June 2nd

Any 9th grade student who attends school today will help clean the clothing lab.

June 1st

No class due to the Lagoon activity!

May 31st

Students were in and out of class for the 9th grade awards assembly and memory book signing, so there were no assignments today.

May 27th

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. We then spent time discussing different types of birth defects.

May 26th

Students took their final unit test on the responsible dating unit.

May 25th

We discussed what shaken baby syndrome is, how it occurs and some of the most frequent reasons why. We also demonstrated to the students what happens when a baby is shaken by using our shaken baby syndrome simulator. They also watched a video on shaken baby syndrome which shows the aftereffects of this type of abuse.

May 23rd/May 24th

Students watched a video on the importance of abstinence before marriage and monogamy after marriage titled "Sex still has a price tag." They will finish the second part tomorrow. Any parent who is worried about the content of this or any other video or lesson is free to come in to ask questions. Feel free to contact me if you would like to view anything. The video is district approved and meets state and district guidelines.

May 20th

Students discussed responsibility and how it relates to the risks we take and the consequences which may occur because of our choices.

May 19th

Students met in the P206 computer lab and were given time to complete an online activity which demonstrates how much it costs to care for a baby during the first year of life. They can access this site at: www.teenageparent.org/english/costofbaby2B.html

May 18th

Students studied and analyzed current statistics for HIV/Aids, as wells as other STDs in the nation and in the state of Utah. The students also discussed common reactions to teen parents and other consequences, such as the loss of friends, that may occur.

May 17th

Students discussed a variety of refusal skills and common myths about sexual responsibility that teens share. Students were encouraged to make promises with their friends to wait until marriage before engaging in sexual activity. They were also reminded of the due date for any last late work or extra credit, which is May 24th.

May 16th

Students discussed how and why people break-up and how students can handle break-ups better. We also discussed how relationships leave their mark on our personalities and will affect our future relationships.

May 13th

Students learned about what rights they have as they date and what responsibilites they have when dating.

May 12th

Students continued learning about the warning signs of abusive relationships and how to prevent dating violence from occurring. We also discussed what they should be able to expect from healthy relationships.

May 11th

Students discussed what they are looking for in a future mate and people they date. They watched a video titled "The Book and the Rose" about looking past people's exteriors to see what is inside.

May 10th

Students wrote about what qualities they are looking for in the people they date. We also watched "CinderEdna" which is a book about two princesses who made different choices about the people they married based on how well they knew the other person and what kind of life they wanted to live.

May 9th

We finished the stages of adolescent attractions and read an example called "The class ring" about someone who was dating for the wrong reasons.

May 6th

Students learned about the stages of adolescent attraction by discussing each stage and by using examples. They took notes while we discussed and video clips were used to identify the different stages.

May 5th

Students had a sub today, so they watched a video on preventing dating and domestic violence and we will discuss this later in the unit.

May 4th

Students had a mid-term test today on the Relationships unit. We discussed this test yesterday and what they would be tested on and needed to study. We will start the Responsible Dating unit on Friday.

May 3rd

The students learned about peer pressure, what it is, why it occurs and what they can do to combat negative types of peer pressure. We also had a couple of activities related to peer pressure. We also discussed the mid-term test in detail and they will take it tomorrow.

May 2nd

Students were able to play a game called "Real Friends" based on what they have learned so far about relationships and friendships. Their mid-term test will be on Wednesday and we will discuss it in detail tomorrow during class.

April 29th

We discussed characteristics of good friendships and what kinds of things happen to break up friendships. They also took a "Friendship test" to see how good of a friend they are.

April 28th

Students were taught the "Keys to friendship," which are the basic qualities people are looking for in good friendships. We then discussed what other qualities the students are looking for in their best friends.

April 27th

We identified the differences between peers and friends and discussed qualities of a good friend and good friendship. We also discussed the changing types of friendships throughout our lives. Nothing was due today.

April 25th

Students finished learning 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.

April 20th

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.

April 19th

The students learned about how the elderly are often taken advantage of and some of the programs available to the elderly for extra help and support. We also discussed the increase in elder abuse and watched a video made by the state of Utah about what elder abuse is and who to report abuse to if we suspect abuse occurring to an elderly person we know.

