Ms. Gunning / Religion & Social Studies Homework

Wednesday, March 10
grade 6 religion:  Students corrected two review papers to prepare for the test on Friday.  Small groups also worked on a short answer page with questions about Abraham and Sarah and a few of the important stories we read.  Students will have the test on Friday mornng.  Homework:  finish the question/answer page and continue to review for the test.
grade 6 social studies:  We corrected a short exercise on Mesopotamia.  We are reading the last lesson of the region which focuses on the Hebrews.  It is a short and general overview of the religion of Judaism.  Although we spend a year on the topic in religion, there are excellent vocabulary terms in this lesson.  Homework:  Complete descriptions/definitions of the vocab words up to p. 80.  Words were copied from the board master list.

grade 7 religion:  Small groups reviewed the group lesson and homework from Tuesday before we corrected the notes from p. 30.  After correcting the group work, we read about the Essenes at Qumran and more information about the other religious groups prominent during Jesus’ life.  Students highlighted the important facts.  Homework:  complete the spiral puzzle about the religious groups.
grade 7 social studies:  We began to fill in the study guide for this last lesson about the colonies.  It is a comparison among the lifestyles in various colonies, especially the industries present and the types of farms.  We worked on the New England farms and businesses together, so all students have that section complete.  Groups were given time to scan the “Middle Colonies”.  Homework:  to complete two of the sections on population and manufacturing which we started in class together.

grade 8 religion:  Small groups worked together on the second section of unit review.  After the groups completed the review we corrected the entire unit review, which is an excellent review of the topics of the 8 unit chapters.  Study time was also given both working in the group and silent study time.  We also reviewed the various topics on the test and types of questions.  Homework:  study for the test Thursday afternoon. 
grade 8 social studies:  We used the time to prepare and study for the unit test in religion.

Tuesday, March 9
grade 6 religion:  We finished the stories of Abraham today.  We also read and discussed the story of Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah.  Students learned about the engagement customs and veiling the female faces as a form of modesty.  Students will be taking a long test about Abraham and his covenant with God on Friday, March 12.  We have some review sheets to work through and will be reviewing together Thursday.  Homework:  Finish the decoding of Abraham’s stories from Monday, and tonight’s work-the T/F questions and the small crossword puzzle.  These will be corrected Wed.
grade 6 social studies:  We finished the timeline of Mesopotamian cultures together then organized the student homework on “gifts of Mesopomia” into a graphic organizing web and color coded the information.  Homework:  none tonight.

grade 7 religion:  We corrected the map work on Palestine in the time of Jesus and identified key places with notes on the back.  Small groups read p. 30 together and sorted the information using a two part worksheet.  The first section is on the political situation and the second on the various groups in power in the Jewish world.  Homework:  finish whatever is left on the group sheets.
grade 7 social studies:  We made some progress catching up with current events #21.  The packet is due on Friday.

grade 8 religion:  Students corrected the chapter review homework and then took the chapter 8 quiz with open notes and book, but working alone.  Students were able to finish the objective and essay sections and we corrected.  Homework:  quiz signed and begin unit review (chapter 9) p. 76.  The Unit Test is Thursday.  It will cover chapters 1 - 8. 
grade 8 social studies:  We started the second lesson of the chapter, Ratification of the Constitution and the beginnings of the party system with the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.  Small groups were introduced to the lesson with a Preview/graphic organizer to fill in and the Summary page.  Both of these highlight the main topics of the lesson and students use a study strategy for Preview.  Homework:  finish Summary  

Monday, March 8
grade 6 religion:  We read and summarized the chapters in Genesis on the birth of Isaac, the testing of Abraham, the death and burial of Sarah, and the mission of Abraham’s servant to find a wife for Isaac in the land of his kinsfolk.  Homework:  Unscramble the coded story of Abraham.  The code is on the paper, so no book is necessary.  Students have a test on Abraham coming up on Friday.  We will be reviewing our stories together and finishing up the story of Abraham.
grade 6 social studies:  We finished the notes on the Assyrians and their conquerors, the Persians.  We are in the middle of drawing out the events in a timeline format entitled, “The Empires of Mesopotamia”.  We will finish it together in class Tuesday.  Homework:  multiple choice questions #1-5 on worksheet #28, due Tuesday.

grade 7 religion:  We began a new chapter today on the world of Jesus the Nazorean.  Small groups began with a Scripture search on the mezuzah and phylacteries.  We also examined the pictures of old and new Jerusalem.  Homework:  Read textbook p. 29 and complete the handout map.  Directions for the map are contained in the reading.
grade 7 social studies:  Students completed CE#20 from last week.  The completed packet is due on Friday.

grade8 religion:  Small groups summarized their readings from p. 70 & 71 on the organization of the Church and the Three Roles of the Bishops - Priest, Prophet, Servant-King.  We corrected the activity on the Popes and Apostolic Actions.  Homework:  Chapter Review p. 74.  We will correct the review on Tuesday, and students will take the chapter 8 quiz in class with open notes.  The Unit Test is scheduled for Thursday.  Students should be organizing their notes from Chapters 1 - 8.  This test will not be open book or notes.  We will have two days of review activities in class together. 
grade 8 social studies:  We corrected the study guide page to the Constitutional Convention and the Review of vocabulary and facts.  Homework:  none/   

Friday, March 5
Grade 7 took their Quiz in religion.  In social studies they began CE#20.
Grades 6 & 8 began CE#21.  Maps and reading assignments for all grades are due next Friday, March 12.

