I hope everyone had a restful Thanksgiving! Prior to leaving, the YESS scholars finished their lesson on the brain by writing a short PEAL essay on how knowledge of the brain can help adolescents make positive choices. Additionally, students utilized Achieve 3000 to read an article regarding how babies brains develop and completing activities related to that story. As I've been reading their assignments, I've been impressed with how many students were able to discuss their own life stories and incorporate the vocabulary terms we've been practicing!
Now that we're back, we'll be exploring emotions and how they drive behavior. Have a great week!
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Monday, November 13, 2017
November 6th - 10th
We had another wonderful week over here at SCMS! Here's the breakdown:
On Monday, the mentors continued to promote positive attitudes in the classroom by writing words of encouragement to their mentees. They also supported one another by offering advice to those who are facing challenges in the YESS classroom.
Tutoring Tuesday was even more successful than usual, as students are feeling pressured to complete assignments before Thanksgiving Break.
On Wednesday and Thursday, we began an in-depth study of the brain. We learned a lot about the anatomy of the brain and I got a kick out of the students who asked why we were studying science in YESS. Of course, the way the brain works is important to know as we begin learning about emotions and I enjoyed having this discussion with the scholars. To add some Kagan fun, we added a Quiz Quiz Trade to solidify the new words we learned. Take a look at some of the good times below!
We celebrated our November birthdays on Friday with snacks and a movie. The kids always enjoy honoring their classmates' births and I like seeing the positive feelings, as well!
On Monday, the mentors continued to promote positive attitudes in the classroom by writing words of encouragement to their mentees. They also supported one another by offering advice to those who are facing challenges in the YESS classroom.
Tutoring Tuesday was even more successful than usual, as students are feeling pressured to complete assignments before Thanksgiving Break.
On Wednesday and Thursday, we began an in-depth study of the brain. We learned a lot about the anatomy of the brain and I got a kick out of the students who asked why we were studying science in YESS. Of course, the way the brain works is important to know as we begin learning about emotions and I enjoyed having this discussion with the scholars. To add some Kagan fun, we added a Quiz Quiz Trade to solidify the new words we learned. Take a look at some of the good times below!
Monday, November 6, 2017
October 30th - November 3rd
Another month has come and gone. It's difficult to believe we're already in November!
Monday, the mentors and I discussed productive ways to talk with their mentees. Specifically, we focused on incorporating "we" language like "Let's work together to..." or "I'm sure we can find a way to..." in their conversations. Many mentors tend to utilize "you" language, which tends to be more accusatory and triggers their mentees' defenses. By working as a team with their mentees, our mentors will be better-equipped to deal with problems as they arise.
Tuesday was, as usual, spent working on core work. In the past, I've had to fight to get kids to complete their assignments. I'm proud to say the vast majority of our students understand why staying on top of their tasks is important and diligently focus on their assignments this year.
I was out of the building for part of Wednesday, so with the immense support of the administrative team and educators here, the students were able to accomplish some good things.
Thursday and Friday, we participated in a lesson about miscommunication. How does it happen? Why should we try to communicate effectively? How can we prevent miscommunication? The students dug deep and internalized bits of advice like these:
If you'd like to learn more about miscommunication, watch this awesome short video!
Monday, the mentors and I discussed productive ways to talk with their mentees. Specifically, we focused on incorporating "we" language like "Let's work together to..." or "I'm sure we can find a way to..." in their conversations. Many mentors tend to utilize "you" language, which tends to be more accusatory and triggers their mentees' defenses. By working as a team with their mentees, our mentors will be better-equipped to deal with problems as they arise.
Tuesday was, as usual, spent working on core work. In the past, I've had to fight to get kids to complete their assignments. I'm proud to say the vast majority of our students understand why staying on top of their tasks is important and diligently focus on their assignments this year.
I was out of the building for part of Wednesday, so with the immense support of the administrative team and educators here, the students were able to accomplish some good things.
Thursday and Friday, we participated in a lesson about miscommunication. How does it happen? Why should we try to communicate effectively? How can we prevent miscommunication? The students dug deep and internalized bits of advice like these:
- Practice active listening
- Listen with your eyes, ears, and gut
- Take time to understand as you try to be understood
- Be aware of your perceptual filters - Understand that the way you see the world may not be the way everybody sees it
If you'd like to learn more about miscommunication, watch this awesome short video!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)