Welcome to Mrs. Loud's Social Studies Education Page
2007 - 2008
What's going on in Room 235 you ask? Well, please continue reading to find out about the following:
* CTHSS's Social Studies Philosophy
* Mrs. Loud's personal educational philosophy
* Curriculum Overview for Grade 9
* Curriculum Overview for Grade 10
* Capturing Kids Hearts initiative in room 235
* Links to interesting social studies web sites
So, here we go!
THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CTHSS regarding Social Studies is that the primary purpose of social studies and history education is to prepare students to be knowledgeable, responsible and contributing citizens, as well as life-long learners. The CTHSS Social Studies program allows students to gain the knowledge and the essential skills necessary to make decisions and analyze problems encountered in a diverse global society.
MRS. LOUD'S PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY is based on a few summary statement from the Powerful Learning Model:
1) People learn what is meaningful to them.
2) People learn when they accept challenging but achievable goals.
3) Learning is developmental.
4) Individuals learn differently.
5) A positive emotional climate strenthens learning.
6) Learning is influenced by the total environment.
NOW LET'S LOOK SPECIFICALLY AT THE CURRICULUM:
Grade 9 Global Studies
This is a full year course that will help students develop research, writing, and analytical skills through the study of world regions, cultures, and global issues. The areas of study will include the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In each area, an emphasis will be placed upon regional characteristics, challenges, and cultural heritage. Students will use the computer extensively to engage in web quests, digital learning units, and research based on individual preference. Students will also read, discuss, and respond critically to multiple types of text; write to persuade; and work cooperatively in groups.
The assigned textbook is "World Cultures, A Global Mosaic" which is used in conjunction with the computer.
Please see web links listed below.
WHAT'S HAPPENING DURING CYCLE IX OF GLOBAL STUDIES:
5/19/08 - 6/5/08 X
Unit Topic: Current Issues in China
During our 10th and final cycle together, students will work on a variety of activities about China. Students will focus on investigating several issues pertaining to China that have global implications. Students will work on a Digital Activity on The Three Gorges Dam project and analyze the impact on the environment. Students will look at the rapid industrialization by China and how workers are benefiting (or suffering)as a result. Finally, students will look at China's record on Human Rights Violations in terms of political dissent in Tibet and the current internet censorship campaign and protests on the Summer Olympics by many nations. Students will end the cycle and their year in Global Studies by completing the District Wide Trimester Assessment.
Grade 10 Civics
This is a required course for high school graduation. The focus of this course is to prepare students to participate in exercising their political responsibilities as thoughtful and informed citizens. Civics provides a basis for understanding the rights and responsibilities for being an American citizen and a framework for competent and responsible participation.
Of course Grade 10 is CAPT (Connecticut Academic Performance Test) time and the importance of preparing students for this high stakes assessment can not be stressed enough. Students will practice writing a variety of persuasive style pieces throughout the year in order to become confident on the Interdisciplinary Task portion of the test.
HERE'S WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CIVICS for Cycle X:
6/6/08 - 6/19/08
Unit Topic: Our Constitution:
In this cycle, students will review several Great American Trials in American History. Students will come away with a greater awareness of the protective, positive aspects of the law. Hopefully, our young people here at Kaynor Tech will respect the laws that give us our individual freedoms and our democratic process. The cases that will be reviewed will be:
The John T. Scopes Trial of 1923 ("Monkey Trial")
The Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Trial (1951)
The Chicago Eight (1968)
The Allan Bakke Case (1977)
We will also review for our District Wide Trimester Assessment.
CYCLE VIII SHOP CYCLE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Have a Nice Summer and See you in the Fall!
CAPTURING KIDS HEARTS CHARACTER DEVLEOPMENT INITIATIVE
Kaynor THS is leading the way in the Tech System in implementing a great new program. Based on techniques developed by Flip Flippen, you will find CKH strategies in full force in room 235. I have been trained in the initial three day workshop of "Capturing Kids Hearts" as well as the advanced sessions of "Leading The Way" and "Process Champions." So what is this all about and what does it look like in room 235? The philosophy of Flip can be summarized best by the following quote, "If you have a kid's heart, you have his head." On a daily basis I strive to implement this model by engaging in the following activities:
1. Greet each student by name at the door with a
handshake.
2. Begin each class by sharing "Good News."
3. Employ a student designed Social Contract to help
each class manage their own behavior.
4. End each class on a positive note with a thoughtful
Launch Story.
In conclusion, this is just a brief "snaphot" of what is happening in room 235.
Some food for thought:
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going" Anonymous
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly" RFK
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle
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