Wednesday, March 3
grade 6 religion:  Our topic today in OT was desert hospitality.  Nomadic tribes depended on each other for survival and protection while traveling.  Travelers were invited into the tents to wash feet (sound familiar?), rest, have a meal prepared, have herds cared for, and if necessary, be protected.  We discussed the customs involved in eating and washing, and the roles of men and women.  This was a preparation for Genesis 18, Abraham’s Visitors.  Three strangers approach Abraham’s tent and he offers them desert hospitality.  During the visit the “angels” reveal their mission to Sodom and reaffirm God’s message of a son for Sarah by the following year.  Abraham is so close to God that the angels allow him to bargain for the lives of the innocent people of Sodom.  Homework:  test next week.  Students need to study each of the Abraham stories and be prepared to retell them to you.
grade 6 social studies:  We identified characteristics of the Assyrians and their new methods of warfare that enabled them to defeat and overthrow the Babylonians in Mesopotamia.  The Assyrians established a huge empire stretching to the Nile.  Homework:  Students must list the “gifts” of all the cultures occupying the Fertile Crescent from pp. 74 & 75.

grade 7 religion:  Small groups reviewed the homework together and assembled a master list of all facts from p. 24 NOT already answered in the Gospel Lab research assignment.  Representatives from each group listed their facts on the board and we checked each others’ list for completeness.  These will be important along with the chart on p. 24 for the test Friday morning.  Homework:  study for the test Friday.  We will have a study session Thursday.
grade 7 social studies:  The class corrected the lesson preview on the early colonial lifestyle.  Group members first checked each others’ answers for completeness, then we corrected for grading.  The preview involved interpreting a “graphic organizer”, a map of the colonies, and facts from the reading.
Homework:  none today.

grade 8 relgion: We corrected the Scripture search assignments from yesterday concerning the apostle Peter’s relationship with Jesus, and qualities of the apostles in spreading the Good News.  Our last assignment was reading about eight famous bishops and how they were “apostolic” in their ministries.  Homework:  read pp 70 & 71 on “Who’s in Charge Today?” and “Service in Three Roles”.  Complete the matching of famous Popes (bishops of Rome) and their apostolic actions during their reign.
grade8 social studies:  This class was also dedicated to reviewing and correcting work. Groups checked the summary essays and preview questions for the lesson on the Constitutional Convention.  These two activities give the students a good idea of what the lesson is about before we dig for details.  Homework:  read pp. 111 & 112 on Slavery Issues and write out the three clauses involving slavery which were added to the Constitution.

Tuesday, March 2
grade 6 religion:  We read Genesis 17 today.  This chapter contained the renewal of the covenant promise with Abram.  God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah as a sign of new life with God.  God finally gave Abraham the time of his covenant son’s birth and his name, Isaac, as well as foretold the future for Abraham’s son, Ishmael, born of Hagar the Egyptian.  The sealing of the covenant was the circumcision of all males at 8 days old.  Since this was such an important part of the covenant, I separated the boys and girls and explained the ritual of circumcision from the Hebrew religious tradition.  Homework:  Students need to study the new notes and prepare for a test on Abraham scheduled next week ( Thursday or Friday).  Students should begin reviewing the notes and stories from Scripture.  They should be able to retell the important stories and their meanings to you. 
grade 6 social studies:  Students shared the facts about ziggurats from their homework.  They did a great job picking out the important lines!  We then went on to write about the Babylonians’ conquest of the Sumerians and the unique features of the Babylonian culture.  Homework:  students need to read about the Assyrians and Persians who move into the region and the contributions of all the cultures there on the world.  Pages 74 & 75. 

grade 7 relgion:  Small groups worked on the “Gospel Lab” study sheet using Scripture and textbook to complete the questions on the four Gospels.  We corrected the guide and discussed responses.  We also corrected the chapter review from homework.  Homework:  Review p. 24 & add any facts about the Gospels not questioned on the study sheet.  Read p. 25.
grade 7 social studies:  Homework:  students have to complete the “Strategy” section of the “Preview” for group discussion Wednesday.

grade 8 religion:  We corrected the homework definitions from p. 68.  Small groups worked on two Scripture search activities.  In the first activity they were the “guest” on a talk show about Peter.  The talk show host asked the questions and students had to research the answers from Scripture.  The second task was to read 8 passages on Scripture about Jesus and match Jesus’ actions to a list of activites of the Church today.  Homework:  Master 29 on famous bishops in the Church and how they lead the Church during their times.
 

Monday, March 1
grade 6 religion:  Students read Genesis 15 on the covenant with Abram (the same reading as this past Sunday’s reading).  We discussed that God is often symbolized in the OT in the form of fire or cloud.  We also read and summarized the birth of Ishmael by the Egyptian servant, Hagar.  This was an opportunity to talk about the different marriage customs of that time period.  Homework:  study new notes.
grade 6 social studies:  Students summarized the main points of the Sumerian culture - government, religion, and writing .  Homework:  Take notes on the four short paragraphs about ziggurats.  Write into the class notes section.  Be ready to share in class Tuesday.

grade 7 relgion:  Small groups began working through the study of the four Gospels with a Scripture/book study guide.  The focus is to compare the four gospels and their different details for the same stories, the backgrounds of the four writers and vocabulary.  Groups will be finishing this detailed study guide with me in class Tuesday.  Homework:  Chapter review sheet from p. 26.
grade 7 social studies:  We corrected the Summary page for the last lesson of the chapter.  Small groups began the Preview section which will be finished for homework tonight.  Homework:  Preview page graphic organizer.

grade 8 religion:  We corrected our religion review work from last week, the chapter review p. 66 and the take home quiz on ch. 7.  We also corrected and discussed the family life worksheets, “What’s Going On?”.  The main point of the discussion was the dangers of having friends over to your house without and adult present.  Homework:  Chapter 8, read the opening page 68;  writed expanation of the five words in bold and apply to the reading.
grade 8 social studies:  none today.  We spent both class periods today in relgion.

