Archive

Public speaking class begins with the students reflecting on the typical feelings and fears surround speaking in front of others. The elements of public speaking (content, intent, audience, delivery, etc) are reviewed and students are asked to watch and review several examples. Students take turns practicing many of these elements in several different class activities, while receiving and provided feedback on delivery and presentation. In the final weeks of the term, students study rhetorical devices, watch and review several famous speeches, and then write and deliver their own original work in the Assembly Hall.

Learning and the Brain is a general survey class focused primarily upon the “learning process” and principle topics associated with the acquisition, interpretation, organization, storage, and retrieval of information. Students are asked to continually reflect on their own learning process, their unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses, and the similarities and differences between their process and that of others in the class. Controversial topics, such as learning styles, laterality, multiple intelligences, and the like, are presented during class discussions in an effort to promote students’ critical thinking skills. Near the midpoint of the term, students complete an Executive Functioning Self-Assessment (adapted from the work of George McCloskey) to further examine their own strengths and weaknesses as it relates to the areas of attention, engagement, memory, efficiency, etc. The course concludes the term with studies of classical and operant conditioning, schedules of reinforcement, sensation, perception, and other related topics.

Fifth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course that meets twice a week during the spring term. Throughout the term, students explore a variety of topics including: the changes of puberty, body image, building self esteem, nutrition, and the importance of exercise. Classes consist of participatory activities, group discussions, and selected readings. Through the class, students improve their understanding of how their bodies are growing and changing and develop skills for making healthy decisions about their bodies and health.

Sixth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course that meets twice a week during the spring term. Throughout the term, students explore a variety of topics including: decision making skills, drug and alcohol education, peer pressure, bullying, and stereotypes. The format of the class encourages group discussion. Through the class, students improve their ability communicate effectively with one another and to make positive choices about relationships and their health.

The seventh grade winter course is entitled, Emotions and Relationships. Students explore communications skills, conflict management, tolerance, relationships with friends and family, and gender roles.

Eighth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course entitled “Human Relationships and Sexuality.” Classes meet twice a week during the fall term for a total of twenty classes. Throughout the course, students will explore a variety of topics including personal values, decision-making within relationships, male/female anatomy, reproduction, abstinence, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS), sexual orientation, and sexuality in the media. Classes will consist of discussions, participatory activities, group work, multimedia presentations, and selected readings. Altogether, this course is full of vital information that we hope students will carry with them for years to come.

Substance Use and Abuse is the title and focus in the ninth grade winter term. In addition to information about brain functioning, stress, addictive substances, treatment, and legal issues, discussion centers on making decisions regarding substance use.