Amazing conversations going on over the last few days. We have been engaged in some deep thought provoking conversations regarding what we are reading and what is happening. Your kids are at this amazing age where they are really starting to synthesize information and they beginning to have a foundational knowledge that allows them to participate and expand upon ideas/theories.
The hard part? What can you say that will bring about these ideas since I’m assuming 98% of you get, “nothing” or “same old, same old” when you ask what went down today.
Yesterday we had a further discussion on the NSA , Homeland Security, and how our once large world can now seem pretty small. We discussed how 1,100 miles between Dublin and Montana would seem like a year’s journey during the Corp of Discovery time while today with technology that can seem like they are just next door. We talked about how basically anything that you say over communication devices, write/post or take pictures can not easily go away or hit delete. We also discussed how some jokes or mistakes can cross a line and not be considered appropriate or worse considered a threat.
Once again -- if you want to up your parental game when it comes to on-line stuff with regards to parenting in 2014 because it is waaaay different than our moms and dads had to put up with -- use this resource.
We also read the Domino Effect of Greed article yesterday. The study is pretty compelling and powerful information. It explains that our truest nature or comfort level is to share resources equally (e.g. $3 for you and $3 for me). However when we feel that someone has not shared fairly/equitably we remember the diss and we reciprocate the unfairness to the next person. We negatively “pay it forward.” To make matters more challenging, when we receive above and beyond gifts/compensation (e.g. person gives me $6 and keeps $0 for herself) we tend to still revert to sharing fairly/equitably with the next person. So humans may be more inclined to stick it to people especially when they have been wronged recently. So we discussed this and how people who believe they belong to a larger group/community or can find “their happy place” will respond. You can read the article here. Students discussed and are writing about this issue on our class website. Ask to have them share their thoughts with you.
We also once again discussed our friend from the Dan Plan. Earlier this year we read about this man’s journey to try out the 10,000 hour rule to master a skill. He was a terrible golfer who decided to dedicate his life, or at least the next 10,000 hours of practice time, towards becoming an elite golfer. So we listened to a BBC Podcast while also practicing taking Cornell Notes that had an update on how Dan is progressing after 4 years and 4,000 hours. The content of the podcast lead to a long discussion on how determined and mindful practicing for 10,000 hours can lead to mastery however some of the people studying matter agree that you have to “like” or “enjoy” what you spending so much time doing. The argument being if you have a talent in an area then the 10,000 hours don’t seem so arduous since you are mastering something you find rather satisfying or enjoyable. So we talked about how a goal of theirs should be to keep their minds and hearts open trying to discover what interests them or what they seem passionate about. We also had a discussion on mastering something that will lead to a life of creating happiness and giving back versus being passionate towards a “hobby.” If you have time, ask them about Dan the golfer, 10,000 hours, what they are passionate & willing to spend 10,000 hours on and hobby vs job.
Math: We are once again reviewing and revisiting fractions in all their glory. Students that are completing this work quickly should be using that time to review independently with www.ixl.com, scootpad.com, or khanacademy.
With math the kids are also now posting and sharing their chapter study guides while learning how to use Google Sites. Students are posting, designing and chapter specific websites to share the math review. It is a pretty exciting stuff.
We also had discussion about alloy metals, malleable metals, government regulations, 24 carat gold, what metal characteristics have made platinum the wedding ring’s metal of choice, cheap steel, earthquake protection and Dublin High School. It was fun.
Kind regards,
Mr. Hubbard
“I like the dreams of the future more than the history of the past.”
- Thomas Jefferson
Homework for the week:
Free Write due on Friday:
Non-Fiction “What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?”
This week’s topic was created by Brian G!!!
Read by Wednesday --- “The Domino Effect of Greed” and by Thursday participate with complete ideas and thoughts on the Language Arts website.
“The Beginning of the End” -- due Friday a multi paragraph write regarding what the Native American historian meant by saying the Corp of Discovery and their visit would soon mean the end of their culture and way of life.
Math:
Martha’s Brain due on Thursday
Finally I am asking to get caught up on the Reading Around the World therefore don’t spend too much time with your son or daughter but please catch up on that form and have it brought in by Friday. I suggested trying your best to remember the books that they have read and them add them up. If you have forgotten the page numbers in a particular book, just look it up on Amazon.com and their book listing will have page numbers.
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