Wednesday, Feb. 24
Grades 7 & 8 went to confession with Father Ernie today.  Grade 6 will be scheduled next week with grade 5.
grade 6 religion:  We read Gn. 13 in the saga of Abraham where Abraham and Lot go their separate ways.  Students added the important points to their notes.  Homework:  study notes.
grade 6 social studies:  Students copied maps of the four empires/kingdoms which flourished in the Fertile Crescent - Sumer, Babylon, Assyria, and the beginnings of Israel - from 2500 BC to 660 BC.  This overlaps the story in religion of Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans in Mesopotamia.  Homework:  review the readings on Sumer.

grade 7 religion:  Students were introduced to Ch. 3, Jesus the Messiah. ( In the last chapter we discussed Jesus the man)  We read the short play together about the beginnings of the Church when the apostles taught the followers of the Way what Jesus said and did while they were with Him.  Small groups then reviewed the organization of the New Testament with an assignment from p. 22.  Homework:  read pp. 23 & 24 to prepare for a “Gospel Lab” in class tomorrow.
grade 7 social studies:  We completed correcting our study guide for the lesson on Native Americans and colonists and the vocab/fact review for the same lesson.  The last lesson of the chapter was then introduced.  The main focus will be the various lifestyles of the English colonies, looking closely at the beginnings of slavery and the Triangular Trade Routes.  Small groups began working on the Summary introduction worksheet of the main ideas and small map.  Homework:  Complete the three sections of reading and questions and color code the map.

grade 8 religion & social studies:  no class today - Students went to confession during this time.

Tuesday, Feb. 23
All religion classes:  Father is offering the opportunity for for junior high students Wednesday at 1 PM.  In order for the students to make a good confession tomorrow, we took time today in all religion classes to talk about why we have the sacrament of Penance, we reviewed the format in the confessional and I led an examination of conscience using the 10 Commandments and the Works of Mercy as our guidelines.  Each student will receive a copy of this information and a copy of the Act of Contrition to bring with them tomorrow.  Tonight for homework, each student is to spend some quiet time in prayer and reflection to prepare themselves for a good and holy confession.  Participation on Wednesday is optional.

grade 6 religion:  In addition to preparing for Penance,  the class reviewed the five key themes in the Old Testament story of Abraham - called, blessed, promised, covenant, faith, then took a short quiz. 

grade 7 religion:  Students also spent most of the class time preparing for confession, but we did correct part of the Quiz students took last Thursday before winter break. 
grade 7 social studies:  We began to correct the study guide for the last lesson.  We will finish in class tomorrow.  Homework:  Complete the lesson review. 

grade 8 religion:  Penance preparation.
grade 8 social studies:  We reviewed the remaining requirements for the education fair project.  1 - Students will begin writing the rough draft of one subtopic in class this week.  They must continue the writing on their own.  2 - Once the report is completed, students should prepare “cue cards” for their oral presentation to the class in April.  This part should be well practiced for a smooth delivery.  3 - Presenters must design a worksheet based on their oral presentation for the listeners to fill in as the speaker makes the presentation.  This encourages active listening.  The grades on these daily “quizzes” will count for class work in social studies or religion, depending on the topic.  4 - Display board and table should be designed and ready for the presentation date. All presentations are after April spring break.  We pick names from the “hat” and assign them in order to the dates.  Two or three students will present every day in one class time.  We will alternate religion and social studies lessons in the other time slot.   

Monday, Feb. 15
grade 6 religion:  Small groups finished the crosswords on the Call of Abraham.  Homework:  Answer the 5 questions from the reading pp. 70/71 and the “Respond” questions on p. 71.  Due tomorrow.
grade 6 social studies:  small groups completed the worksheets on the geography of the Mesopotamia region and turned them in along with homework from last week.  Homework:  read lesson 3 on Sumer only.

grade 7 relgion:  We corrected the religion quiz;  students need to have them signed tonight.  We also opened the next chapter on Jesus, Fully Human.  We read together p. 16 and summarized important concepts and vocab together in large group.  Homework:  Read p. 17 on friendship with Jesus and list Jesus’ friends from the last paragraph into notes. 
grade 7 social studies:  Small groups worked to complete the Preview exercize we began last week to introduce the lesson on the relationship between native Americans and colonial settlers.  We will be correcting these tomorrow.  Homework:  read p. 26 and any other parts not covered in the Preview assignment.

grade 8 relgion:  Small groups read p. 61 on four missionaries who carried the message of the Good News to different parts of the world and listed facts for each one.  Notes were graded for accuracy and completeness.  Homework:  read p. 62 on the different “rites” in the Catholic Church, noting similarities and differences. 
grade 8 social studies:  We corrected the chapter review for the last chapter and took grades.

Students is grade 8 are delivering their burrito orders tonight.  Please keep all orders frozen until delivery.  Thanks.

Friday, Feb. 12
All grades:  Today is current events day.  Students turned in last week’s completed packets and received this week’s news packets.  We watched the DVD and discussed the stories.  Grades 6 & 8 were able to finish all the news stories and completely answer the “quiz” section of the packets.  Students must work on the map questions over the next week for a next Friday due date.  Grade 7 missed their last class with me due to Valentine’s Day parties.  They will complete the DVD and quiz section on Monday in social studies class. 

Thursday, Feb 11
grade 6 religion:  We shared the notes from p. 69 on Patriarchs that was Tuesday’s homework.  The students did a great job in selecting 5 key facts.  We opened Scripture with Genesis 11:27-32, the background on Abram’s father Terah, read it out loud and picked out the important notes, as well as diagraming the family tree.  We followed that up in Genesis 12, the “Call of Abraham”., listing the parts of the covenant with God and the journey to Canaan.  Homework:  read the textbook pp. 70/71, which gives an overview of a few famous Abraham stories, which we will be reading in detail from Scripture. 
grade 6 social studies:  no class on Thursdays

grade 7 religion:  Students took their quiz on chapter one on Jesus.  No homework.
grade 7 social studies:  no class on Thursdays

grade 8 religion:  We checked over the homework notes from pp. 61.  No homework.
grade 8 family life:  Students watched the video on “What’s Going On?” which deals with peer pressure and decision making.  Small groups discussed questions #1-5 and wrote answers based on the Catholic teachings from the video.  Homework:  Complete the remainder of the worksheets including the T/F questions on the back.  Most students were able to complete the entire packet during study hall today.  The second part of the homework is to discuss questions #4 & 5 with parents.  Please take notes and have a parent sign. 
grade 8 social studies:  Small groups took the test today on chapter 3.  They were allowed to use the “group brain”, open notes and the book to work through the objective test.  Tests were corrected today and returned for parent signatures.  Groups worked very well together on the test. 
 

