Today we were covering the rules and procedures for the course.  We will be finishing up procedures tomorrow.   However, in third period, I was asked are you a psychologist?   The student went on to say I was asking questions that made her think about her mind and "big" questions.  I explained to them all, I was just explaining why I spend so much time on how the class works and justified why these ideas are important.  They discussed a Harry Wong quote and we talked about effective classroom management. 

We talked about some ways to focus during class when you are getting bored: bouncing the leg, and other techniques that do not infer with learning.  They seemed to enjoy the new ideas and ways to help them stay focused.   As class finished I asked them to write a few lines about what rules they will have trouble following: first being organized, second being perpared, and third listening (not hearing).  We will work on these during the year...new techniques and ways to achieve these skills.

 We should finish the rules and procedures up by the end of the day Tuesday and begin a look at Culture that will lead us into editorial cartooning.   Many students have  really enjoy the cartoon mini unit in the past--BUT they have to keep an eye on current events.  Start those discussions at home.    Have a good night. 

Students were asked to write a paragraph about the first day activity of the blurry picture.   Here are samples:
-I learned that we should look closer into the details. I want to be able to look at the details and find the important clues.   
-I learned that everyone has a different perspective that alters their view of the world.  This may have been the causes of many wars. 
-Today and yesterday I learned that history is more than just studding the past, it is about everything in the world. 
-I learned that we aren't just going to study words on a page, were going to understand and learn history.
-The more I look into the past the clearer the images, However, I don't have enough knowledge to piece the puzzle back together to make the image clear.  I want this class to piece together this blurry puzzle one by one to make it clear enough for me to see.  I want this class to teach me about what history means and how it affects us. 
-I have learned that to understand history, I have to try and look at it from all different perspectives and no matter what, never give up.
-To be successful in this class I will have to be a problem solver.
-...If we try in different ways to look at history differently we can find new things we did not see before.  What I want out of this class is to understand more and try to see the history and to understand things more clearly.

These are great answers.  Believe me I could go on, but you get the point.  Most students got the lesson.  We will refer to this lesson the whole year long.  

Today students worked on a coat of arms that represents them and did small interviews on goals they have this year. 

Homework:  Students need to finish Coat of Arms and bring in yellow parent sheet, if they have not. 


PS please excuse any typo's  I try to get this posted before advisory and am in a hurry.  Sorry, I will try.

It was a pleasure.  I was very tired by the end of the day.  Today in class we reviewed the supplies we needed (almost everyone had them).  Then we discussed two current events: Flood in Southeast Asia and the Massive traffic jam in China and how these events can impact us.    We then talked about what history really is, why it's important and ways we study history. After a good discussion, each student got a black sheet of paper and chalk to draw an image projected (each class was different).  It started completely blurry and over time I focused the image in.  Tomorrow we will discuss and write how this activity helps us understand how to learn history.   It was a great first day.  

Looking forward to tomorrow...I just will need a while with all the names. 

Mr. H

Welcome to a brand new school year at Beachwood Middle School.  As new students to the middle school, unique challenges and experiences await you.  Things will be different from past years. 

Seventh grade social studies will be fun and exciting.  As a member of this class, active participation in the learning process is expected and required.  The curriculum encompasses many areas of World History, U.S. History as well as current events.  You will find yourself wrestling with topics found in the "real world" and searching for answers to your own questions about the world around you.  You will use state-of-the-art technology, discussions, and problem based learning to explore the past. You will also read, read and read.  A quote sticks in my mind: "A master can tell you what he expects of you.  A teacher, though, awakens your own expectations." Richard DeNeut.  You will be in control of your success. 

Throughout the course of the school year students will have several unique opportunities to engage in what we are learning through technology.  We will Skype, and google docs with students from Chardon Middle School, blog, create web pages and use a variety of other free technology to making learning interesting and relevant to your (the students') lives.

As a parent, it is important for you to get to know a little bit about me.  I have sixteen years of teaching experience in New York (East Syracuse-Minoa) and Ohio (two in Newark, eight in Beachwood).  I earned honors degrees from the University of Dayton and a Master's from LeMoyne College in Syracuse.  I created and implemented an "at risk program" in social studies as well as taught gifted seminar courses.  I am a graduate professor at the University of Akron in the school of education.   These experiences have helped me create a class that offers choices to meet the learning styles of all students.   I focus on skills,  not student memory to recall facts. My number one priority as an educator is for students to enjoy learning about history and instilling in them a desire for more knowledge.   I want to produce leaders, not blind followers.  My hope is that students will leave my class not only able to answer the questions, but also willing to question the answers. 

On the home front, I am married to Stephanie, a Kindergarten teacher in the Kent school system. We have three young children: Hanna (10), Zach (8) and Cassidy (5),  a cat (Mittens) and dog (Woody).    We are huge Ohio State fans and love to spend time together.  You can see a few photos at our flickr page.

This blog will content large amounts of information for parents (that is why you are getting this letter online--a little parent surfing on the net). 

This blog was designed to be used in class as a tool to learn from as well as a resource while at home.    Visit it often and keep in touch.  Email is a very fast and efficient way to communicate and will make every attempt to get back to you within 24 hours.    However, I can always be reached by phone (831-0355 Ext. 246) or meet with you in person anytime.  Feel free to come in and sit in on a class, bring in old artifacts, or share your knowledge with us. 

If you have any questions, please dgh@beachwoodschools.org
The following link will address supplies, rules and procedures and grading. 

Looking forward to a great year!

D. Garth Holman