April 18th

Students wrapped up their etiquette unit today and finished learning about proper etiquette when using technology. The also had an assignment called "The Netiquette Advantage" due today.

April 15th

Students finished their etiquette unit by learning about manners related to new technology, like texting, cell phones, email, etc.

April 14th

We discussed the appropriate do's and don'ts when dining. We also watched a short video about good restaurant etiquette and also discussed appropriate bus etiquette, not only for La Caille but for any time you ride a bus. Students who are going on the La Caille field trip need to meet Thursday (today) after school at 3:15 by the office. If students are driving with their parents or parents are meeting us there, you need to be there around 4:15 and we will be seated at 4:30.

April 13th

Students had a sub, so they played the "Game of Life," the board game, seeing some of the things that may happen in real life. They answered questions on a sheet about some of the things that happened to them during the game and turned it in at the end of class for points.

April 12th

We started learning about etiquette today and what kinds of skills should be used in a restaurant, especially for those who are going to La Caille. We focused on dining etiquette in particular.

April 11th

Students finished watching "Young@Heart." We will discuss what the people in the movie went through during the filming and what the students think life will be like when they are older.

April 8th

We continued discussing the elderly and how they relate to teens and families. We also watched a couple of clips from "Young@Heart".

April 7th

Students discussed aging and what they consider "Elderly." Students learned about the Stages of the Life Span, reasons for the growing elderly population and how they feel about being "Old" longer than they were considered "Young." We discussed activities, such as service and employment the elderly participate in to keep them active.

April 6th

Students will be learning about and discussing siblings, the effect of birth order, and sibling rivalry. Today is all discussion, so nothing was due, but a few notes were written down. Today was also the last day to turn in any receipts and permission forms for the La Caille trip.

April 5th

Students were reminded that tomorrow is the LAST day students can turn in permission forms and receipts for the La Caille fieldtrip after school on April 14th. Students discussed how they "cope" with their parents and how much they know about their parents. Students read a story about Becky and turned it in. They were also assigned a questionnaire about how much they know about their parents and how much do their parents know about their student. This is worth 50 points and is due on Thursday of next week.

April 4th

Students learned about and discussed Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs. We discussed each level in detail and gave examples of all. We also related these needs to their needs, as well as the needs of their parents.

April 1st

Students discussed ideas/ways to get along better with their family members, as well as ways they can add to the harmony in their own families.

March 31st

Students learned about how families are changing and the outside influences which are causing a lot of the changes we are seeing. We also started discussing our family relationships.

March 30th

Today, we finished answering questions about the electronic babies and I explained the report option that students can do instead.

March 29th

The students watched a demonstration of how the electronic babies work, what items are sent home with the babies and what the student will be scored on. They learned about the check-out and check-in times and procedures. There is also a report option that any student who chooses to opt out of the baby simulation can do to earn the points instead. The first babies will be checked out starting this Friday and students sign up for a weekend on a first come, first served basis as they return their parental permission slips.

March 28th

Students had an end-of-term test today on the Communication and Critical Thinking units. We discussed this test on Thursday and reviewed the information and told them what they would be tested on and needed to study. We will start the Relationships unit on Tuesday.

March 24th

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. We then spent time reviewing for their end of term test they will take on Monday.

March 23rd

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 22nd

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. Their deadline for any late/missing assignments and any extra credit they wanted on this terms' grade was also due today.

March 21st

Students discussed the way gender effects education, career choice and salary. We also compared gender equity in the United States to other countries. Participation points were given for participating in the discussion and answering questions.

March 18th

Students continued to discuss responsibility today and we focused the rights and responsibilities they have and how they are responsible for for their role in a group, including in families.

March 17th

Students discussed responsibility and how it relates to the risks we take and the consequences which may occur because of our choices.

March 16th

Students watched a presentation from our guest speaker from La Caille today. She discussed and demonstrated proper etiquette procedures students would use on dates and when dining out. Students are also taking an optional field trip on April 14th after school to La Caille. Parents are also invited to attend. The dinner is $32.00 per person and must be paid to the office by the end of school on April 1st. Students will then take their receipt and permission form to class and turn it into the basket by 3:00 p.m. on April 1st to be added to the list and the count. Reservations will be made that day at 3:00 and no additions or subtractions can be made after that time.

