THE VIEW FROM LS

IN TIME & ON A JOURNEY

ISM GRADE 9 STRATEGY INSTRUCTIONQUARTER 1: WEEKS 3 & 4

ISSUE NO. 2

What we Learned:
GEO:
Students dened key terms for Global Development Indicators and began work on the Choropleth assignment, due for some students next week.

ENGLISH:
Students developed questions to interview Kindergarteners so they could later write and illustrate a book based on the 10 Stages of the Heros Journey.

MATH:
Students in Math 1 focused on problems where they needed to collect like terms as well as simplifying products with 1 and 2 variables.

What were doing in SI:

In Strategy Instruction we developed a Full Value Contract (FVC) for each block, using the metaphor of a Class Kingdom so that it links with the English focus on the Heros Journey. We brainstormed behaviors and actions we felt will allow us to be safe, productive and successful throughout the year. It included: staying focused, discipline, listening to directions, downtime/relaxing, respecting each others ideas, trusting one another, using positive comments in the classroom. All the students then discussed what actions might challenge them and how the class could support their efforts. Finally, each student signed the poster and we placed it in the room to help remind us to be accountable to the goals weve set for our kingdom. This week I also provided each student with their Learning Passport, seen above. It is ESSENTIAL that they hold onto this ofcial document in their 3-ring binder, as additional copies will need to be authorized by Mr. Toze and pertinent embassies or consulates. (Or at least that is what I have told them; it is hole punched and can be kept safe in their 3-ring binder). The learning passport will be a document that tracks their progress in 8 areas: Organization, Learning Style, Goal Setting, Habits, Note Taking, Happiness, Reading and Mindfulness. Their rst visa stamp required them to have 15 sub-section dividers, all properly labeled, and placed appropriately behind the corresponding class divider. Some received the stamp, others are still waiting in customs and will have to reapply. VOCABULARY EXAMINED
+ PERMANENCE: lasting indenitely. + PERSEVERANCE: continue in spite of difculty + PERSISTENCE: to continue steadily. + AUDITORY: Relating to hearing or the sense of hearing. + KINESTHETIC: Involving the sense that detects body position or movement of the muscles. + VISUAL: Done, maintained or executed by sight only; relating to a method of instruction involving sight.

SCIENCE:
Students nished collecting data for their Paper Launch Lab and competed a lab report with table partners.

Whats Next:
GEO:
Theyll begin to examine, discuss and take notes on the History of Development, placing it in a time line.

ENGLISH:
The students will begin to examine the components that make up an essay, including how to craft thesis sentences.

MATH:
Math 1 will begin work on the distributive law and binomial expansion.

SCIENCE:
The class will begin the week with a Quiz on the Scientic process.

TIP, TOOL, TECHNIQUE FOR HOME GOAL SETTING: Consider the below ideas for a students specic learning type as they begin to set and pursue goals. Script or build something that symbolizes your long term goal (Kinesthetic) Map out what you have to do using a chart or diagram (Visual) Tape record your goals (Auditory)

DATES & REMINDERS 8-9 am Thursday Sept. 12th Gr. 9 meets with book authors: Margaret Stohl, Alison Noel, Melissa De L Cruz. MS/HS Math Parent Workshop with Erma Anderson on 9/12 in the Little Theater from 7:30 to 9 am. ISM Music Department Great Works Concert on 9/19 in the FAT at 5:30 pm Weeks of 9/23, 9/30 and 10/7: MAP Testing