Fun in the Snow

Seattle Times Current Events

Let's try out something new today. Click here to access questions related to today's articles in the newspaper. In the interest of saving paper, let's try copying and pasting the questions to a Word document and typing our answers. Use the Seattle Times website (link at right) to search for the articles that will help you answer the questions. Don't forget to save your work to your user share account. Call it "CE 12-12".

BTW: Your must complete 5 out of 10 questions to include either #1 or #2.

Good Luck!

Muhammad Book Video

Continue Stock Market Contest?

I am interested in getting some feedback from students (and parents) as to whether or not we should continue with the contest in the second trimester. Please comment by clicking on the "comment" link at the bottom of the post and include the following information:

1. Yes or No
2. Why or Why Not
3. Your First Name and Last Initial

Thanks!

Beginning the Rise of Islam Unit

We have just recently finished studying Europe during the Middle Ages. The students have learned much about the legacy of the Romans, manors, knights, lords, The Magna Carta, the bubonic plague, the Catholic Church, The Eastern Orthodox Church and the eastern empire based in Constantinople. We will now move on to studying about the Rise of Islam. Personally, I find this a fascinating topic. I don't remember learning much about the Middle East or Islam in my k-12 education. I wish I had learned more because it seems an extremely relevant topic given the ongoing conflicts that exist in the world and how historical events have impacted relationships between different groups of people. Please know that in this class we learn about different religions because we are studying the way people have interacted throughout history. I don't think one can study people without considering the beliefs that inform(ed) their actions. As a teacher, I don't tell the students what they must believe personally. Rather, we look at the facts and consider all points of view with an open mind.

"Tour of Europe"

We spent 4 days (from Thursday 10/2 to Tuesday 10/7) in room 704 where students worked in groups at stations. They had approximately 10 minutes at each station to do things like: build a gargoyle out of playdough, play a game of concentration, listen to some music on a cd, pretend to be a monk in scriptorium, among others. In addition to the different activities at each station, the groups also read together out of the workbook and completed the reading notes for chapter 3 in the workbook. I am lucky enough to be able to use an empty room in the 7th grade pod for these group activites and simulations. Rather than having to spend time moving desks around in my room, I can have everything ready to go in room 704, which gives the kids more time to do good work. All in all, I have been impressed with the way the students worked together in the groups. There was minimal conflict among students, and most goups were productive. I recently read an article in an educational publication that quoted the CEO of a major company who said that his employees have to be able to work well with each other because the company is structured in teams. I hope that I am doing my part to help train your children to work well together.

Class Update...

I know It's been a few days since I last posted. In class we have been studying the feudal system. Last week we watched some short videos that gave the kids a feel for what life was like for nobles, knights and peasants. The students took notes on these videos using a two column format that they are also using in science and language arts. I collected the Europe Maps on Friday as well, and it looks like the students did a tremendous job. I'll be grading them over the next week or so. Finally, the chapter 2 quiz will be on Wednesday October 1st.

As far as some other odds and ends:

1. The first progresss report is this Friday 10/3. Most students are doing fine so far...it will be the next progress report that really tells the tale.

2. I have created a class contest on the website <www.howthemarketworks.com> so that students can see how they do in a virtual world of buying and selling stocks. Thanks to a parent for recommending this. I'll use the contest and site to teach students some economic lessons. It seems appropriate given the current economic woes on wall street. I'll be taking each class to the lab once a week to sign up and do thier trading, but they can also do it from home.

3. Lastly, I have created a podcast that students/parents can download onto their mp3 players. If you go to the Itunes store and search Mr. Talmadge, you should find the podcast(s).

That's it for now.

Mr. T

Feudalism Simulation

Today in class we did a cool activity to teach the kids how the feudal system worked in Medieval Europe. I chose one student to be king or queen. They got to sit on a throne (see picture) and have some food or drink. That monarch then chose 4 lords who had to swear an oath (called homage) to the king or queen. These lords were the leader of 4 corners in the room. The lords then chose a couple of knights for protection and some serfs to work the land. For more on the feudal system, check out http://www.learner.org/interactives/middleages/feudal.html.

Creative Economy

I have begun using our 7th grade team creative economy money in clas this week (see photo at left). I prefer to use it as an incentive for students. For example, this week I have been trying to "catch" students who are writing in their Eagle Book as well as doing things they should do without me telling them to. However, I will also use it as a way to gently remind students when they are not doing what they should. For example, I did a random Eagle Book check on Tuesday and one student had to give me a dollar because she hadn't been diligent about filling in her Eagle Book. As a social studies teacher, I like this idea (which was adapted for team use by Mrs. Peterson) because it will be a great way for me to teach about Economics (supply and demand, rational self-interest, competition, scarcity, etc.)

First Quiz Tomorrow 9/17

I just wanted to let everyone know that we will be having our first quiz on The Legacy of the Romans tomorrow. It's an open book quiz, so hopefully that will reduce the stress level for students. We did a review activity in class today and will do some more reviewing in class tomorrow before the quiz. As with all assignments in my class, if students don't do well the first time, they are welcome to do a retake.

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The Romans, Picture Day and Curriculum Night

We have begun our study of world history by reviewing The Roman Empire. The students seemed to have some knowledge from their previous schooling about aspects of Roman life like chariot races, aquaducts, togas and the like. We will use what we learn about the Romans to inform our study of Europe during the middle ages.

Also, tomorrow is picture day, so make sure to be ready with a smile =)

Finally, this Thursday at 6 pm is a chance for parents to meet teachers and see what life is like at SMS. I look forward to seeing as many of you as is possible. If you can't make it, don't hesitate to call or email me.

Parents, Send me Your Email Address...

Hello parents,

One of my jobs on the 7th grade team is to collect as many parent email addresses as possible and to create a distribution list for us to use when we want to convey information to you. I have instructed your students to have you go to this website and use the comment function at the bottom of this post. In your comment, please provide me with the following information:

1. Your Name
2. Your Child's Name
3. Your Email Address

Please know that your comment will not appear publicly on this website. It will only be viewable by me. Also, if you would prefer that I not have your email address, that is fine as well. Thanks.

Worktime on Coat of Arms

I gave the students lots of time to get their Coat of Arms finished today. Many students did get done (see photo at left) and I have begun putting the finished products on the wall. They look great! I was really impressed by the focus and productivity displayed during worktime as well. Many thanks to all classes for their effort. I look forward to learning more about each student as they present thier work to the class.

The First Day!

We made it through the first day without any snafus! The students were well behaved and I tried my best not to bore them with rules and procedures. We talked about the fact that social studies is comprised of four main disciplines--history, civics, economics and geography. We also pretended we were archaeologists and examined an artifact (which was just a penny) to see what we could learn about the culture that produced it (the penny). Finally, we also were given an assignment to begin drafting out a Coat of Arms. If you click here you'll find a copy of the assignment sheet.

Hello and Welcome!

Hello students and parents. Welcome to another school year. I look forward to getting to know you and working with you this year.