January 10, 2014

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.

January 9, 2014

Students watched a video called "Stop the Violence" on dating violence Sandy City created a few years ago to make students more aware of the issue. We will finish discussing this on Friday.

January 8, 2014

Students discussed the warning signs of abusive relationships and how to prevent dating violence from occurring. Students were given ideas of ways to date more safely and people to contact if something does occur.

January 7, 2014

Students have assemblies for CTE month today during their class.

January 6, 2014

Students learned about what rights they have as they date and what responsibilities they have when dating. They also watched a couple of video clips about the male and female perspective while on a date.

December 20, 2013

Today, we discussed and learned about the differences between love and infatuation. We watched a short video clip from called "Fanny's Dream" and used questions and role plays as examples for the students to decide if it is love or infatuation.

December 19, 2013

Students discussed what kind of qualities they are looking for in people they date and how those qualities may change over time due to changes in values, maturity, etc.

December 18, 2013

Today, students discussed why group dating is important, especially while they are in high school and we discussed a number of inexpensive activities you can do on group dates.

December 17, 2013

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

December 16, 2013

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. We will finish these tomorrow.

December 13, 2013

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

December 12, 2013

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.

December 11, 2013

Students learned about the difference between feeling lonely and being alone. We also discussed reasons why friends and peers reject others and how peer pressure is involved.

December 10, 2013

Students learned different ways to cope with peer pressure and created a plan to use when they are in a situation where peer pressure is occuring.

December 9, 2013

Students learned about refusal skills and how to use them to get out of different situations, as well as how to use peer pressure for good.

December 6, 2013

Students examined examples of both good and bad types of peer pressure. We will finish this on Monday.

December 5, 2013

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.

December 4, 2013

Students learned about gangs today. Why they form, who is most likely to join a gang and the different levels of gang activity. We relate this to the need for teens to feel like they belong to a group (Love and belonging) and to peer pressure.

December 3, 2013

Students learned about why we have groups of friends and how they influence us for better or for worse.

December 2, 2013

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. We also discussed the signs of a bad friendship and why friendships end.

November 26, 2013

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.

November 22 and 25, 2013

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.

November 21, 2013

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.

November 20, 2013

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.

November 19, 2013

We are discussing conflict resolution and the many parts that are involved in conflict resolution. What issues tend to be the most common, how personality styles affect conflict, how to approach it, and how to resolve conflict. Students identified some of these aspects in a couple of stories and then came up with how to resolve the issue.

November 18, 2013

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.

November 15, 2013

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.

November 14, 2013

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" and teens effect on the family.

November 13, 2013

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. They also answered two different questionnaires about how responsible they are and how they are helping create harmony in their families. Neither had to be turned in for points.

November 12, 2013

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.

November 11, 2013

Today, we discussed different family types and dealing with different family members due to changing circumstances.

November 8, 2013

The first students checked out the electronic babies today. We took a quiz on how the babies work and answered any questions students thought of about the babies.

November 7, 2013

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.

November 6, 2013

Students were introduced to the electronic baby simulation project, how to sign-up, how to check them in and out and what is expected over the weekend while the student has their baby. We also discussed how they would be graded.

November 5, 2013

Students had an end of unit test today on the Communication and Critical Thinking skills unit. We discussed and reviewed for this test yesterday and what they would be tested on and needed to study. We will start the Relationships unit tomorrow.

November 4, 2013

Students spent class playing a review game for their Teen Living Mid-term test, which will be tomorrow!

October 30-31, 2013

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 and discussed bullying as well.

October 29, 2013

Students continued discussing and learning about common gender issues. Today we played "Gender wars." Students were separated into male and females and each team was asked different questions about the opposite sex. The team with the most answers correct won treats/prizes.

October 28, 2013

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.

October 25, 2013

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.

October 24, 2013

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 3:25 by the office. If students are driving with their parents or parents are meeting us there, you need to be there around 4:30 and we will be seated at 5:00.

October 23, 2013

We talked more about etiquette that should be used in a restaurant, especially for those who are going to La Caille. We watched a short video about good restaurant etiquette. We practiced calculating a 15% gratuity. We also looked at bus etiquette not only for La Caille but for any time you ride a bus.

October 22, 2013

Students started their etiquette unit today by learning about proper etiquette when using technology. The also had an assignment called "The Netiquette Edge" due today.

October 21, 2103

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.

October 16, 2013

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.