Tuesday, Feb. 9
grade 6 religion:  We reviewed the information illustrated on the map of the Fertile Crescent we completed in class Monday.  Students summarized important notes from reading pp. 68/69 in large group on the “Age of Patriachs”.  Homework:  Write 5 facts on the Patriarchs & Matriarchs as our ancestors in faith from reading p. 69.  Due tomorrow.
grade 6 social studies:  We reviewed the lesson started before CSW.  Small groups were introduced to the four steps to summarizing and worked through the steps as they applied to the first lesson, “Geography of the Fertile Crescent”.  Homework:  only for those who were absent before CSW - Lesson review p. 68 #2-4, and definitions of vocab. words.  Due: tomorrow.

grade 7 religion:  Small groups shared information on their Jesus research and then we all went over the answers.  Students had to get at least 20 out of the 26 for an “A”, due to the difficulty of the questions.  It was interesting what we don’t know and the places students researched for answers!!  STudents then had 30 minutes to study as a group for the 20 question quiz tomorrow.  Homework:  study for quiz…vocab, concepts such as Trinity, Paschal Mystery, titles for Jesus.
grade 7 social studies:  In small groups the student leader selected readers for the group, which went through the titles and captions for the lesson 3 on relationships with the native Americans.  Student leader then organized the group responses for the Preview/Strategy worksheet with graphic organizer, and selected sections of the lesson.  To be continued tomorrow.  Homework:  finish reading assignments for lesson 3.

grade 8 religion:  We began chapter 7 on the third “mark” of the Church - “catholic”.  Small groups read p. 60, researched two Scripture assignments and filled in written parts.  Homework:  review lesson so far.
grade 8 social studies:  Begin chapter review pp. 102/103 - vocabulary, T/F, strengths & weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, primary sources in small groups.  Groups finished the review in class;  to be corrected tomorrow.  Groups then helped each member organize their notes and review sheets to prepare for the group test tomorrow.  Students will be allowed to use the “group brain”, notes, and book to complete the test pages.  Homework:  prepare for group test. 

Monday, February 8, 2010
Catholic Schools Week has come to a close and the school day has returned to our normal routine.  Keep an eye on the Student Council board for a picture update of student council sponsored events during CSW.  Other pictures will appear on our website.
grade 6 religion:  We picked up where we left off before CSW…in the Fertile Crescent.  Both social studies and religion overlap at this time.  In religion we look at the Fertile Crescent as the birthplace of Abraham, the first of the Patriarchs, and the one who followed God to Canaan, the Promised Land.  In social studies we will be studying the various other cultural groups who thrived in the Crescent or Mesopotamia - the Sumerians, the Babylonians, and the Assyrians.  The map for religion highlighted the important sites in Abraham’s journey as well as important geographical places mentioned in the Old Testament.  We will be using the map for all four patriarchs, our next section for study in Genesis 12 - 50.  The last of the patriarchs, Joseph, closes the book of Genesis.  Homework:  review the text pp. 68/69 and the map, due 2/9.
grade 6 social studies: We finished up current events #18 today, due Friday, 2/12.

grade 7 religion: We corrected the chapter review from p. 14.  Students will have a quiz on Wednesday.  They need to study the various papers we worked on researching the many titles of Jesus from Scripture, and notes we discussed and summarized from the textbook.  The quiz has 20 questions - 10 matching for titles of Jesus and vocabulary from the text and 10 T/F questions from lessons on the Paschal Mystery, Trinity, Incarnation, etc.  which we wrote into our notes.  In addition, groups worked on Master 8 on facts about Jesus.  Students had to use Scripture and the book and maps to answer them.  Most groups got a good start together, and have to research the rest tonight for homework.  Groups will have an opportunity to share research in class tomorrow before we correct.  Homework:  Master 8 due tomorrow.
grade 7 social studies: We finished current events #18, due Friday, 2/12.

grade 8 social studies:  We finished current events #18 due Friday, 2/12. 

Burrito orders and money were turned into Mrs. Sayfie this afternoon.  STudents who did not have the orders or money today, need to turn them in tomorrow so the order can be placed.  Delivery is next Monday afternoon.

Monday, February 1, 2010
All grades:  students performed very well on their midterm exams.  The results were passed back last week for grades 6 & 7.  Grade 8 will receive their exams this week.  The world maps were also outstanding for all grades.  I encouraged students to keep their exam papers to analyze their strengths and weaknesses so they can better prepare for the final exams in May. For the students in grade 6, this was the first time with learning how to study for exams that test knowledge on more than one chapter.  Many students performed very well and this will help them for the final exam.  For students who struggled with this type of exam, the test score will be dropped from the average, and we will work before the final to strengthen the parts of the exam that were challenges to them. 

For Catholic Schools Week:  All grades:  We have a couple of projects this week, one for religion and one for social studies.
Social studies:  Each student must turn in an editorial cartoon on any national or international news story since the beginning of the school year.  We have sketched out ideas in class today with pencils.  Some students were able to start their final copies.  All rough drafts must be completed tonight for social studies homework.  Time will be given to all grade levels to complete the final copy in class tomorrow.  After tomorrow, the final draft will be assigned for homework.  The completed editorial cartoons are due Friday.
In religion we are working on a Valentine’s service project for the nursing home residents and seniors of our parish.  We will be creating prayer cards with a Valentine’s theme.  It will take us a couple of class periods to complete this project.  Students may take the materials home to make extra cards.  The residents and seniors love to hear from the students and we do pray for their health and needs everyday.

 
Thursday, January 14, 2010
All social studies classes are preparing for the midterm exam in current events scheduled for next Wednesday, January 20.  We started organizing on Monday.  A letter was sent home for you today.  It lists what we are doing in classtime and the requirements for the exam.  Please read over the letter and feel free to call me with questions.  We had a study session for the vocabulary matching part.  Students received the maps today to begin locating the places in the world from packets #1 - 15.  These maps will also be a large part of the grade in social studies for the third quarter, along with the exam.  Any part of the maps not completed in the classroom by the weekend, should be finished for homework or during study hall.  We will be continuing in religion classes next week except exam day.  Students will have both class periods to complete the exam. 

