The Juniors worked on the question: Explain how you contribute to the well-being of your family, school, workplace, community or place of worship. What have you gained and/or learned from that experience?
This provoked an interesting conversation between Alex and the rest of us about his autism (Asberger's Syndrome). He taught us about his unique symptoms of Asberger's and how it can vary from person to person. Some students struggled with this question, feeling that they hadn't contributed enough. Hopefully, when they write this again next year it won't be so difficult to answer.
The seniors worked on the last Act Six question: "Describe any personal hardships or unusual circumstances you have had to overcome. How have these experiences shaped you as a person and how can they help you in the future."
We discussed the struggles of growing up in poverty and of losing a parent. I continue to be amazed at how perseverant and resilient our students are.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Finishing the Great Discovery and Montel's Visit to Morehouse
The Freshmen and I finished sharing our answers to The Great Discovery. If you want to check out the activity, you can view it here: http://www.seancovey.com/pdf/teens/The_Great_Discovery.pdf .
I think we all learned a little more about each other and we had some good laughs and poignant moments as well.
The Sophomores go to hear all about Montel's visit to Morehouse College in Atlanta. Montel is so excited about what he learned and saw at Morehouse. He really wants to go there!
After hearing all about his trip, we worked on the third personal statement question: Explain how you contribute to the well-being of your family, school, workplace, community or place of worship. What have you gained and/or learned from that experience?
I think we all learned a little more about each other and we had some good laughs and poignant moments as well.
The Sophomores go to hear all about Montel's visit to Morehouse College in Atlanta. Montel is so excited about what he learned and saw at Morehouse. He really wants to go there!
After hearing all about his trip, we worked on the third personal statement question: Explain how you contribute to the well-being of your family, school, workplace, community or place of worship. What have you gained and/or learned from that experience?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Conclave, Nicole's dilemma and Act Six Essays
During Junior Conclave we listened to everyone's highs and lows. The students seem to be doing pretty well right now, still behind in a few classes like Chemistry. Always trying to do make up work.
After that we did a protocol where we helped Nicole with her dilemma as to whether or not she should play Fastpitch in the spring. We asked her some clarifying questions like "how much time does it take?"
We then asked probing questions like, "why do you have this dilemma; what are you worried about?" and "how would you feel if you didn't play fastpitch?"
Then Nicole had to just listen and be quiet while the rest of us discussed her dilemma. She said it was somewhat helpful and she thinks she will wait to see what her grades are like first semester and make her decision based on that.
The Seniors continued to work on their Act Six essays. Each of them wrote a beautiful response to the question "Describe a concrete way your ethnic or cultural heritage has impacted your life." Honestly, they are fascinating essays. Nice job, seniors!
Yvonne and I are working feverishly to make sure her Act Six application is completed by Friday.
After that we did a protocol where we helped Nicole with her dilemma as to whether or not she should play Fastpitch in the spring. We asked her some clarifying questions like "how much time does it take?"
We then asked probing questions like, "why do you have this dilemma; what are you worried about?" and "how would you feel if you didn't play fastpitch?"
Then Nicole had to just listen and be quiet while the rest of us discussed her dilemma. She said it was somewhat helpful and she thinks she will wait to see what her grades are like first semester and make her decision based on that.
The Seniors continued to work on their Act Six essays. Each of them wrote a beautiful response to the question "Describe a concrete way your ethnic or cultural heritage has impacted your life." Honestly, they are fascinating essays. Nice job, seniors!
Yvonne and I are working feverishly to make sure her Act Six application is completed by Friday.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Conclave and a Guest Speaker!
During Conclave today the students didn't complain about school as much as they usually do. It appears they are now suffering the consequences of their behavior as at least 3 of them had their phones taken away by their parent/guardians.
The highlight for most of the kids was the recent field trip to the Haunted Corn Maze. They each had to tell their own story about what happened in the corn maze, who scared them, who they scared, who they ran into, etc. Vince and Grant (brothers) both had the same "low" which was Grant getting pushed down accidentally and Phu Duc hitting him in the face with his knee. Poor Grant!
Our guest speaker for the day was my former student, Sam Means. Sam is now 22 and a student at TCC. He has a new light that shines in his eyes as he finds success in math which used to be the bane of his existence. Sam shared some tips with the kids, like take notes in math and study them the same day you take them. Thanks Sam!
