James' Class

_________________________________________

Report cards will be issued in mid March.

___________________________________________________________

We are in the midst of our post novel activities for Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech (1995 Newbery Medal winner). This is our third novel. Previously we read Shabanu, Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples (1990 Newbery Honor Book) and Forged by Fire by Sharon M. Draper (1998 Coretta Scott King Award).

So far the Oral Reading component, Chapter Question Assignment, Visual Arts assignment, Poetry Assignment and Reader Response Assignments have been collected. A 500 word Essay and 500 word Book Report have yet to be assigned.

In mathematics the class recently wrote a retest for the unit on Fractions. Previous units included: Multiplication, Division and Decimals. The current unit of study is Percent.

More Recently the class completed a Social Studies unit on Ancient Egypt. The unit consisted of 30 notes covering varied aspects of Ancient Egyptian Civilization including lifestyle, religion, diet, military and architectural contributions and a thorough study of the mummification process. Two 40 question open book tests were administered.

The next Social Studies unit in Ancient Civilizations is Ancient Greece.

In Science we have just completed a unit on Light and Optics through the study of our Solar System.

The Physical Education schedule has been as follows:

September - Outdoor Volleyball

October - Outdoor Soccer

November - Outdoor German Handball

December - Indoor Soccer

January - Indoor Basketball

February - Indoor Dodgeball

March - Indoor Volleyball (tentative)

The gymnasium availability provides for daily 30 minute periods of Physical Education. Classes are grouped in pairs. Anne's and James' classes share the same Phys-Ed periods.

Health is taught daily from 8:30 - 9:00 in the morning. Current literature is referenced in class lectures and discussions. A project will be assigned on the 5th of March and be due on the 9th.

The monthly Health units are as follows:

September: Self-Esteem and Peer Pressure

October: Nutrition and Physical Fitness

November: Mental and Emotional Health

December: Managing Stress

January: Healthy Relationships

February: Conflict and Violence

March: Abuse and Violence

April: Tobacco

May: Alcohol and Drugs

June: Sexually Transmitted Infections and Pregnancy