January 9, 2015

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

January 8, 2015

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.

January 7, 2015

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.

January 6, 2015

Students have assemblies for CTE month today during their class.

January 5, 2015

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 18-19, 2014

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.

December 17, 2014

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.

December 16, 2014

To finish up the relationship unit, we started watching "The story of Jon" about a man with Downs Syndrome. The movie tells of the relationships Jon has with his family and others around him and how people have learned to adapt to Jon, instead of having him adapt to them, as well as what personal prejudices others show towards him.

December 15, 2014

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 12, 2014

Today was a catch-up day so we could finish up discussing friends, gangs, groups and peer pressure this week.

December 11, 2014

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 10, 2014

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 9, 2014

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 8, 2014

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

December 5, 2014

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.

December 4, 2014

Presenters from Herriman High's CTE department.

December 3, 2014

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.

December 2, 2014

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.

December 1, 2014

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.

November 25, 2014

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 24, 2014

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 21, 2014

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 20, 2014

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 18-19, 2014

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 17, 2014

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 14, 2014

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

November 13, 2014

The class took their end of term test today in class. This will be graded and put on Skyward sometime in the next week. Tomorrow we will be starting the relationships unit, which will last all of 4th term.

November 11-12, 2014

Today, we finished or discussion of harassment and focused on Internet safety and Cyberbullying.

November 10, 2014

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 as well.

November 7, 2014

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 3-5, 2014

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.

October 30 and November 6, 2014

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 29, 2014

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 Wednesday (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 4:30 and we will be seated after that.

October 28, 2014

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 27, 2014

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 24, 2014

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. They also had a homework assignment to interview someone who is a role model for them and how that person has influenced them.

October 23, 2014

Students learned about ethics, what it is and how we can show ethics by making better choices and thinking of others.

October 22, 2014

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 21, 2014

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.

October 20, 2014

Students learned about good judgement and making wise decisions, as well as thinking about the risks and consequences to decisions.

October 15, 2014

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 14, 2014

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 13, 2014

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 10, 2014

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 9, 2014

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 8, 2014

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 October 29th after school to La Caille. Parents are also invited to attend. The dinner is $34.00 per person and must be paid to the office by the end of school on October 15th. Students will then take their receipt and permission form to class and turn it into the basket by 3:00 p.m. on October 15th 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.

October 6-7, 2014

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 2, 2014

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, 2014

Students had a mid-term test today on the Independent Living Skills unit. We discussed this test last week and what they would be tested on and needed to study.

September 30, 2014

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 29, 2014

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

September 26, 2014

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 25, 2014

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 Wednesday.

September 23-24, 2014

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 22, 2014

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, 2014

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, 2014

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 16-17 2014

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 15, 2014

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 12, 2014

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 11, 2014

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 10, 2014

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 8-9, 2014

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 on Monday.

September 5, 2014

Students were assigned to create a vision board. They were given the instructions as to how to do this and had the rest of class to work on this. They were also provided with a grading rubric so they would know how they would be graded. These will be due on September 10th at the beginning of class.

September 4, 2014

Freshmen had a Code of Conduct assembly today during 1st period, so 7th period got to play The Game of Life and had an assignment that went along with it.

September 3, 2014

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.

September 2, 2014

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. They will have a quiz tomorrow on the five stages of development.

August 29, 2014

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 28, 2014

Students took a pre-test today over what we will be learning about this semester. Once they were done, we did an activity to review what students learned about yesterday about the class and classroom.

August 27, 2014

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, 2014

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! Students learned about emergency procedures here at FHMS, then we did a "Get to know you" activity.

June 6, 2014

Students who come today will help clean sewing machines and computer labs. Have a great summer!

June 5, 2014

Lagoon day for Freshmen students!

June 4, 2014

Students were given a printout with their final grade and citizenship from this past term. They were given time to double check and fix any mistakes which made have been made on their grade. They were then released to go to the Freshmen Memory Book signing.