March 15th

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.

March 14th

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 11th

Students had to write about their role model, which we then used to discuss why these people are their role models and what they did to influence them. We read a story titled "A Coach I Can't Forget" and answered questions about the story, which the students turned in after we discussed them.

March 10th

Students had a journal entry, followed by a scenerio 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.

March 9th

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 8th

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 7th

We discussed critical thinking. 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 3rd

Students learned about inter and intra-personal communication and ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) and how they relate to how we communicate with others. We also had a visual demonstration using Mr. Box to show students what kinds of things get in the way of good communication. Students took a few notes, but nothing was due.

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.

March 1st

We learned about the 5 love languages: giving gifts, giving service, physical touch, quality time, and verbal affirmation. Students identified their love language by taking a questionnaire which then helped identify what type they are. They then drew pictures of different types of love languages their family or friends tend to show.

February 28th

We put together our class sample for our portfolios for student-led conferences. Students then 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.

February 25th

Students learned about the differences between verbal, non-verbal and written forms of communication. We then focused on non-verbal communication cues that people use to send off messages to others and watched an educational video about nonverbal communication.

February 24th

Students continued with the communication unit. Today, they learned about and compared a hammer to destructive and constructive communication techniques. A class note page was provided to the students to write notes on.

February 23rd

We started on the Communication unit today and started with learning the differences between child-like, parent-like and adult-like communication styles. They also watched three clips from "The Emperor's New Groove" and had to identify the three types of communication shown in the movie clips.

February 22nd

Students had a mid-term test today on the Independent Living Skills unit. We discussed this test yesterday and what they would be tested on and needed to study. We will start the communication unit tomorrow.

February 21st

We talked about three communication styles: aggressive, passive and assertive. Students identified the styles by statements made by or descriptions about the three styles. Then in groups, they role-played one of the three styles to understand what they look like. We also reviewed for the mid-term test tomorrow.

February 18th

Today, students learned about stress reducers. I provided a number of different stress reducers and the class shared ways they prefer to reduce their stress. We also discussed their upcoming mid-term test on Tuesday.

February 17th

Students discussed poor ways people use to numb stress and we focused on depression and suicide. The students watched an educational video on the effects of suicide and how people can identify warning signs from friends and family.

February 16th

Students had a sub, so they played the "Game of Life," the board game, seeing some of the things that may happen in real life. They answered questions on a sheet about some of the things that happened to them during the game and turned it in at the end of class for points.

February 15th

Students learned about stress, what it is, common teen stressors and how teens can cope with stress. They had 10 questions to answer about how personally deal with stress they had to turn in by the end of class.

February 14th

We first discussed different colors and what the meanings and feelings of different colors are. Students were then given a choice of activities. One was called "Written all over your face" to help them distinguish between emotions and facial expressions. They had the rest of class to work on it and the answers and prizes were given at the end of class for those who had the most correct. The other was charades and the students had to act out and guess different descriptive words of emotions.

February 11th

We read the book "What are you so grumpy about" and discussed the seven basic emotions. Then we discussed and wrote about how these emotions are portrayed in the books they are reading and the TV and Movies they watch and how the colors we see effect out emotions.

February 10th

Today we discussed emotions, feelings and the affects these feelings have on us and others around us. We studied how our surroundings, especially the music we listen to, can effect our moods. Students listened to clips from different types of music and had to explain how each made them feel.

February 9th

Students finished watching "Rudy" about a college student trying to reach his goal of becoming a football player. They had an assignment to go with this which will be due tomorrow at the start of class.

February 8th

Students continued to watch "Rudy" about a college student trying to reach his goal of becoming a football player. They had an assignment to go with this which will be due tomorrow.

February 7th

Students had a sub today, so they were allowed to watch part of the movie "Rudy" which discusses hopes and dreams and working to achieve a goal. They also had some questions to answer about Rudy's goals, as well as their own, while they watched.

February 4th

Students finished discussing personalities by completing another couple of activities that help describe their personalities. Their Journal Entry sheet for this week was also due.