October 15, 2013

Students had a lesson on decisions and consequences, as well as responsibility. Students will have a journal entry, answer a questionaire entitled "Best Interest Test," finished the video and paper on decisions and consequences, responsibility and critical thinking and how they all relate to each other.

October 14, 2013

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.

October 11, 2013

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.

October 10, 2013

We discussed the critical thinking process. 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.

October 9, 2013

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.

October 8, 2013

Students not only discussed listening skills, but how to actively listen and why it is important. Listening activities were also done in class to learn about listening to directions the first time, the importance of asking questions when something is not understood, and listening to what is going on around them.

October 7, 2013

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. We also watched a couple of video clips on verbal, non-verbal and written forms of communication at the end of class.

October 3, 2013

Students continued with the communication unit. We continued learning about destructive types of communication and focused on gossip and swearing.

October 2, 2013

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.

October 1, 2013

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.

September 30, 2013

Students had a mid-term test today on the Independent Living Skills unit. We discussed and reviewed for this test yesterday and what they would be tested on and needed to study. We will start the communication unit tomorrow. This test is worth 50 points on their grade.

September 27, 2013

Students spent class playing a review game for their Teen Living Mid-term test, which will be tomorrow!

September 26, 2013

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.

September 25, 2013

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 Monday.

September 24, 2013

Students started learning about stress, stressors, and stress reducers today. We shared examples of stressors. They also learned about distress, eustress and stress reducers. They took a questionnaire to rate how much stress they have and we discussed how everyone handles stress differently. We also discussed biofeedback and handed out biodots to use to see how they are reacting to the daily stress they have in their lives.

September 23, 2013

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.

September 20, 2013

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.

September 19, 2013

Students finished the video on Teen Anger and turned in the questions from the video. We then learned about the consequences of uncontrolled emotions and behavior.

September 18, 2013

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.

September 17, 2013

Students discussed what makes them angry and learned the differences between hot, cold and warm anger and compared these emotions to balloons. They also read the book "When Sophie gets angry" and talked about what they can do to control their anger. We also started a video on Teen Anger and will finish it tomorrow.

September 16, 2013

We read the book "What are you so grumpy about" and discussed the six 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.

September 13, 2013

Students finished discussing personalities by completing another couple of activities that help describe their personalities. They also had to compare a car to their personality and had to turn it in.

September 12, 2013

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.

September 10-11, 2013

Students learned about goals, long-term and short-term and why goals are important. 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. They watched a video clip and answered a series of questions about their future goals.

September 9, 2013

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.

September 6, 2013

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.

September 5, 2013

1st period students have a Freshman Code of Conduct assembly in the morning, so they did not have class. 6th period students played the game "Friends" which we will refer back to when we get to the relationships unit.

September 4, 2013

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. Students had questions to answer about self-concept in their own lives.

September 3, 2013

At the beginning of class, we read the story "You are special" and answered a journal entry question having to do with the book. Students learned about the differences in the terms self-concept, self-esteem, and self-image, as well as how they affect all areas of our life. We were in the middle of taking a questionnaire entitled "How strong is your self-concept" so we will finish it and discuss it tomorrow.

August 30, 2013

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. Students were given the rest of the class period to create a road map of their life so far, including any roadblocks which may have changed the course of their life thus far.

August 29, 2013

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.

August 28, 2013

Students were reminded about the three things due in two weeks (Class fee, Human Sexuality Instruction permission form, PG movie permission form). We started our discussion on the eight types of developmental stages during adolescences.

August 27, 2013

Students reviewed the class disclosure, human sexuality policy, PG video list, given hall passes and a late pass and reviewed the course content. They also have a $10.00 lab fee and two permission forms due in two weeks. Students were also shown the class website and blog, and provided information on how to sign up for text reminders. If a student is on a fee waiver, they need to contact the main office by this deadline.

August 26, 2013

Today, students got to know each other and completed an activity that will allow me to get to know them better as well. Students completed the "Who I am" assignment. 1st period students were also assigned lockers and given their combinations.

June 5, 2013

Happy LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! Students who came to class today helped clean and organize the clothing and computer lab. Have a great summer and good luck in High School!

June 4, 2013

No class due to the Freshman Lagoon Day!

June 3, 2013

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

May 31, 2013

Students took their final end of term test during class today. There are NO REDOS for this test. This will be placed on their grade and they will see their final grades tomorrow. If a student was absent today, they HAVE to take their test Monday, June 3rd or I will not be able to get it on their final grade.

