The Cooper School Daily
February 23, 2024
Festina Lente
Festina Lente. “Make haste slowly.” A classical adage and oxymoron to remind us to find the balance between the need to meet a deadline and to do things well. I almost made a hasty decision this week, just to cross a problem off my list. I called a friend before I took action, who then reminded me to consider my options before I followed through. I did wait. Thank goodness…now I am going to solve the problem in a different way.
Wrapping up this second trimester, I am trying to embody the essence of festina lente, as our students finish up self assessment, science fair, bacteria labs, and biomimicry projects…and that’s just in my classroom! February always feels like the month of juggling. Some of the balls are rubber and some glass, and those glass balls are very tempting to put down. The desire and eagerness to cross hard things off the list can lead the kids (and teachers) to hastily finish up work instead of completing it thoughtfully and thoroughly. While we polish up slideshows, reports, and science boards, I hope to slow down and help them to do the same, but still get our stuff done in time…festina lente.
LD
Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:
What’s happening in Science?
Seventh graders worked on their science fair boards this week. They have been contemplating the most effective and aesthetically pleasing way to present their findings. Not only have they been provided time to be creative, but they have had the opportunity to collaborate and consider the importance of their board looking professional. Next week, they will wrap up the science fair and work on self-assessment.
What’s up in Math?
This week, 7th graders compared graphs, tables, equations, and stories of linear functions, and saw how they’re all connected! Next week, we’ll take a quiz about the introduction to linear functions, before moving on to connect volume formulas to functions.
What’s happening in ELA?
7th graders began a study of Shakespeare this week. We started with background information on Shakespeare’s life and work before diving into Macbeth with the help of No Fear Shakespeare. We discussed the elements of a drama and mapped the initial characters of this eerie story! We also did a grammar deep dive on sentence structures, types, and proofreading of fragments/run-ons.
Next week, 7th graders learn the art and structure of Shakespeare’s sonnets. A continuation of Macbeth will also reveal a lot about elements of comedies vs tragedies.
What’s going on in Social Studies?
Seventh graders began their industrialization units with a game that is centered around urbanization. Students progressed through the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution and even were tasked with the challenge of creating a protest poster on the working conditions during that time period.
Next week, the students will learn about the different reformation movements that were being pushed during this time in order to improve the lives of many. Students will conclude the unit by creating a mind map that reflects all of the major ideas of the Industrial Revolution.
Important Dates:
February 23rd: Middle School Dance 7pm
March 4th & 5th- Self-Assessment Conferences (11:30 dismissal)
Wrapping up this second trimester, I am trying to embody the essence of festina lente, as our students finish up self assessment, science fair, bacteria labs, and biomimicry projects…and that’s just in my classroom! February always feels like the month of juggling. Some of the balls are rubber and some glass, and those glass balls are very tempting to put down. The desire and eagerness to cross hard things off the list can lead the kids (and teachers) to hastily finish up work instead of completing it thoughtfully and thoroughly. While we polish up slideshows, reports, and science boards, I hope to slow down and help them to do the same, but still get our stuff done in time…festina lente.
LD
Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:
What’s happening in Science?
Seventh graders worked on their science fair boards this week. They have been contemplating the most effective and aesthetically pleasing way to present their findings. Not only have they been provided time to be creative, but they have had the opportunity to collaborate and consider the importance of their board looking professional. Next week, they will wrap up the science fair and work on self-assessment.
What’s up in Math?
This week, 7th graders compared graphs, tables, equations, and stories of linear functions, and saw how they’re all connected! Next week, we’ll take a quiz about the introduction to linear functions, before moving on to connect volume formulas to functions.
What’s happening in ELA?
7th graders began a study of Shakespeare this week. We started with background information on Shakespeare’s life and work before diving into Macbeth with the help of No Fear Shakespeare. We discussed the elements of a drama and mapped the initial characters of this eerie story! We also did a grammar deep dive on sentence structures, types, and proofreading of fragments/run-ons.
Next week, 7th graders learn the art and structure of Shakespeare’s sonnets. A continuation of Macbeth will also reveal a lot about elements of comedies vs tragedies.
What’s going on in Social Studies?
Seventh graders began their industrialization units with a game that is centered around urbanization. Students progressed through the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution and even were tasked with the challenge of creating a protest poster on the working conditions during that time period.
Next week, the students will learn about the different reformation movements that were being pushed during this time in order to improve the lives of many. Students will conclude the unit by creating a mind map that reflects all of the major ideas of the Industrial Revolution.
Important Dates:
February 23rd: Middle School Dance 7pm
March 4th & 5th- Self-Assessment Conferences (11:30 dismissal)