 

Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!
All social studies classes this week are moving through the first seven rounds of the geography bee questions.  Today, all classes answered questions for US States and US Cities.  Our school round will be on Monday afternoon.  In addition to the geography bee questions, students will also be assigned work for class or homework. 
grade 6 social studies: Read the textbook on the Fertile Crescent, pp. 66-68.
grade 6 religion:  We began checking the review work on the story of Cain and Abel.  For homework, students have a review sheet on Adam & Eve in the Garden and Cain and Abel.  We will finish correcting tomorrow and move on to Noah.

grade 7 social studies:  Students received a study guide for the European colonial settlements.  Tonight’s homework is to review the text p. 50 and fill in the information on what it was like to live in the French and Dutch colonies.
grade 7 religion:  We finished the story of the judge, Jephthah and summarized the facts into our notes.  Homework:  read the stories about Samson, Judges 6-9.  Try to fill in the answers to the short questions on the worksheet.  We will summarize the important stories together Tuesday.

grade 8 social studies:  We corrected the lesson review #10/10 and small groups worked to complete one of the three parts of the study guide on the Articles of Confederation.  Homework:  complete one part.
grade 8 religion:  Begin a new chapter (6) on the mark of ‘holy”...Read the introductory moral dilemna on pp. 49 & 50.  Write out the answers to the decisions made in the story and then answer, “Why is the Church holy?”  There are four parts to the answer. 

Thursday, December 17
no homework due to the Christmas program tonight.  Reminder for eighth graders ...the quiz for chapter 5 in religion is still scheduled for Friday.

Wednesday, December 16
grade 6religion:  We continued our study of the four stories of sin and mercy with the first story of Adam and Eve in the Garden.  We read the first half of the Scripture story, summarized it and discussed the symbols and their meanings.  Homework:  Study the notes of the day so that you will be able to retell the story and summarize the symbols/meanings.
grade 6 social studies:  We discussed and set up our own civilization using crop surplus, diversification and specialization of occupations.  Students worked with each other to compare and contrast the characteristics of life of the Old and New Stone Age humans.  We will finish the charts together Thursday.  Homework:  Review sheet on 5 vocab words.

grade 7 religion:  We continued with the story of Gideon summarizing background information.  Gideon found it difficult to trust in God because he was the least important in his family and his family was the least important in his tribe.  Gideon asked God for signs that God would be with him in confronting the enemies of God.  Homework:  study the new notes.
grade7 social studies:  no class - program practice.

grade 8 religion and social studies:  no class, program practice.

Tuesday, December 15
grade 6 religion:  Small groups had time to check over the take home tests with each other and then we corrected them.  The students scored very well as a group.  We also began the next unit of study - the four stories of sin and mercy by setting up our new notes and listing the four story titles.  Homework:  read the textbook p. 48 for a summary of the first story, “Adam and Eve in the Garden.”
grade 6 social studies:  We highlighted the rest of the information packet on the New Stone Age.  We practiced together the key phrases and the major shift in life from the old to the new stone age.  Students must memorize them - hunters to herders (domestication) and gatherers to farmers (agriculture).  Homework:  memorize the key shift in lifestyle and go over notes.

grade 7 religion:  Students took an oral quiz on the first three major judges, which we corrected.  The students did well.  We then began the longer story of the judge Gideon and how God works through imperfect people.  Homework:  finish reading the story of Gideon from the copied pages of Scripture and answer the last question on the study guide page.
grade 7 social studies:  add the facts about Columbus and Ponce de Leon to the explorer chart.  We will finish correcting tomorrow.  Homework:  read about the different settlements and life styles of the various culture groups in the “New World”, pages 21-23.

grade 8 religion: We corrected the homework from the textbook (pages 44-46) and Scripture search from Ephesians and 1 Corinthians about oneness in the Spirit.  Homework:  Complete the chapter review p. 47.  Study for the ‘quiz’ on Friday.
grade 8 social studies:  no class today due to program practice. 

 

Monday, December 14
grade 6 religion:  The students learned two new songs for our classroom Advent prayer.  Since we lost so many days to snow, I decided to have the Creation stories test as open book/open notes in the classroom and for homework.  Students worked alone in class with notes, books, and Bibles to answer the test questions.  There are many types of questions on this test to give them the experience of different styles.  We went over some of the questions, doing them together, to give them confidence.  Students had a full 45 minutes to work before taking it home.  Homework:  Complete and/or check over the test for tomorrow. 
grade 6 social studies:  We highlighted facts about the Old Stone Age from the info packet and discussed the concepts of hunter/gather and nomadic lifestyle.  Students also received a letter for parents to read about the topics being covered in this new unit.  Homework:  Read the items under New Stone Age, completing the packet. 

grade 7 religion:  We opened our Advent prayer in the classroom with two new versions of the songs.  Students read Judges 4 & 5 on the two judges, Deborah and Barack and how God called them to be heroes for the Hebrews.  Students also filled in the study guide for them.  Tomorrow students will have a “Who Am I?” quiz on the first three judges and the heroine with Deborah and Barack.  Homework:  Study for the quiz.
grade 7 social studies:  Small groups finished the explorers from p. 20 of the text, adding facts to the study guide chart.  Homework:  read all of page 20;  answer the “red dot” question on p. 20.

grade 8 religion: Students learned a couple of new versions of the Advent songs for our classroom prayer.  Small groups read text and Scripture passages for “One in Charity” and “Giftsof the Spirit” p. 45 & 46.  Students then answered questions about unity from the Scripture passages.  We will be correcting all work in this chapter Tuesday.  Quiz on Friday.  Homework:  textbook readings p. 46 & 47 on conflicts in the Church as opportunities.
grade 8 social studies:  We corrected work from last week together .  Small groups read pp. 90-94 together and began the group work on the study guide for lesson 2.  Homework:  finish reading to p. 94.

