities that I could do for a couple of days for 7th and 8th grade health?

Frustrated

Why is it when you offer extra credit to help raise kids grades it is always the ones who really don't need it because they already have an A in the class? I don't offer extra credit that often but when I do, it is rare that anyone takes advantage of it (except for the kids with the 100% already). Free points and no one takes advantage of it. I consider it frustrating that I am trying to help them and yet they won't help themselves. UUGGHH!!!