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!!!

Speakers needed

The physical education teacher and I would love to bring in some speakers to talk on nutrition and exercise. The person who was going to come in, can't. We would like them to talk to the Middle School students. We would also love for them to talk about these energy drinks and sport's drinks. Does anyone know of someone that is pretty good with the kids? We do have money to pay the speakers.

Creating the Website

At the beginning of this semester, I was extremely concerned about all this technology stuff. I was one who could email and use word (minimally), but to see myself actually create a website is just incredible. I still get a little anxious when we are starting to learn new concepts, but I know that it has benefits that I can use later on. I am actually now looking for ways to incorporate technology into my health class and I am not afraid of it. I never thought I would see the day that I actually would know more information that my husband (who is a computer programmer). I am actually showing him a thing or two about some of the things that we have learned.

Coaching

This fall I am helping coach boys under 14 soccer, but I am not the head coach. The head coach has been coaching for many years but in my view is struggling with practice. We do the exact same drills day in and day out, which are always shooting drills. I have tried to suggest some ideas and he seems to be ok with them, but I don't want him to feel like I am trying to take over. Does anyone have any suggestions?

My 8th grade class is so emotionally draining sometimes. The amount of IEP's that I have to keep track of and the behavior modification sheets that I have to keep record of is mind boggling at times. I have 8 kids in one class who are all considered behavior modification kids. I am constantly having to stay on top of them or they would end up taking over. The one I actually had to send to the office for behavior. Anyone with suggestions? Since I only have these kids for a quarter, I only have 3.5 weeks to left of them before I get a new crew.

Soccer practice

I have started coaching under 14 boys. I have always working with girls until a few years ago when they all moved up to the high school. Coaching boys is definitely different than coaching girls. I have been having a lot of fun with them but it has taken me longer to develop a "trust" with them than with the girls. I don't know if it is because I am female and they take male coaches more seriously or if it just the group of kids. After 6 weeks of practices, they are getting the light bulb moment of "I get it" A week ago we lost to a team 5-4. During that next week, we worked on adjustments because we had to play the same team again the following week. We ended up winning 5-3. It was awesome and the boys were so proud of themselves!!!!

Skits performed

Today my 8th graders starting performing their 2.5 minute skits. The principal was very curious to see what I was doing in class with these skits and had asked me to inform him when they were happening. Today he came down to view a few of them. He was thrilled to see how well they performed. He even asked if they copied the skits from somewhere else and when he was told that they came up with them on their own, he was even more impressed. It was a great day infront of the principal!!!

Health

Today I taught on abstinence and have a great activity the kids loved. Have each one roll one die six times. Have them record each roll on a piece of paper. Then I start with the number 5. Anyone who rolls a 5 must stand. These people represent sexually transmitted diseases. Have those who rolled a 5 the first time then those who rolled multiple fives. Then we talk a little about the disease and the impact it can have on relationships. Then I ask for the number 6. Anyone with a six stands. These represent pregancies. I ask for who rolled a six the first time and for multiple sixes. We then talk about teen pregnancies and how that can affect someone. Lastly I ask those who didn't roll a 5 or 6. (Hopefully I have at least one) I tell them I was proud of them and was willing to give them 10 bonus points for it, but they could earn 5 more if they rolled again and didn't get a 6 or a 5. If they did - all points are gone. The kids usually pressure them into going for it. I usually try to get them to roll. Then they roll a 5 or 6 and all is lost. (I keep upping the anti until all is lost) We then talk about the pressures out there and then the dangers. They loved this activity and it is a great ice breaker to start taking about the subject.

Classroom Management

Today was a rough day. I have a student that just won't stop talking in class. He likes to make comments to others even those across the room. Yesterday I even sent him out of my classroom to the office for his behavior. I have moved his seat already. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle the really difficult kids in the classroom?

Technology Use

I am getting better with this technology thing. I still am having trouble with this blogging thing, but I have been taking pictures of our Varsity girls soccer team and band and have found how to send them to the local paper that comes out every Friday. I have seen some of my photos now published.

Health

In health we are working on our "patient" research. Every student was given a patient with a disease to look up and then eventually give a speech on.

Health Class

My 7th grade students are in the process of becoming "resident doctors". They have been given a patient to research and then give a 2 minute speech. They must be able to answer questions from the "audience"