 

Tuesday, December 8
grade 6 religion:  Students broke up into small study groups and completed a review sheet on the second story of creation.  Their illustrations of the events of the second creation story were returned to help their test studying.  After correcting the review work, students prepared a study guide with samples of questions from the test.  The test will cover both creation stories beginning with the drawing of the “Hebrew Vision of the World”.  Last week we took a class period to make sure all students had complete notes and in the proper order to assist their studies.  Students will have a class period to study and then the test. Homework:  study notes for test.  Take one section at a time and retell the information without looking at the notes. 
grade 6 social studies:  Students reviewed the chart of information on prehistoric humans and added any key facts that were missing.  A packet of information was distributed on the Old and New Stone Age.  We began reading it together and highligting the important facts to know.  Homework:  read section “C” due Wednesday, 12/9. 

grade 7 religion:  Students worked from Scripture in the book of Judges.  We read and summarized the activities of major judges #1 & 2 -Othniel and Ehud and how God used them to bring the Hebrews back to the covenant.  We will be covering the other 4 major judges in the next few days.  Students will have a test on the 6 major judges on Monday, 12/21.  The format will be six paragraphs with blanks and a word bank to use to complete the stories about the judges .  The notes on the six minor judges may be used for extra credit.  Homework:  study new notes daily.
grade 7 social studies:  Students worked in small study groups to pull facts about the first five explorers of the Americas from the textbook pages 18 & 19.  Homework:  complete the notes on the explorers started in class.  Due:  Wednesday, 12/9.

grade 8 religion:  Students corrected Master 17 from textbook pages 42-44 and the essay questions from the reading on unity.  Small groups began the next two examples of how we are “one in worship” and “one in government” (Church).  They have to read the two short sections on pages 44 & 45, fill in the answers to the reading questions in the readings and the four dictated questions.  Homework:  complete the work started in class.  Due:  Wed. 12/9.
grade 8 social studies:  Groups began the next lesson on the Articles of Confederation with the “Preview” and “Summary” assignments.  Homework: complete the introductory work started in class.  Due:  next class.

Monday, December 7
All classes:  Today we made up for the snow day on Friday with our current events lesson plans.  Friday is our usual day to discuss the news, so we made up the classes with our student newspaper and map.  The packet (#13) is to be completed by Friday, December 11.  All three grades filled in the “Quiz” section together in class while watching the DVD.  Students need to review the vocab and finish up the map activity.  Essay questions are optional.

Thursday, December 3
grade 6 religion:  Today we finished the study packet on creation and science.  Students also received an article about Pope John Paul II’s statement in 1996 about the same topic.  We read selected parts and highlighted the material that pertained to us.  Students will have a big test on both creation stories next Wednesday, December 9.  We will be reviewing as a class and in small groups next Monday and Tuesday.  As a class, we organized all the students’ notebooks to be sure that absent work was completed.  The test material will start with the drawing of the Hebrew view of the world.  Homework:  Begin the review of notes, handouts, homework, and all materials to prep for the test. 
grade 6 social studies:  no class on Thursdays

grade 7 religion:  Students reviewed the material from Wed. on the pattern of Hebrew worship and introductory facts.  We then began with the first major judge, Othniel in chapters 1 & 3.  Bishop Hurley arrived during our class time and talked with the students about being a Bishop.  Homework:  study new notes.
grade 7 social studies:  no class on Thursdays.

grade 8 religion:  Students checked answers for the homework questions on p. 43 and discussed oneness and unity.  Homework:  read p. 44 on “One in Faith”, answer the two questions with the reading, and fill in Master 17 from pp. 42-44.  Due Monday, 12/7.
grade 8 social studies:  Small groups checked homework answers, then in the large group students picked out the key factors for each section of the study guide, wrote them on the board for all to check their own notes, and clarified any questions.  The rest of the lesson on the Articles of Confederation will be completed in class on Monday together.  Homework:  Complete the review sheet & vocab. section #9/9 and the Lesson Review, p. 87 #2,3,4.  Due Monday, 12/7. 

Wednesday, December 2
grade 6 religion:  We got a little off track in class but still related to religion.  Students had many, many questions about sin, purgatory, heaven, etc. that came up in our discussion about the original creation garden being “Heaven on earth”.  Great questions, great discussion.  Homework:  study notes on both stories of creation for test next week.
grade 6 social studies:  no homework

grade 7 religion:  We began the book of Judges by looking at the introduction.  Students were introduced to the pattern in all the stories of the 6 major judges and summarized the brief descriptions of the 6 minor judges.  Homework:  study the introductory notes and the 6 minor judges.  The notes will be on the Judges test and the 6 minor judge facts will be e.c.
grade 7 social studies:  We checked the homework from Monday, and began adding facts for each of the famous men.  Homework:  study notes

grade 8 religion:  Students opened chapter five.  Chapters 5 - 8 focus on the four marks of the Church…one, holy, catholic, apostolic.  Each of the next four chapters centers on one of the marks.  Students defined each mark and discussed them.  Homework:  read p. 43.  Complete the activity on p. 43.
grade 8 social studies:  Small groups reviewed the material in “Roots of Government” and began to fill in the study guide by answering questions about the first attempts under the Articles of Confederation for national, state, and local governments.  Homework:  finish the study guide.  Time will be given in groups Thursday to tweak answers before correcting.

