Modern World History - Finstagram
Students in Ms. Loewen's MWH classes learned about Syrian war reporter Muhammad Najem and then applied his story to what they learned about WW II. Students discussed what WW II would be like if information could travel the way it does now. Then they posed as a war reporter from inside a country and discussed how various events affected their communities all through "finstagram" posts (a Canva template). Once students finished learning about the world after WW II, students created a writing of their choice from the war reporter's perspective of what happened to them and their family. Check out some student work below!
English 1-4 - Archetypes
Students in Mrs. Porter's ELA classes did a project in the library that combined their understanding of the characters in the book Holes with their knowledge of archetypes to make a gift for a friend. Students thought about the characteristics of their favorite character, then imagined the colors that match the character's emotions in the book. Finally, they picked a word that described their character and made a bracelet to give away! Students had an awesome time with their peer tutors and spent time thinking about literature, English, empathy, and fine motor skills.
Independent reading
Students in ELA 9, ELA 10, and ELA 12 came to the library this month to check out independent reading books. ELA 9 and ELA 12 students were all looking for narrative non-fiction. Students in ELA 10 were mostly looking for books in verse after having recently finished Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds. If you haven't read it, pick it up because this book is the kind of book that makes kids love reading!
Psychology - Skill Share
A skill share is when individuals share a skill that they have with others. We used the skill share model for students to learn about and share skills they use for coping with stress and improving mental health in Psychology class.
Students began by learning 2 skills that the librarians use to cope with stress and practicing the strategy themselves. Mrs. Cornelius helped students make zines to express their feelings and Ms. Pommerenke helped students learn about the benefits of owning pets and students created their own pet rocks.
Students researched various strategies based on information they learned in class and then prepared short presentations where they would share their skills with classmates. Some examples were "Brain Dumps", "Encouraging Cookie Decorating" and "Butterfly Taps".
Along with sharing their skills, students created infographics to share the research behind the strategy they chose. Their research addressed coping strategies, the impact of mental health care, and sharing with others to improve one's mood.
The New Beta!
Several years ago, students in Graphic Design classes created the Beta; a MakerSpace located in the 500 hallway with all of the gear and gadgets that allowed kids to make whatever they could dream of. The space was branded and used for events and activities throughout the school year. Since the pandemic, use of the Beta has declined and this year we had the opportunity to move the space into the library. The previous location was being taken over for use by FACS classes, so the Beta moved to the former conference rooms in the library! The principals began by helping us remove the 38 year old curtain separating the room. Then we painted the walls, moved some furniture, installed some cabinets and created an awesome space where students in classes or individually can make whatever they are inspired to make! Since we moved the Beta, it has been in use every single day!