CPR: Circle of Power and Respect |
||||||||
What is CPR?
From the JFK Website: Circle of Power and Respect is a practice held three times a week that builds community and creates a positive climate for learning and reinforces academic and social skills; Rules and Logical Consequences, a clear and consistent approach to discipline that fosters responsibility and self-control; Guided Discovery, a format for introducing materials that encourages inquiry, heightens interest, and teaches care of the school environment; Academic Choice, an approach to giving students choices in their learning that helps them become invested, self-motivated learners; Classroom Organization, strategies for arranging materials, furniture, and displays to encourage independence, promote caring , and maximize learning; and Family Communication Strategies, ideas for involving families as true partners in their children's education. Much more information can be found at their website: http://www.originsonline.org/dd_index.php What's Happening in CPR Right Now? September 11 Memorial Activity Most students on the Coral Team were younger than three years of age when the attacks on the World Trade Center took place. This changes the way we need to reflect upon these events, as our students do not have first-hand memories of the day. The Friday prior to the 10 year anniversary, students talked to their parents about THEIR memories from that day. After sharing their parents' memories, we gathered in the reading nook and watched news broadcasts from the day. On Monday, September 12th the entire school participated in a reflective activity called "The Most Important Words." Based on an article written by Peggy Noonan of the Wall Street Journal, students were encouraged to write a letter to someone they cared for and say three very important words--I Love You--words that were spoken over and over on 9/11/01. The letters were then addressed and sent. Secret Hobgoblins Halloween Poetry Using figurative language and vocabulary skills to produce a “Secret Hobgoblin” poem, students wrote mysterious verses that revealed unique aspects of themselves. These poems will be read by students on the team. Students will guess which poem belongs to each student.
Veterans Day: Understanding Sacrifice and History Veterans Day is more than "a day off from school." It is a serious opportunity to reflect upon the commitment made by ordinary men and women to defend American ideals and freedoms. In an attempt to better understand the sacrifices soldiers have made over the course of America's history, we will explore various resources that reveal the true spirit of many of our veterans. November 7: Reading and discussion of John McCain and Mark Salter's essay "Citizenship: Pat Tillman," from the book Character is Destiny. November 8: Reading on the History of Veterans' Day History Channel You Tube Video: A History of Veterans Day Every Day is a Bonus by Dan Hayes, reporting on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight November 9: Tomb of the Unknown Solider; Military Posters Art Activity November 10: Letters to Soldiers The Linus Project Coral Students became blanketeers in December, making no-sew fleece blankets for children in need. Thank you to Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Cabral for leading the charge! For more information: The Linus Project CPR Read-Aloud (Jan-Feb) Check out Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, the novel we are reading together in CPR!  Vocabulary and Homophone Skits Using Unit 3 vocab and our recent review of homophones, students flexed their dramatic muscles to write and act out skits that demonstrated their understanding of the words. Below, The Poptart Queen's dispenses justice for those who use incorrect grammar!  |
Aesop's Fables: Puppet Shows! In CPR, homeroom students are writing scripts of a chosen fable, creating puppets, sets, and props, and preparing to perform for younger Hudson students. Not only are these students studying fables, but 7th graders are reading The Pearl, a parable/fable by John Steinbeck that examines the depths of good and evil. Stay tuned for photos and details! We Are All Works of Art: A Coral Team Exploration of Famous Paintings Homeroom Portraits (September)In an attempt to broaden students' cultural perspective and knowledge, the Coral team is studying paintings created by famous artists during our initial CPR period this year. On the first day of school, students were asked peruse a pre-chosen gallery of famous reproductions and chose one portrait they felt a connection to. Later, they were informed that this painting would serve as an inspiration for their own self-portraits, which will (hopefully!) be displayed on Parent Orientation night. Stay tuned for project updates! Featured Artists: Klee, Vermeer, Toulouse-Lautrec, Chagall, Klimt, Seurat, van Gogh, Rockwell, Wood, Warhol, Picasso, Matisse, Degas, Munch, Arcimboldo, Cassatt, Whistler, da Vinci, Modigliani. Sequential Activities:
Portrait Activity Images Portrait Activity Documents
Congratulations to all students for their creativity! The following awards were presented to Coral artists after a team-wide vote:Deft Use of a Paint Brush: Jacob for "Self-Portrait with Grey Hat" by Vincent van Gogh Shrewd Use of Color: Ben for "The Scream" by Edvard Munch Unwavering Dedication to Detail: Antonio for "Barbarian Captain" by Paul Klee Tenacious Attention to Background Detail: Bradley for "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat Skillfully Uses Same Tactics as Artist: Eva for "Weeping Woman" by Pablo Picasso Ingenious Use of Non-Paint Material: Brittany for "The Star" by Edward Degas Perseverance in the Face of a Difficult Task: Savanna for "Weeping Woman" by Pablo Picasso Exceptional Recreation of a Realistic Painting: Gui for "Triple Self-Portrait" by Norman Rockwell Exceptional Recreation of an Outlandish Painting: Susan for "Vertumnus" by Guiseppe Arcimboldo Exceptional Recreation of an Extravagant Painting: Emma for Portrait of Adele Bloch Bauer I by Gustav Klimt Exceptional Recreation of a Bleak Painting: Ian for "The Scream" by Edvard Munch On the Brink of Being Mistaken for the Original: Lindsey for "John" by Andy Warhol |
|||||||
