THE VIEW FROM LS!

IN TIME & ON A JOURNEY

" ISM GRADE 9 STRATEGY INSTRUCTIONQUARTER 2: WEEKS 13 & 14

ISSUE NO. 6

What we Learned: GEO:

Students have continued to explore population trends and the key factors affecting global regions.

ENGLISH:
Students added pictures, edited and bound their storybook drafts. They discussed and explored motif in Lord of the Flies.

MATH 1:
Students examined geometry vocabulary and angle properties before examining triangles closely.

What were doing in SI:

In Strategy Instruction we have been looking at how we can break down projects into the detailed small steps that will allow students to complete the task with sufcient understanding and depth. Part of this process involves estimating the time it will take to complete the assignment portion and then recording the actual time it took to nish it. Helping students to improve their perspectives and better understand time management is essential to meeting deadlines. This process was introduced as students made a snack during class: a special version of ants on a log or raisins on cream cheese covered celeryArctic Golden Termites on a Snow Covered Branch (pictured above). The students took extra pride in plating their creations. This will be reinforced throughout their Object Project which students took a period to help design and we are continuing to discuss and explore the method by which students want to be evaluated and provided with feedback. In addition to building an object (that can be either held, heard or tasted) they will need to use their daily journal from the 3 week process to reect back on their process of organization and creation. The nal step will require them to present to their class both the product and an understanding of how they completed it using previously discussed academic strategy skills. Students will continue to be exposed to pictures, lms and artifacts in an effort to use such items as a means to trigger their critical thinking skills and to assist them in making connections between our activities and home work. BREAKING BAD HABITS + Charles Duhigg, from his book The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business What we know from lab studies is that its never too late to break a habit. Habits are malleable throughout your entire life. But we also know that the best way to change a habit is to understand its structure...the cue and reward. A TECHNIQUE TO TRY Studies show people will perform automated behaviors the same way, every time if they are in the same environment. However, when on vacation those surroundings change (the cue) and eventually its likely the behavior (something as simple as putting your shoes on) will change. Which means there is an opportunity to break your pattern/ habit since all your old cues and rewards are no longer there.

SCIENCE:
Students worked in groups researching and preparing to present about a specic energy form and how it could be implemented in the Philippines.

Whats Next:
GEO:
The class will submit their 750 word ISM population investigation report after interviewing 3 generations of ISM staff for date. Students will review for a test.

ENGLISH:
The class will use 2 class periods to outline and hand write their Cornerstone Essay based on a writing prompt connected to theme.

MATH 1:
The class will be quizzed on angles and triangles before moving on to studying Pythagoras.

HOW HABITS FORM Habits start with a psychological pattern called a habit loop which involves 3 distinct stages: the cue (or trigger), the routine (the behavior itself) and nally the reward, which is something that your brain likes and plays a role in perpetuating the habit loop. Interestingly, the part of the brain connected with habit making is also associated with emotions and memories.