How many 7th graders does it take to change a lightbulb?
It was indeed another rowdy, high energy good time this week in Texas history. This was the week we felt like the kids really started finding their groove. It is amazing how much they have matured and progressed in just two months of school. They are really getting the routines and expectations down, which is allowing us to start up'ing their game in the classroom. They are taking more responsibility for their learning, and more importantly learning how to interact with each other to collaborate and support each other in the classroom. You would be so proud to see your kid in action.
#IXL #SkillBuildingForSocialStudies #Leaderboards
This week we jumped on the IXL bandwagon (They've already been using this tool in math and other classes). IXL is a educational software program that we use on campus to help kids identify and close specific learning gaps and advance to their personal next level in each academic subject area. The program is very user friendly and your student can show it to you through "Clever" on their Chromebook if you want to take a look.
Students can work on IXL independently any time! So if you just want your kiddo to do something educational, have them jump on IXL! Right now we are focusing on geography skills in Texas History. We have leaderboards set up in each class until the end of the nine weeks. The top three (most correct answers) in each class will be winning prizes (TBA).
#TheBarterGame #MsOricchiosClasses #AskYourKidsAboutPowWow
So this week we played a fun game in class. We call it "The Barter Game" (totally made this up btw). Mr. Young's classes will be playing it this upcoming week. The kids in Ms. Oricchio's classes were super into it. Each group was given a Ziploc bag of a random set of colored markers. The object of the game is to be the first group to acquire a certain combination of the colored markers (ex. 2 green, 3 pink, 1 purple, etc.).
The way to acquire markers? Groups had to elect a leader to pow-wow and trade with other groups following strict rules of respect and protocol (see what I'm doing there, parents? Feel free to try this at home!). The kids loved it and we now have proof that 7th graders can slow down and listen to each other (AKA #CapturingLighteningInABottle). My favorite moment: the kid who tried to barter math answers for a marker. What we learned this week: kids are ruthless negotiators. Take them with you when you buy your next car.
#MrYoung #DadJokeOfTheWeek
Q: Why can't a nose be 12 inches long?
A: Because then it would be a foot.
#AaaaanndBahdumdum
In other news from Mr. Young.. the rock tumblers are tumblin'. Although we found out the hard way that the custodians turn off the electrical box at night in our rock tumblin' room. Oops.. so we are trouble shooting that one.
#goodthingwestartedearlyintheyear #itsnotjusttherocksthatneedtobesmoothedout
#AdvancedClasses #Homework #ItsHappening
This applies to Ms. Oricchio's 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th period classes (Advanced Texas History). Starting this week, advanced Texas History students will have homework Mon, Tue and Wed. They will have a textbook reading in class and be given topics to take notes on a provided organizer. They did this in class last week and are familiar with how this works. They can (and should) re-read the assignment by accessing their online textbook through Canvas. Your student should know how to do this, but if there is a question - look for the McGraw Hill button on the left side Nav Bar on their TX History Canvas classroom. This will take them to their online textbook. The slides with the topics will be posted on Canvas by Date/Slides/Reading Topics.
They will use these notes on their Friday quiz and it counts as a minor grade. The notes are due on Thursday. They will get some time in class to "ketchup" on any gaps or get help to complete.
#KetchupDays
Yes, "Ketchup" days are a thing. We occasionally give our students a day to "ketchup" on missing or incomplete work. This "mayo" or "mayo" not be weekly... just whenever we are all getting a little too "be-Heinz".
#NextWeek #Agenda
Monday
Young - The Barter Game
Oricchio - Classroom Agreements
Tuesday
Young - Classroom Agreements
Oricchio - How-to: Creating Timelines Group Challenge
Wednesday
Both - IXL: Intro to Spanish Exploration
Thursday
Young - How-to: Creating Timelines Group Challenge
Oricchio - Ketchup Day on Reading Notes
Friday
Canvas Inquiry Quiz: Age of Exploration comes to Texas
#BackToLightbulbs
How many 7th grade teachers does it take to change a lightbulb? Answer: um, zero. We long for a dark, quiet place where we can recover from the week.
Not gonna lie. By the time you read this, we will likely be at home watching the inside of our eyelids. Have a restful weekend, as well. And as always, thank you for sharing your children with us. They keep us giggling and on our toes all week.
Tag you're it until Monday,
Ms. Oricchio and Mr. Young
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