The highlight for most of the kids was the recent field trip to the Haunted Corn Maze. They each had to tell their own story about what happened in the corn maze, who scared them, who they scared, who they ran into, etc. Vince and Grant (brothers) both had the same "low" which was Grant getting pushed down accidentally and Phu Duc hitting him in the face with his knee. Poor Grant!
Our guest speaker for the day was my former student, Sam Means. Sam is now 22 and a student at TCC. He has a new light that shines in his eyes as he finds success in math which used to be the bane of his existence. Sam shared some tips with the kids, like take notes in math and study them the same day you take them. Thanks Sam!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Writing, writing, writing
The Juniors spent the period answering this question:
"What living person do you most often go to for support and advice? How would you access support if he or she did not have the knowledge to help you?"
One of the students struggled with this question because he feels he deals with his problems himself. He finally wrote about how he goes to Daniel if he has problems with his grades and to his teachers if he has problems with their classes. But he deals with his personal problems himself.
Another student wrote 2 pages on this question! She has many people in her life who she goes to for various reasons, including several of us here at Peace. awwww.
The Senior class was interrupted by a problem outside of the class, so I was pulled out twice to help deal with that. In the meantime, Cam Tu graded their binders and held down the fort. The students continued their writing from Tuesday.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of Yvonne and Lisa who were once again dressed for Spirit Week in clothes from another decade. Lisa with pink hair and Yvonne in "mom jeans." OMG, it was hilarious
"What living person do you most often go to for support and advice? How would you access support if he or she did not have the knowledge to help you?"
One of the students struggled with this question because he feels he deals with his problems himself. He finally wrote about how he goes to Daniel if he has problems with his grades and to his teachers if he has problems with their classes. But he deals with his personal problems himself.
Another student wrote 2 pages on this question! She has many people in her life who she goes to for various reasons, including several of us here at Peace. awwww.
The Senior class was interrupted by a problem outside of the class, so I was pulled out twice to help deal with that. In the meantime, Cam Tu graded their binders and held down the fort. The students continued their writing from Tuesday.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of Yvonne and Lisa who were once again dressed for Spirit Week in clothes from another decade. Lisa with pink hair and Yvonne in "mom jeans." OMG, it was hilarious
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The Great Discovery and the Person You Go To For Advice
With both classes I discussed the concept of self-discipline, especially around the ability to stay focused on a task. Almost all of the students struggle with this. I told them to try setting a timer for 15 to 20 minutes and trying to stay focused on a task for that long, then take a little break, then come back for another 20 minutes. Students also suggested listening to music and trying to get a certain amount done during a song. They also liked the idea of rewards for their efforts.
The freshmen completed an activity from "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" called "The Great Discovery." It asked questions like "If a steel beam (6 inches wide) were placed across two skyscrapers, for what would you be willing to cross?" We shared our answers with each other. We are not quite finished with this activity.
The sophs worked on the 2nd question for their personal statement which is "What living person do you most often go to for support and advice? How would you access support if he or she did not have the knowledge to help you?" Interestingly, 3 of the students said their grandmother. They talked about trust, which I think is a very important issue for our students. Several also talked about their mentors here at Peace and about Peace as a place they come to for support and information.
The freshmen completed an activity from "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" called "The Great Discovery." It asked questions like "If a steel beam (6 inches wide) were placed across two skyscrapers, for what would you be willing to cross?" We shared our answers with each other. We are not quite finished with this activity.
The sophs worked on the 2nd question for their personal statement which is "What living person do you most often go to for support and advice? How would you access support if he or she did not have the knowledge to help you?" Interestingly, 3 of the students said their grandmother. They talked about trust, which I think is a very important issue for our students. Several also talked about their mentors here at Peace and about Peace as a place they come to for support and information.
Tuesday, 10/20 Grades 11 and 12 CLASS
It was "Nerd Day" at Foss so I took a picture of Yvonne and Lisa in their nerdiness:
The Juniors spent the period writing their answers to the question "What are your educational and career goals? What specific steps have you already taken on the path to reaching them? Which of your personal weaknesses could keep you from achieving your goals, and how are you addressing that?" I was able to go over everyone's answer with them except for Mar Mar. I will keep their essays for use in the creation of their Personal Statements next fall.