May 30, 2013

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. They had an article to read and write abut the article. This will be due tomorrow in class.

May 28-29, 2013

Today, students discussed the different types of child abuse, why it occurs and why it is more common when the parents are teens. We also 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. The last day to turn in late work and extra credit is May 29th by 2:30!

May 24, 2013

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 23, 2013

Students discussed why teens may or may not be ready for parenthood and what affects teen pregnancy have on the teen parents, the family and the baby. Stories were also shared and read as part of the lesson.

May 21-22, 2013

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 on Monday. 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 20, 2013

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 17, 2013

Students watched a video called "Stop the Violence" on dating violence Sandy City created a few years ago to make students more aware of the issue. We will finish discussing this on Monday.

May 16, 2013

Students discussed the warning signs of abusive relationships and how to prevent dating violence from occurring. Students were given ideas of ways to date more safely and people to contact if something does occur. Also, students were notified that the last day to turn in late or missing assignments and extra credit is May 31st DURING class. No assignments or extra credit will be accepted after this day.

May 15, 2013

Students learned about what rights they have as they date and what responsibilities they have when dating. They also watched a couple of video clips about the male and female perspective while on a date.

May 14, 2013

Today, we discussed and learned about the differences between love and infatuation. We watched a short video clip from called "Fanny's Dream" and used questions and role plays as examples for the students to decide if it is love or infatuation.

May 13, 2013

Students discussed what kind of qualities they are looking for in people they date and how those qualities may change over time due to changes in values, maturity, etc.

May 10, 2013

Today, students discussed why group dating is important, especially while they are in high school and we discussed a number of inexpensive activities you can do on group dates.

May 9, 2013

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 8, 2013

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. We will finish these tomorrow.

May 7, 2013

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

May 6, 2013

Students spent class playing a review game for their Teen Living Mid-term test, which will be tomorrow!

May 3, 2013

Students learned about the difference between feeling lonely and being alone. We also discussed reasons why friends and peers reject others and how peer pressure is involved.

May 2, 2013

Students learned about refusal skills and how to use them to get out of different situations, as well as how to use peer pressure for good.

May 1, 2013

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.

April 30, 2013

Students learned about why we have groups of friends and how they influence us for better or for worse.

April 29, 2013

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. We also discussed the signs of a bad friendship and why friendships end.

April 26, 2013

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.

April 25, 2013

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 19-24, 2013

Students learned about the elderly in their lives, what Teens and the elderly have in common and how they can grow closer to those people. The watched a documentary titled "Young @ Heart" so students could see the elderly in a different context or light.

April 18, 2013

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 17, 2013

We discussed the appropriate do's and don'ts when introducing people and starting a conversation. Students who are going on the La Caille field trip need to meet Thursday after school at 3:25 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 16, 2013

Students started their etiquette unit today by learning about proper etiquette when using technology. The also had an assignment called "The Netiquette Edge" due today.

April 15, 2013

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.

April 12, 2013

Students learned ways to communicate better with their parents and shared advice/ways to get along with their families better.

April 11, 2013

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 Wednesday of next week.

April 10, 2013

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 9, 2013

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" and teens effect on the family.

April 8, 2013

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 5, 2013

The first students checked out the electronic babies today. We took a quiz on how the babies work and answered any questions students thought of about the babies.

April 4, 2013

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.

April 3, 2013

Students were introduced to the electronic baby simulation project, how to sign-up, how to check them in and out and what is expected over the weekend while the student has their baby. We also discussed how they would be graded.

March 27, 2013

Today, we discussed different family types and dealing with different family members due to changing cirumstances.

March 26, 2013

Students had an end of unit test today on the Communication and Critical Thinking skills unit. We discussed and reviewed for this test yesterday and what they would be tested on and needed to study. We will start the Relationships unit tomorrow.

March 25, 2013

Students spent class playing a review game for their Teen Living unit test, which will be tomorrow!

March 22, 2013

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 21, 2013

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 20, 2013

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 19, 2013

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 18, 2013

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.

March 15, 2013

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 14, 2013

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 13, 2013

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 12, 2013

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 11, 2013

We discussed the critical thinking process. 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 8, 2013

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.

March 7, 2013

Students not only discussed listening skills, but how to actively listen and why it is important. Listening activities were also done in class to learn about listening to directions the first time, the importance of asking questions when something is not understood, and listening to what is going on around them.

