Heart Maps

At the beginning of he school year we made "heart maps" that illustrated the things that were most important to us.  The kids were given a large heart shape (I printed them on different colors of paper).  Then I gave them a sheet called "Heart Mapping" by Georgia Heard.

Here are some of the exemplary heart maps:

Successful Vocabulary Lesson!

Last year I had my 8th graders use half of their vocabulary in sentences with context clues and the other half they had to draw pictures to depict the definitions of the words.  Below are some of my favorite drawings!

 This was awesome because the student somehow managed to draw my very first car from high school and my most recent car!  I found it pretty funny!

7th Grade Icebreakers!

 During the first week of school, the 7th grade participated in a variety of icebreaker activities to form cooperative relationships and learn to work together.  We completed these Icebreakers along with our class meetings to discuss important issues and out theme for the school year: the Beatitudes! 

Shoe Pile Fun!

Students piled their shoes in the middle of the circle.

Then, they choose 2 shoes that do not belong to them and are not matching.  

They must have a left shoe and a right shoe.

They must then put them in order in a line!

*sounds silly but it's a lot of fun*

We then played the knot game.

The kids get in a circle, then everyone reaches across with their right hand and grabs another person's hand.

They do the same with their left hands.

                      

Then, they must untangle!

The team to untangle first wins!

 Class Meeting Time!

Race for Education

Good Times at the Race for Education!

7th Grade Team Building!

We had to privilege of taking our 7th grade students to a low ropes course this fall to learn teamwork and trust skills!  It was one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had with my students! 

Together we came up with the ingredients for Teamwork:

• Cooperation
• Listening
• Trust
• Helping Others
• Endurance
• Encouragement
• Strength
• Stability
• Determination

 Students learn the 3 rules of teamwork:

1. Safety First

2.  Patience

3.No Put Downs

Name learning game with an action attached!

Students participate in the trust fall!

Students must work together to 'survive' the Underground Railroad challenge.

Students must swing across the "Frog Pond" to get to the lily pads by working together!

Balance is Key!