Seniors Lisa and Phu Tai wrote their answers to the Act Six Scholarship question:
"In an opening paragraph describe something that you appreciate and something you would like to change about your current community. In the next paragraph, describe what leadership skills you will need to improved during college to serve your community and bring about the transformation you hope for."
Yvonne had already written her answer to that question so she wrote her answer to the second question:
"Describe a concrete way that your ethnic or cultural background has shaped your life."
The Juniors spent the period writing their answers to the question "What are your educational and career goals? What specific steps have you already taken on the path to reaching them? Which of your personal weaknesses could keep you from achieving your goals, and how are you addressing that?" I was able to go over everyone's answer with them except for Mar Mar. I will keep their essays for use in the creation of their Personal Statements next fall.
Seniors Lisa and Phu Tai wrote their answers to the Act Six Scholarship question:
"In an opening paragraph describe something that you appreciate and something you would like to change about your current community. In the next paragraph, describe what leadership skills you will need to improved during college to serve your community and bring about the transformation you hope for."
Yvonne had already written her answer to that question so she wrote her answer to the second question:
"Describe a concrete way that your ethnic or cultural background has shaped your life."
Monday, 10/19 9th and 10th grade CLASS
Grade 9:
Students did an activity where they wrote their ultimate career goal -- where they wanted to be when they were in their mid-40s like me. (This created some debate as to whether or not I am in my mid-40s.)About 10 lines below the goal they wrote where they are right now, 9th grade. We then thought about all the goals they have to reach in between now and their ultimate career goal and we wrote those down between 9th grade and ultimate career goal. I told them these are long-term goals. All of them have the long-term goal of graduating high school and going to college.
Then we talked about what they need to do right now every day to make sure they achieve the long-term goal of high school graduation and going to college. They said, "have good attendance, do all of my homework and turn it in, study for tests, etc." I had the students write down these short-term daily goals on a notecard and tape it to the inside of their binder. So you can ask to see it and check in on how they are achieving these goals.
Grade 10:
We spent the period writing our answer to a question that can later be woven into a Personal Statement. The question is: "What are your educational and career goals? What specific steps have you already taken on the path to reaching them? Which of your personal weaknesses could keep you from achieving your goals, and how are you addressing that?"
All students went over their written answers with me and I will keep these in a file to pull out next year and tweak as needed.
Students did an activity where they wrote their ultimate career goal -- where they wanted to be when they were in their mid-40s like me. (This created some debate as to whether or not I am in my mid-40s.)About 10 lines below the goal they wrote where they are right now, 9th grade. We then thought about all the goals they have to reach in between now and their ultimate career goal and we wrote those down between 9th grade and ultimate career goal. I told them these are long-term goals. All of them have the long-term goal of graduating high school and going to college.
Then we talked about what they need to do right now every day to make sure they achieve the long-term goal of high school graduation and going to college. They said, "have good attendance, do all of my homework and turn it in, study for tests, etc." I had the students write down these short-term daily goals on a notecard and tape it to the inside of their binder. So you can ask to see it and check in on how they are achieving these goals.
Grade 10:
We spent the period writing our answer to a question that can later be woven into a Personal Statement. The question is: "What are your educational and career goals? What specific steps have you already taken on the path to reaching them? Which of your personal weaknesses could keep you from achieving your goals, and how are you addressing that?"
All students went over their written answers with me and I will keep these in a file to pull out next year and tweak as needed.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Conclave Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Over the past two days we have held Conclave during CLASS. This is a time for us to discuss our highs and lows and also how we are doing in school.
Freshmen: Several students are busy trying to make up missing assignments. One is failing 3 classes and I am particularly concerned about her. Others are having drama at school and at home.
Sophomores: Continued struggle with Honors World Cultures class. Cedric got his mentor to talk to the teacher and that seemed to help. From the students' point of view, the teacher is difficult to understand and doesn't always answer questions. Chemistry and math are ongoing problems. Two students are having behavior problems with particular teachers. I spoke with their mentors about this. We cannot have behavior problems!
Juniors: One student failing 3 classes. arrrgghhh. Another hasn't done her IB Chem in a week!
Seniors: finished their English papers! Woot Woot! Math is hard.
With the Seniors we began brainstorming how to answer an Act Six scholarship essay question.
Here are their thoughts on the following question: "Describe something that you appreciate about your current community and something you would like to change about your current community. Describe what leadership skills you will need to improve during college to serve your community and bring about the transformation you hope for."