Monday, November 30 & Tuesday, December 1

All grades religion:  Each grade’s religion class will begin with a new Advent service.  The prayer center is decorated with an Advent wreath and appropriate seasonal sayings.  Two students will lead the class in the prayer and Scripture parts daily.  In addition to the classroom prayers, the school gathers every Monday morning in the gym for an Advent prayer service led by the student council officers and Ms. Salva.

grade 6 relgion:  We are wrapping up our study of the second creation story.  Students are finishing the study packet we began last week.  We worked on a list of revealed truths about God and wrote them into our packets.  One of the test questions next week will ask the students to list at least five (5) truths we can learn about God from both creation stories.  Homework:  Finish reading the packet on myth literary form to prepare for Wed. class.
grade 6 social studies:  Students began a new unit and chapter.  We discussed the pictures and timelines for ancient cultures.  We will begin with prehistoric man, Old and New Stone Age life.  Students will be asked to compare them.  Homework:  read the first lesson and finish up the graphic organizer on what facts we know and how we gathered that information. 

grade 7 religion:  We finished up the stories of Joshua from Scripture.  Students also worked on the study packet.  Homework:  Have the study packet and review completed for correcting by Wednesday, 12/2.
grade 7 social studies:  We reviewed the Age of Discovery worksheet part 1 begun Thanksgiving week.  Students received the second part of the study guide listing the famous explorers from the time period.  Homework:  Fill in the boxes with the nationality of each explorer and the nation for which they explored.  Read pages 17 - 19 and study the map carefully to discern the answers.  Due:  Wednesday, 12/2

grade 8 religion:  Students took the quiz for chapter 4.  Students absent last week for the review worked together in the halls to finish the review sheets and prep for the test.  Make up test Weds.  Homework:  none
grade 8 social studies:  none

 

Monday, November 23
grade 6 - 8, all social studies classes:  Students worked on the last current events packet (#12) before Thanksgiving break.  We are now caught up and will start again after the break.  The packet must be completed overnight and due tomorrow, Tuesday, November 24. We will correct the packet and return the rest of the make-up packets Tuesday.

 

Thursday, November 19
grade 6 - religion - Students presented their final copies of the second story of creation and hung them on the wall for display.  New packets of information about the story and some review activites were distributed.  We read the first two pages together and highlighted important ideas.  HOMEWORK:  complete the true/false activity on packet page 27, #1-4.  Due:  11/20
grade 6 - social studies- No new work today.  CE#9 & #10 are due tomorrow, so make sure all maps are completed, readings finished and study for the vocab quiz.

grade 7 - religion: We reviewed the introductory material on Joshua and the Judges, then began reading the story of Rahab of Jericho.  HOMEWORK:  Read pp. 78 &79 in the Joshua packet and complete the activity on p. 79.  Due:  11/20
grade 7 - social studies:  No class today.  CE#9 & CE#10 are due tomorrow, so complete both maps, finish reading assignment, and study vocab for a quiz.

grade 8 - religion:  We finished up our discussion on the times and places of prayer and the notes for the Liturgy of the Hours.  Students then had an experience with the Divine Office by participating in one of the “hours” prayers to end the classtime.  HOMEWORK:  review p. 39 summaries and do “Ways to Pray” and “Reasons to Pray” on p. 40.  Due: 11/20.
grade 8 - social studies:  Students finished CE#11 during class.  HOMEWORK:  Prepare to correct CE#9, 10, & 11, maps, quiz and study vocab words for an oral quiz.  Due:  11/20. 

Wednesday, November 18
grades 6, 7, & 8 religion - We are learning two styles of prayer in the month of November.  We alternate the Litany of the Saints with a prayer service for the souls of the dead.  Each class two students lead the chosen prayer of the day and offer our petitions to God.  Many students have read about different saints from various sources and chosen favorite saints to add to the litany.  Several 8th graders have researched saints to imitate in preparation for Confirmation.  A few of them have chosen new names for the sacrament or discovered new information about their namesake. Our prayer corner is decorated with illustrations and short stories of saints from many different centuries and cultures. 
grade 6 - religion:  We are summarizing and illustrating the “events” in the second story of Creation in Genesis 2:4b-25.  Each student has already written the key points of each event with the teacher in class and is finishing the illustrations tonight. The first and second stories are very different from each other in the style of writing by the sacred authors.  Students will be taking a test next week on both stories.  HOMEWORK:  finish studying the events of the second creation story.  Due:  11/19
grade 7 religion - Students corrected part of the test on Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy today.  We will be reviewing the time period of the Judges in Hebrew history, starting with Joshua.  Joshua has his own book, followed by the Book of Judges, which tells the stories of the six major judges and six minor judges of the Hebrews.  The time of the judges finishes with the 1 & 2 Books of Samuel and the story of Eli and Samuel, the last of the judges.  HOMEWORK:  Read the first two pages of the new packet of background information on Joshua and the Battle of Jericho.  Due: 11/19
grade 8 - religion - We are finishing up a chapter on prayer.  Students discussed today the places and times they pray outside of school.  We learned about the “perfect act of worship and prayer”, the Eucharistic liturgy, and will be reading about the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office.  We will be closing our class Thursday with a portion of that prayer.  HOMEWORK:  none today. 
grades 6, 7, & 8 - social studies:  We are catching up on our current events magazines this week and next.  We completed #10 “Quiz” in class today while watching the DVD.  Our focus was on the Maldives Islands in the Indian Ocean and how the rising sea levels have threatened their existence.  We also learned about the Senate resolution concerning an apology to Native Americans, the greenhouse effect, a new species of orb web spiders, William Kamkwamba of Malawi, who is The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, and, from history, the reign of Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.  HOMEWORK:  Complete the map activities for current events, read the “Faces and Places” section, and study the vocab words for a quiz. Due:  11/19

 

 

 

Tuesday, September 15
grade 6:  religion
We corrected our first assignment today as groups - the puzzle identifying books in the Old and New Testaments.  Students then set up their notes for textbook pp. 20/21 - “We Can Know God through Creation”, beginning with St. Paul to the Romans 1:20.  Homework:  study classnotes and read pp. 22/23 to prepare for class discussion Wed.
grade 6:  social studies
Students began a general map review today.  Using an outline map of the world in a Robinson projection and the teacher at the overhead, we filled in the continental boundaries of all 7 continents.  Students created a map key to identify each continent by colors and began the coloring of each continent.  Neatness and accuracy are important here.  Homework:  complete the map study.

