Mr. Graves

4-3 update

6th Grade- We have been involved in a "touch" rugby unit and the students been very actively involved. They are very participatory, even the girls, but the concepts of teamwork are largely lacking. Consequently, it makes this a very appropriate activity for this level. The ability to utilize all team mates, paticularly on defense, leaves all the teams vulnerable to a few athletes dominating play. Do you think they may need to learn this concept for adult life? Perhaps PE is relevant.

   We will move to a tennis unit after spring break.

7th Grade- We have been in a bowling unit, and I have found it to be very interesting that so many of the kids are unexposed to this recreational sport. In fact, some of the students hav even questioned whether it is a sport. Many of them did not know how to score, but have picked it up. Some were very frustrated with their initial lack of success (no instant gratification?). However, with a little coaching, encouragement, and repetition, they have improved. I want to really encourage a family trip to the local local bowling alley to fortify their experience with this potential lifelong sport.

   We will also begin a tennis unit wirh this grade after spring break.

8th Grade- We have had a great time in our wall ball unit. I am really impressed with the athleticism of many of the students. It is also impressive that many of the less developed players have really increased their skills in hand/eye cordination and foot/eye coordination. This is a great sport with some good benefits for coordination and cardiovascular fitness. As competitive, as many of these kids are, I promise you that they leave the gym soaking wet from exertion. It has been a fun unit to lead.

   Our new unit will be angle ball.

2-27 update

6^th grade- Projects were due on Monday, Feb. 25 and most students have responded responsibly. However a few have yet to turn in this important work. Since this research represents 20% of the final grade, it is necessary to receive a grade to be successful for the entire 9 weeks’ grade. Please check with your child to see if this need has been met.

   We have moved on to finish our circulatory system study and our test is today. In review yesterday it seemed that most students had working knowledge of the system. They have come a long way in 9 weeks.

   Next week we will move into other body systems and the final week we will study human growth and development. Please check with your child to see if the permission form has been returned to me.

7^th grade- Our diet unit goes well and there seems to be a genuine interest in the data we are covering. Please ask to hear about the information, as it applies to anyone. The next few days we will create diets, so, plan to coordinate with your child to use what they plan.

   Next week we will begin human growth and development and I need a permission slip for each child, if they are to participate. Please ask if this has been facilitated.

8^th grade-  We tested for knowledge of drug groups, their effects, and their histories, yesterday. From the lengthy responses received, it would appear that the kids have extensive knowledge.

   We will begin human growth and development today. Our guest speaker from the Cobb County Council on Youth will spend 3 days with us next week and we will spend much of the rest of our time here.

2-15-08 update

6^th Grade- We are back in class working on projects. It seems that most are completing their outlines and beginning to compose rough drafts. Our time spent in class on the project will have to end next week, so that we can resume class studies of individual systems. The need on  your part is to monitor progress and assign time at home, if warranted. The due date is Monday, February 25.

7^th Grade- I want to brag on our performance on the CPR final. In my time teaching this unit, I don’t believe I have seen so many high scores. As I complained in the last post, many of the kids were not preparing for quizzes and I was concerned. Apparently, you, the parents, took heed and shaped this group up. Whatever it takes. Fortunately, there was true learning, as the classes were able to translate paper knowledge to practical skills on the mannequins.

   We have begun a diet unit and are beginning with a detailed analysis of nutrients, why we need them, and what they relate to in actual foods. The essential knowledge is how to plan what you eat/drink, and the skill we want the kids to develop is planning a week’s diet. Please be attentive to our study and support the children with trying their plans and purchasing the foods needed. Ultimately, the idea is to be proactive and learn to manage one’s own weight, rather than to spend hard earned money to pay the diet companies to manage weight for you. A thought---- Would there be any diet companies, if there were no overweight people?

8^th Grade- We will be ending our time spent on research projects. The project will be due on Monday, February 25.

    We will return to our drug abuse unit and detail as many issues as possible, before going to human growth and development.