Last week's introduction of a new skill went well. Kids learned the process of skimming (not reading) nonfiction text and then reading for purpose (to answer a specific question). It was a slow process at the beginning, but thirteen practice questions later, kids seemed to have grasped the method. It was purposeful practice, as the nonfiction reading was about the two categories of cells: prokaryotic cells & eukaryotic cells. Of course, we will continue to practice this skill of skimming nonfiction reading in the future!
On the topic of continuing to practice newly learned skills, during this unit on cells, the class will continue to utilize "old school" flash cards. Kids should still be carrying around baggies of flash cards. Only current unit flash cards should be in the baggie. I told kids to "store" their old flash cards somewhere safe and out of the way - like a sock drawer at home - as the flash cards might be useful when preparing for a semester exam. (So, Moms & Dads, please don't throw away any index cards in your child's sock drawer .. but also know those aren't the ones to study for this current unit!) Of course, please encourage your child to regularly flip through the current set of cards. I keep reminding them that simply carrying around a baggie does not help them learn the facts!
On Tuesday (10/28), I invited any seventh grade student to a focused tutorial, with the goal to review flash cards to confirm that a student's set was complete and correct. I had hoped to see more of the "struggling" kids, who scored 80 or less on the last test. That wasn't the case. Parents, please encourage your son/daughter to come to tutorials on Tuesday (11/4) to go over flash cards if he/she is struggling and/or not feeling prepared. At this point, there should be at least 20 cards (the bare minimum) -- although I know some students have in excess of 30. More would probably be better ... I believe that the kids who came to tutorials on 10/28 left with over thirty flash cards.
This week we will continue our dive into knowledge about cells. We will learn about domains into which organisms are classified and the characteristics of each of those three domains. We will learn about organelles, the "cogs" within a cell, each with its own function.
Expect a quiz on Thursday (11/6) over the development of the cell theory. Kids have a fact sheet about this and should have already created valid flash cards. If you child came to see me on 10/28, his/her flash cards should be complete and correct. Again, if your son/daughter has been struggling, I need to see him/her at tutorials. Please encourage that - and send me an email so I know to expect him/her!
Also, be aware that this unit has a project that goes with it. Those details will be distributed later this week. Your son/daughter may need poster board or other art supplies. There are choices as to what he/she can create to fulfill the project requirements. I encourage you to help your child use the detailed instruction sheet as a checklist for completion. Failure to pay attention to detail will yield lost points. The project has multiple parts, each due on a separate date - all clearly indicated on the instruction sheet that will be distributed out this week. On each given due date, kids are expected to submit their project part before first hour.
One final reminder: On Tuesday (10/28), I announced a bonus opportunity for students. It is due before first hour on Monday (11/3). This is completely optional. Directions are in the blog's file cabinet. Again, I encourage you to help your child use the detailed instruction sheet as a checklist for completion. Failure to pay attention to detail will yield lost points. Remember, this optional bonus is due before first hour and late bonus won't be accepted.
Here's to a great week!