March 6, 2013

Students learned about Non-verbal body language today. We focused on being attentive and observant while communicating with others and looking for hidden communication cues.

March 5, 2013

Students continued with the communication unit. We continued learning about destructive types of communication and focused on gossip and swearing.

March 4, 2013

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 28, 2013

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 27, 2013

Students had a mid-term test today on the Independent Living Skills unit. We discussed and reviewed for this test yesterday and what they would be tested on and needed to study. We will start the communication unit tomorrow. This test is worth 50 points on their grade.

February 26, 2013

Students spent class playing a review game for their Teen Living Mid-term test, which will be tomorrow!

February 25, 2013

Students learned the latest statistics about teens in Utah and the high rate of suicide. We tied his in with the different emotions teens feel and why they need to be able to practice good stress reducers to avoid getting to the point where suicide feels like the only option.

February 22, 2013

We discussed positive and poor coping mechanisms people use to try and deal with or runaway from the stress in their life.

February 21, 2013

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.

February 20, 2013

Students started learning about stress, stressors, and stress reducers today. We shared examples of stressors. They also learned about distress, eustress and stress reducers. They took a questionnaire to rate how much stress they have and we discussed how everyone handles stress differently. We also discussed biofeedback and handed out biodots to use to see how they are reacting to the daily stress they have in their lives.

February 19, 2013

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.

February 15, 2013

Students finished the video on Teen Anger and turned in the questions from the video. We then learned about the consequences of uncontrolled emotions and behavior.

February 14, 2013

Students discussed what makes them angry and learned the differences between hot, cold and warm anger and compared these emotions to balloons. They also read the book "When Sophie gets angry" and talked about what they can do to control their anger. We also started a video on Teen Anger and will finish it tomorrow.

February 13, 2013

We first discussed different colors and what the meanings and feelings of different colors are. We also discussed how music can affect how we feel and what we do.

February 12, 2013

We read the book "What are you so grumpy about" and discussed the six 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 11, 2013

Students finished discussing personalities by completing another couple of activities that help describe their personalities. They also had to compare a car to their personality and had to turn it in.

February 8, 2013

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 7, 2013

Students learned about goals, long-term and short-term and why goals are important. 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. They watched a video clip and answered a series of questions about their future goals.

February 6, 2013

Students finished watching select clips from "Charlie and the Chocolate factory" to identify each of the values each golden ticket winner had. We continued 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 31, 2013

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.

January 30, 2013

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. Students had questions to answer about self-concept in their own lives.

January 29, 2013

At the beginning of class, we read the story "You are special" and answered a journal entry question having to do with the book. Students learned about the differences in the terms self-concept, self-esteem, and self-image, as well as how they affect all areas of our life. We were in the middle of taking a questionnaire entitled "How strong is your self-concept" so we will finish it and discuss it tomorrow.

January 28, 2013

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. Students were given the rest of the class period to create a road map of their life so far, including any roadblocks which may have changed the course of their life thus far.

January 25, 2013

Students finished discussing and watching movie clips about the eight stages of development. We also discussed another theory about stages of development which we nicknamed PEPSI for the first letter of each word.

January 24, 2013

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 23, 2013

Today, students got to know each other and completed an activity that will allow me to get to know them better as well. Students completed the "Coat of Arms" and the "personalized license plate".

January 22, 2013

Students reviewed the class disclosure, human sexuality policy, PG video list, given hall passes and a late pass and reviewed the course content. They also have a $10.00 lab fee and two permission forms due in two weeks. Students were also shown the class website and blog, and provided information on how to sign up for text reminders. If a student is on a fee waiver, they need to contact the main office by this deadline.

January 17, 2013

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 teen pregnancy.

January 16, 2013

Students took their final end of term test during class today. There are NO REDOS for this test. This will be placed on their grade and they will see their final grades tomorrow. If a student was absent today, they HAVE to take their test tomorrow (Thursday) or I will not be able to get it on their final grade.

January 15, 2013

Students finished their written assignment on FAS and DE babies and turned them in. They also watched a video so they could see real-life examples of these two birth defects. We also reviewed what will be on the final test tomorrow.

January 14, 2013

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. They had an article to read and write abut the article. This will be due tomorrow in class.

January 11, 2013

Today was the last day students could turn in any late assignments, as well as any extra credit and unused late and hall passes for extra credit. They also finished watching the video from yesterday about shaken baby syndrome.

January 10, 2013

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 9, 2013

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 Friday, January 11th.

January 8, 2013

Students 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