In Social Studies, we have been learning and discussing a wide variety of things during these first weeks of the school year:
the history of Russia and the Soviet Union to help students better understand the current conflict in Ukraine
the structures of the brain and their functions to help students better understand how our emotions can hijack our thinking and what to do when this happens
how our neurons (brain cells) communicate with one another and the rest of our body
communication and conflict resolution skills to help students better advocate for and express themselves
the history of the space race between America and the Soviet Union including Sputnik, the Apollo Missions, and our current attempt to launch Artemis 1 in preparation for travel to the moon and Mars
gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and other interesting entities from Ancient Greek mythology
stories and theories from around the world and throughout history about the origins of the universe
This week, students have begun sharing with the class the “Top 10” list of the Greek mythological god, goddess, hero, monster, etc., that they have been researching. Once everyone has presented, we will play “Who’s Who in Greek Mythology?” Bingo to become more familiar with each of these characters.
In addition, students have begun sharing with the rest of the class the particular origin stories and ideas they have researched. As we explore various stories and theories about the origins of the universe, we are finding intriguing similarities shared by a number of stories from cultures throughout the world. Ask your Innovator to share these patterns of similarity with you and their theories about why these similarities may exist.
In Math, we have learned how to classify various shapes as polygons, quadrilaterals, paralellograms, rectangles, and/or squares according to their attributes. Ask your Innovator to explain why all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. We have also been reviewing adding and subtracting with positive and negative numbers (integers) and taking a number of required beginning of the year tests (NWEA, Go Math, and a teacher-created Math skills review). Based upon feedback from these assessments, students have begun working in small Math groups this week according to the particular skill sets they each need to review or learn.
Here are some pictures from these first weeks of school. Ask your Innovator to explain what we are doing in each one and why.
In ELA, we finished PAX! We dove into analyzing the text. We explored Theme, Conflict and Characters. Our note-taking skills are on fire!
Pre-Covid, it was established that the 7th & 8th graders would take an end-of-the-year trip to Mackinac. This year we are excited to reinstate the experience. We began brainstorming with the students this week about how to make this a reality. They will need to present their ideas to obtain official permission from the BLS Board of Directors. We will have solid details at the end of September AFTER our student representatives have received permission from the Board. Costs, dates and details will be available then.
Feel free to contact us via email, text, or call.
Ms. Jenni Dr. Cheryl
jenni@branchlineschool.org cherylb@branchlineschool.org
(248) 910-3051 (248) 497-6633
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