March 31st

Students learned about the six different types of people in their support systems. They were then given different case studies to use to identify these types of support and they had to identify who and why different people in their personal lives are in their personal support systems.

March 30th

The students discussed what independence is, why people want it and what responsibilities come with it. We then discussed why everyone has to rely on at least one other person throughout their lives, and right now that happens to be their parents. We discussed the saying "No man is an island."

March 26th

The students were given their final grades and citizenship for this term. They were given time to find any mistakes which may have been made and before I finalize grades. They also watched a video on Sexual Harassment and we discussed cyberbullying as well.

March 25th

We discussed what sexual harassment is, why people harass others and what to do if it happens to them or if others complain about it occurring. We then watched a video on Sexual harassment.

March 24th

Students learned about and discussed harassment of all kinds today. We discussed the types, why it is inappropriate and how this behavior makes others feel.

March 23rd

Students finished watching and discussed examples of critical thinking from the film "On Our Own."

March 20th

Students started watching the film "On Our Own" which shows a real-life example of critical thinking skills in action and students taking a risk and responsibility for themselves. We will finish this film on Monday.

March 19th

Students learned about and discussed risk today. We covered the seven categories of risk, why we take risks and what consequences could result. They read stories about risks taken and what happened to each person involved in the stories and we also discussed the seven categories of risk and the consequences of each. Also, today was the last day to turn in any missing/late work, absent work or extra credit, including unused late and hall passes. These were all due at the end of class. They have been warned about this for the past two weeks, so no exceptions will be given.

March 18th

Students had a lesson on decisions and consequences, as well as responsibility. Students had a journal entry, answered a questionnaire entitled "Best Interest Test," and discussed decisions and consequences, responsibility and critical thinking and how they all relate to each other.

March 17th

Students learned about and discussed phobias. They were also given a list of phobias to identify along with famous individuals and their fears. The students were given the answers at the end of the period.

March 16th

Students had a journal entry today and a lesson on attitudes. We discussed what influences their attitudes, what we can do to change our attitudes for the better and read some quotes relating to attitudes. Students then watch and answered questions on a video entitled "Get a winning attitude." They were also warned that the last day for any late/missing work, extra credit and anything else for their grade is due on Thursday, March 19th. No exceptions will be made.

March 13th

Students partnered up and were given a scenario about hot air ballooning over the Rockies. They had to decide what pieces of equipment they would throw out 1st, 2nd, etc. to use their critical thinking and communication skills. They were then put into groups and had to do the same thing, but this time they had to take into account the opinions of everyone in the group. We then compared this to the workplace and working with others to solve problems. Students were then provided with the opinion of experts and what they would do in a similar situation.

March 12th

Students had a journal entry, followed by a scenario about survivors from an ocean liner sinking. They are in a life boat and have to make a choice who they would get rid of first and second if they had to to survive. We then discussed their choices and reasons why, what communication and critical thinking skills they used and if they would have made different choices. We discussed stereotypes, diversity and workplace skills as well. The students were also reminded about the upcoming deadline for extra credit and missing work, which is next Thursday, March 19th.

March 11th

Students discussed the importance of critical thinking and discovered ways to build and use critical thinking skills. Students learned about current research being done on dementia and Alzheimer's and what they can start doing now to help prevent the disease later on in life. Students were shown 3-D images and were also given brainteasers to work on tonight. Answers will be provided to the students tomorrow. There is a prize for the student who has the most correct.

March 10th

No class today due the DWA testing.

March 9th

We discussed critical thinking situations. Students learned the process of critical thinking and why it's important. Using situations two teens found themselves in, we used the steps to come up with possible solutions and consequences.

March 6th

The students watched a video titled "Relationships... When they help, When they hurt." The video was about using communication to build relationships and gave examples about when people use communication to tear down a relationship. At the end, we discussed how to use constructive forms of communication instead of destructive in our relationships.

March 5th

We talked about verbal communication. We watched a couple short video clips about bad verbal communication and poor public speaking skills. Students learned some tips about public speaking. We then talked about the 5 love languages: giving gifts, giving service, physical touch, quality time, and verbal affirmation. Students identified their love language by taking a quiz. They then drew pictures of different types of love languages their family or friends tend to show.

March 4th

Students learned about inter and intra-personal communication and ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) and how they relate to how we communicate with others. Students took a few notes, but nothing was due.

March 3rd

Students discussed and read about the dangers of gossip and it's effects on people. We read the story "Confessions of a Teenage Gossip" and answered questions based on the research and information in the article.

March 2nd

Students discussed listening skills and participated in a couple of listening activities, including reading the book "Listen Buddy" and listening to common sounds and telling me what they are. Students also had to listen to verbal instructions to complete a drawing exercise.