February 3rd

Students discussed what different factors have made up/influenced their personality. They were then shown common personality tests people have created. Today, students learned about astrology signs, the Chinese zodiac and A/B type personalities.

February 1st

Students started discussing values and focused on the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic values. They had to know and recognize the difference between the two types and they practiced by watching a few movie clips about children and their different types of values.

February 2nd

We continued on values today and discussed common values each member of society has and talked about setting priorities. The students then answered a series of questions to rank their values in order of priority from the most important to the least. We also discussed how our values and priorities effect the goals we set and if we will be able to reach those goals or not. We are more likely to achieve goals that we value or that we see as a high priority.

January 31st

We finished up on the activities dealing with self-concept, self-esteem and self-confidence. Nothing was due today.

January 28th

We continued the activities dealing with self-concept, self-esteem and self-confidence. Today, they watched a video on self-concept and the importance of not labeling other people. Their journal entries for this week were due today at the end of class.

January 27th

Students learned about the differences in self-concept, self-esteem, self-image, as well as how they affect all areas of our life. They were read the story "You are special" and wrote down the definitions of the terms, but the rest of class was a discussion.

January 26th

We finished discussing the five types of adolescent development, which we related to the acronym of Pepsi. We then moved on to discussing common roadblocks to development that teens may face and the challenges associated with each one.

January 25th

We finished discussing the five types of adolescent development, which we related to the acronym of Pepsi. We then moved on to discussing common roadblocks to development that teens may face and the challenges associated with each one.

January 24th

Students started learning about the eight stages of development that teenagers pass through. They watched short clips from various movies to see examples of each stage in action and had to write down each stage in their notes.

January 21st

The Coat of Arms activity was due in both classes today. 3rd period then shared these with other members of the class. 6th period had a Freshman activity in the cafeteria during their class period.

January 20th

Today, students were given their assigned seats. They spent the rest of the class time getting to know the other students in their class by creating a coat of arms to show other students a few things about themselves. These will be due at the beginning of class.

January 19th

Welcome to Teen Living at Fort Herriman Middle School. I hope that you have an enjoyable experience this semester in class. In order for you to have a good time and learn, you must participate! This means that you need to participate in class discussions, activities and out of class activities which will include La Caille, blogs, interviews, and a little bit of homework. Remember that this class does count as high school credit to graduate, so don't blow it off!

January 14th

Students were given their final grade and citizenship to check for any mistakes that I may have made or the computer may have made. Then, they watched a video about people with special needs.

January 13th

Students played the "Game of Life," the board game, seeing some of the things that may happen in real life. They answered questions on a sheet about some of the things that happened to them during the game and turned it in at the end of class for points.

January 12th

Students took their final unit test on the responsible dating unit. We also started to grade this test and will finish grading it tomorrow.

January 11th

Students learned about some of the most common birth defects and some of the reasons as to why the occur. We also reviewed what information would be on their final unit test tomorrow.

January 10th

Students learned about the effects of alcohol and drug use on an unborn baby. Afterward, we watched a video on Fetal Alcohol syndrome and Drug-effected infants and compared the physical symptoms of each of these syndromes to a healthy infant.

January 7th

Students learned about some of the most common birth defects and some of the reasons as to why the occur.

January 6th

We discussed what shaken baby syndrome is, how it occurs and some of the most frequent reasons why. We also demonstrated to the students what happens when a baby is shaken by using our shaken baby syndrome simulator. They also watched a video on shaken baby syndrome which shows the aftereffects of this type of abuse.

January 5th

Today, students were in a computer lab working on a website at (www.teenageparent.org/english/costofbaby2B.html) which computes how much a baby would cost just during the first year of life. They had to estimate how many diapers, how much formula, how many articles of clothing, etc. would have to be purchased for the infant.

January 4th

Today, students discussed the different types of child abuse, why it occurs and why it is more common when the parents are teens. The last day to turn in late work and extra credit is on Tuesday, January 11th.

January 3rd

We continued our discussion on teen parenting and learned about what kinds of consequences there are when becoming a teen parent. They were also warned that next Tuesday is the last day to turn in any late work or extra credit they want on their second term grade.