Freshmen: Several students are busy trying to make up missing assignments. One is failing 3 classes and I am particularly concerned about her. Others are having drama at school and at home.
Sophomores: Continued struggle with Honors World Cultures class. Cedric got his mentor to talk to the teacher and that seemed to help. From the students' point of view, the teacher is difficult to understand and doesn't always answer questions. Chemistry and math are ongoing problems. Two students are having behavior problems with particular teachers. I spoke with their mentors about this. We cannot have behavior problems!
Juniors: One student failing 3 classes. arrrgghhh. Another hasn't done her IB Chem in a week!
Seniors: finished their English papers! Woot Woot! Math is hard.
With the Seniors we began brainstorming how to answer an Act Six scholarship essay question.
Here are their thoughts on the following question: "Describe something that you appreciate about your current community and something you would like to change about your current community. Describe what leadership skills you will need to improve during college to serve your community and bring about the transformation you hope for."
Giant Catch-Up Blog
I have been a very bad blogger. Sorry! Here's what's been happening:
Last Wednesday, 10/9 and Thursday, 10/10 the students shared their Life Plans with each other and then as a group we brainstormed the possible things that could happen to keep them from achieving their life plans or to slow them way down in achieving their life plans. Occasionally I will pull out one of the ideas on their list and pull a student's name and age out of a bag and put them all together to create a problem. Such as "Daniel gave all his money away to family/friends at the age of 20. He wants to finish college. What should he do now?" Then we will work together to find a way out of the hole Daniel has dug for himself. This is to help them see that their actions/behaviors can have direct affects on their life plans, but that there are also solutions to problems and it's not always "the end of the world."
Here are the students' lists:
Grade 9
skip class in college
bad teachers
bad professors
you give your money away to family members/friends
you are not accepted to college
you fail your classes
marry early
have a baby
life tragedy
not enough money for college
transportation problems
career plans change
legal/criminal problems
bad influences
drugs
sexual activity
alcohol
you have no community service
lose your job/laid off
kicked out of your house
fighting
drop out of school
Grade 10
change career plans
parents divorce
peer pressure
depression
babies
having to take care of your parents
hanging with the wrong people
drugs
alcohol
lack of money
big tragedies
being in debt
not getting scholarships
car accident
disability
kid's disability
dropping out of high school
bad grades
bad credit
low self-esteem
not organized
overwhelmed
not accepted to college
marriage proposal denied
health issues
disease
death
jail/prison
dog bites
suicide
family problems
legal problems
financial problems
bad economy
killing some one
11th Grade
Suicide attempt
Get fired
Laid off
Trauma
Raped and impregnated (used this as a teachable moment to talk about how rape victims should go immediately to the hospital, don't shower or change clothes. They can collect evidence at the hospital and give you Plan B which can help you prevent pregnancy).
Bad credit
Join a terrorist organization
Car accident
Identity theft
Car theft
Big tragedy
Loss of loved one
H1N1
Bombings/terrorism
Can’t find job
Family issues
Family illnesses
Loss of family support
Failing a class
Financial problems
Feeling threatened
Kidnapping
Severe disaster
Bullying
Stress
Weight gain/loss
Depression
Bad roommate
Bad environment
Bad economy
Babies
Losing academic integrity
Serious injury
Prison
Loss of motivation
Changing major
Criminal problems
Addiction
Eating disorders
Arranged marriage
12th grade
Bad accident
Prison
Death of a loved one
Hair falls out
Bad credit
Bad debt
Lose scholarships
No food
No water
Get distracted
Not accepted to college
Just quit/give up
Not good at job
Don’t pass training
Flunk out
Natural disaster
Pregnancy
No money
Addictions
Abusive relationships
No transportation
No phone
Financial problems
Lack of support
Swine flu
Last Wednesday, 10/9 and Thursday, 10/10 the students shared their Life Plans with each other and then as a group we brainstormed the possible things that could happen to keep them from achieving their life plans or to slow them way down in achieving their life plans. Occasionally I will pull out one of the ideas on their list and pull a student's name and age out of a bag and put them all together to create a problem. Such as "Daniel gave all his money away to family/friends at the age of 20. He wants to finish college. What should he do now?" Then we will work together to find a way out of the hole Daniel has dug for himself. This is to help them see that their actions/behaviors can have direct affects on their life plans, but that there are also solutions to problems and it's not always "the end of the world."