June 3, 2014

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, Wednesday, June 4th or I will not be able to get it on their final grade.

May 30-June 2, 2014

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.

May 28-29, 2014

Students watched a video on the importance of abstinence before marriage and monogamy after marriage titled "Sex still has a price tag." 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 27, 2014

Students learned about what rights they have as they date and what responsibilities they have when dating. They also started watching a video called "Stop the Violence" on dating violence.

May 23, 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.

May 22, 2014

Students learned about what rights they have as they date and what responsibilities they have when dating. They also started watching a video called "Stop the Violence" on dating violence, which we will discuss tomorrow.

May 21, 2014

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 20, 2014

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 19, 2014

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 15-16, 2014

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 14, 2014

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 13, 2014

To finish up the relationship unit, we started watching "The story of Jon" about a man with Downs Syndrome. The movie tells of the relationships Jon has with his family and others around him and how people have learned to adapt to Jon, instead of having him adapt to them, as well as what personal prejudices others show towards him.

May 12, 2014

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 9, 2014

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 8, 2014

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.

May 7, 2014

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

May 6, 2014

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.

May 5, 2014

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.

May 2, 2014

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.

May 1, 2014

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 30, 2014

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 29, 2014

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 28, 2014

Today was a catch-up day to finish up discussing the elderly and to finish up etiquette and manners.

April 25, 2014

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 24, 2014

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

April 23, 2014

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.

April 22, 2014

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 11, 14-16, 2014

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 10, 2014

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, 2014

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, 2014

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.

April 7, 2014

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

April 4, 2014

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 3, 2014

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 2, 2014

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.

April 1, 2014

The class took their end of term test today in class. This will be graded and put on Skyward sometime in the next week. Tomorrow we will be starting the relationships unit, which will last all of 4th term.

March 28, 2014

Today, students watched a video on how to prevent cyberbullying and what to do if it occurs.

March 27, 2014

Today, we finished or discussion of harassment and focused on Internet safety and Cyberbullying.

March 26, 2014

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 as well.

March 25, 2014

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.

March 24, 2014

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. They also had a homework assignment to interview someone who is a role model for them and how that person has influenced them.

March 21, 2014

Students learned about ethics, what it is and how we can show ethics by making better choices and thinking of others.

March 20, 2014

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 19, 2014

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 18, 2014

Students learned about good judgement and making wise decisions, as well as thinking about the risks and consequences to decisions.

March 17, 2014

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. They were also warned about the upcoming deadline for make-up work and extra credit which is Friday, March 21st.

March 14, 2014

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 13, 2014

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 12, 2014

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.

March 11, 2014

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 10, 2014

I was sick all of last week, so we used today to catch-up on assignments from last week. We finished the mid-term test, which we will grade tomorrow, finished "Confessions of a teenage gossip" from last Tuesday and "Body Language" from last Thursday.

March 6, 2014

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 5, 2014

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.

March 4, 2014

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

March 3, 2014

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, 2014

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, 2014

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 26, 2014

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

February 25, 2014

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 24, 2014

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 21, 2014

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 20, 2014

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 19, 2014

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 18, 2014

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 14, 2104

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 13, 2014

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 11-12, 2014

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 10, 2014

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.

February 7, 2014

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 6, 2014

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.

February 5, 2014

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 on Monday.

January 30, 2014

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 29, 2014

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 28, 2014

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.

January 27, 2014

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 23, 2014

Students were given a printout with their final grade and citizenship from this past term. They were given time to double check and fix any mistakes which made have been made on their grade.

January 22, 2014

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, January 23rd or I will not be able to get it on their final grade.

January 21, 2014

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 17, 2014

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. Today was also the last day students could turn in any late work or extra credit, including unused hall passes and their late pass.

January 16, 2014

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 17th.

January 15, 2014

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 Friday is the last day to turn in any late work or extra credit they want on their second term grade.

January 13-14, 2014

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.