grade 7:  religion 
We reviewed the map of the Exodus journey paying special attention to the important stops we would be covering in today’s class.  We highlighted facts in our reading handout and discussed the first stop at Marah after crossing the Sea of Reeds.  We then went into Scripture to read about their stop at Elim.  Students summarized the short facts and we discussed the possible meanings for using the numbers 12 and 70 in the passage.  Homework:  study the notes from class today and read the next two pages in the handout about quail & manna in the desert, pp. 97/98.
grade7:  social studies
Student examined all the lessons involved in one chapter, and the tools we use to help students/groups learn the material.  Small groups worked with me on the first assignment, the Summary, the introductory activity to introduce the main topics of lesson 1.  Students worked about half way through the activity.  Homework:  finish the summary questions. 
grade 8:  religion
Students began summarizing notes from textbook pp. 8/9 answering the question, “What is Church?”  The two key concepts they had to explain and incorporate into their answers were “mystery” and “people of God’.  We also spent time identifying who the people of God might be.  Homework:  study notes and review the remainder of the information on p. 9.
grade 8 social studies
Students and teacher are going over the requirements for the education fair.  Each student will have a complete packet of information, grading rubrics, and directions for each stage of the process.  The packet is to remain with them in the social studies section of their binders.  Please check with your child on the information.  It will take us a couple of days to go through all the material and address student question..

 

Monday, September 14
All social studies classes finished the second current events news packet today, each at their own level.  Students must complete the map activities, finish reading the “Faces and Places”, and complete the essays, if they choose to do extra credit.  All classes’ current events packets are due this Friday, September 18.
grade 6:  religion
Students worked in groups today identifying the books of the Old and New Testaments using the table of contents of the Bible.  It was good practice in pronunciation and connection to one or the other sections.  Groups worked very well together with one member as the leader.  All groups completed part one of the activity and most of part two.  Homework:  finish part two of Puzzle 151 and review the textbook pages 20/21. 
grade 7:  religion
Maps of the Exodus journey were distributed today and students followed labeling of important places and people with Ms. G directing on the overhead projector.  We will be using this map for a few days as we follow the Hebrews through the desert for 40 years.  Students also received a new reading/handout packet for the beginning of the journey to Mt. Sinai (or Horeb).  Homework:  read the first page (96) of the packet for class tomorrow.
grade 8: candidates for student council office used this class to display the posters for their campaign while others worked on homework.  Candidates may speak with other classes during the week if they make arrangements with the homeroom teacher and use non class time (recess/lunch).  Speeches are due on Wednesday.  Students should introduce themselves and talk about their qualities of leadership and activities which would show their spirit and decision making ability.   

Tuesday, September 8
All classes:  Today we began our current events classes.  This was introduced to the sixth grade with the news packet. We examined all parts of the packet, the parts we do together in class (“quiz”) while watching the news DVD, the map requirements, and homework sections.  We will be completing all parts of the news packet together in the sixth grade.  This will give students the opportunity to ask questions, and work on the assignments with me.  Usually the map parts and vocab study goes home for homework.  The packet is assigned once a week, unless, like this week, we receive more than one.  Grades 7 & 8 had a review of the above packet for the sake of our new students and will too, will be working together for the first assignment. Completed packets for all grades are due this Friday in class time.  The sixth grade works on the “basic” level, grade 7 is a little tougher in the “general” level and the 8th grade has the most difficult quiz on the “advanced” level.  The details of the news stories are scaled down for the younger students.  Please feel free to check out your child’s packet and get back to me with any questions. 

Thursday, September 3
grade 6:  religion (no social studies today)
We opened with petitions and prayer using the Catholic social teachings, led by one of the students.  We covered the religion book we will be using this year.  Homework:  none   Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.

grade 7:  religion (no social studies class today)
We began class with student led petitions and the Catholic social teachings.  Students reviewed the notes on Moses from last year.  We will be finishing up parts of the Old Testament this fall before heading into the Gospels.  We will continue the Moses story next week.  Homework:  none.  Enjoy the long weekend.

grade 8:  religion (no social studies today)
We used all our class time in religion since we will have a double class time next week with social studies and our first two discussions for current events class.  Students were introduced to faith journaling first class this morning.  Every Thursday before Mass, we enter our thoughts and prayers into a faith journal to put us in the presence of Jesus before Mass.  The theme for the journal comes from the Gospel reading for the following Sunday liturgy. 

Eighth graders are the leaders for the first school Mass next Thursday.  We discussed the theme of the Kingdom of Heaven being a great treasure and the wisdom of God.  We broke into groups, each having a part of the Mass assigned to it.  Students wrote prayers of the faithful, the introduction, penitential rite,  practiced the readings, signed up as servers, and gift bearers.  Students will rotate parts of the Mass as the year unfolds and we plan other liturgies.  There will also be a special commissioning of the 8th graders at Mass to bless them and recognize them as the student leaders of the school body.  You are invited to worship with us.  Along the same theme of leadership, we brainstormed on the qualities of good leadership, as we talked about their role in the student body and campaigning for student council officers/class representatives.  I will be taking nominations through next week.  Encourage your children to consider running.

This afternoon a few of the students began writing prayer cards for nursing home residents,  This is a year long service project of the junior high students. We will continue the “fall” prayer cards next week. Homework:  some students took prayer cards home to finish.  Have a wonderful long weekend. 

 

Wednesday, September 2
grade 6:  religion/social studies
We met for the first time today and started with introductions.. We went over the general procedures for religion and social studies, passed out books, and discussed the topics of study for the year.  Classes will begin with prayer;  students will rotate the responsibility of leading prayer.  We practiced that today with Ms. Gunning modeling prayer leader.  We also set up our binders for both subjects.  Homework:  none today.

grade 7:  religion/social studies
Today was our first meeting.  We reviewed class procedures and rules, group work, ways to improve positive interaction, and the areas of strength from last year.  We distributed the two prayers for the month and began class with student led petitions.  Books for both subjects were distributed.  Homework:  none today. 

grade 8:  religion/social studies
We finished going over procedures, reviewing rules, signing up for classroom jobs, passing out books and materials, setting up binders.  Students will bring home the Respect and Responsiblity papers with a tear-off sheet for parent signatures.  Other materials coming home include Halls of St. Paul’s, the new and improved junior high handbook, Sally Foster packet, the magazine drive packet, and for some families, playground duty forms.  These last few items do not need to be signed or returned.  Homework:  parent signature on the Respect and Responsibility form.