Here are the students' lists:
Grade 9
skip class in college
bad teachers
bad professors
you give your money away to family members/friends
you are not accepted to college
you fail your classes
marry early
have a baby
life tragedy
not enough money for college
transportation problems
career plans change
legal/criminal problems
bad influences
drugs
sexual activity
alcohol
you have no community service
lose your job/laid off
kicked out of your house
fighting
drop out of school
Grade 10
change career plans
parents divorce
peer pressure
depression
babies
having to take care of your parents
hanging with the wrong people
drugs
alcohol
lack of money
big tragedies
being in debt
not getting scholarships
car accident
disability
kid's disability
dropping out of high school
bad grades
bad credit
low self-esteem
not organized
overwhelmed
not accepted to college
marriage proposal denied
health issues
disease
death
jail/prison
dog bites
suicide
family problems
legal problems
financial problems
bad economy
killing some one
11th Grade
Suicide attempt
Get fired
Laid off
Trauma
Raped and impregnated (used this as a teachable moment to talk about how rape victims should go immediately to the hospital, don't shower or change clothes. They can collect evidence at the hospital and give you Plan B which can help you prevent pregnancy).
Bad credit
Join a terrorist organization
Car accident
Identity theft
Car theft
Big tragedy
Loss of loved one
H1N1
Bombings/terrorism
Can’t find job
Family issues
Family illnesses
Loss of family support
Failing a class
Financial problems
Feeling threatened
Kidnapping
Severe disaster
Bullying
Stress
Weight gain/loss
Depression
Bad roommate
Bad environment
Bad economy
Babies
Losing academic integrity
Serious injury
Prison
Loss of motivation
Changing major
Criminal problems
Addiction
Eating disorders
Arranged marriage
12th grade
Bad accident
Prison
Death of a loved one
Hair falls out
Bad credit
Bad debt
Lose scholarships
No food
No water
Get distracted
Not accepted to college
Just quit/give up
Not good at job
Don’t pass training
Flunk out
Natural disaster
Pregnancy
No money
Addictions
Abusive relationships
No transportation
No phone
Financial problems
Lack of support
Swine flu
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Juniors and Seniors Get Oganized and Plan Lives
Above, Yvonne works diligently on her assignment for CLASS. Phu Tai is in the background thinking.
The Juniors did a nice job of organizing their binders today. Josh graded their binders and said they looked good except they are not using their assignment logs as well as they should.
The Seniors'(Yvonne and Phu Tai) binders were already in good shape.
Both groups worked on the Life Plan assignment which you can see in yesterday's blog. The Juniors got distracted by the People magazines I had brought for them to use to help decorate their Life Plans. It's funny when you have to tell a kid to stop reading and get back on task. All three seniors finished their assignment in class. Proud of them! For the Juniors it's due on Thursday.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Clean out that backpack and plan your life!
9th and 10th graders were given time today to get their binders in order. The binder graders complained that they weren't seeing the student's corrected work or tests filed in the binders. I knew where all that stuff was. At the bottom of their backpacks! So we took about 1/2 the period to just concentrate on getting those binders straightened up and organized. The 9th-graders then had their binder check.
Next I gave them the Life Plan Assignment which is due on Wednesday.
LIFE PLAN ASSIGNMENT
Your assignment is to make a time line of your life. Indicate various milestones in your life by showing what age you plan to achieve these milestones. Some of the milestones you might not ever want (like marriage and/or children, or military or Americorps service). If there are other milestones that are not listed here, please feel free to add them.
Be creative. These are going on the walls of our classroom.
Title your life plan with your name. Example: “Daniel’s Life Plan”
Milestones (in alphabetical order):
AmeriCorps Service
Begin career
Buy first house
College entrance (which college/university do you hope to attend?)
College graduation
First child
First job (part-time or summer job)
Fourth child
Graduate school (after you finish college)
High school graduation
Marriage
Military service
Second child
Third child
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Taking notes on Pres Obama's speech
Most of the Juniors and Seniors had not seen the speech to America's school children on September 9. We practiced taking notes on his speech and I pointed out the vocal and verbal cues he gives that tells us he's about to say something important. I wish I could practice this more with the students, but it's time to move on to other things. So AmeriCorps, if you have the opportunity to help kids figure out the main points a teacher is making in a lecture, that would be great.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)