Week of 3/26 to 3/30
Mood:  happy
This week we began studying Eastern Europe. Mrs. Hasseler was missing a couple times this week because of family issues, so we had substitute teachers. The students acted mature the majority of the time, but some had their moments. We also wanted to begin The Wilderness Classroom Project this week, but because of Mrs. Hasseler's absence it will have to wait until next week!

Week of 3/19 to 3/23
Mood:  happy
This week is Spring Break so we didn't have class! I must say that having Spring Break was nice. I was able to relax from my stressful life, but I am looking forward to going back to the classroom next week.

Week of 3/12 to 3/16
Mood:  happy
All of the students have taken the Western Europe Map Test, and all received a 100 percent or higher! They had their ice cream party and enjoyed it thoroughly! Everyone is really excited about Spring Break next week, and it was hard for some students to focus in class because of this! Personally, I am very excited for Spring Break!

Week of 3/5 to 3/9
Mood:  happy
Once again, Western Europe was focused on this week. Countries were focused on more in-depth and students took their first Western Europe Map Test. Several students performed very well on this test, because they were given the incentive of an ice cream party! Because everyone wasn't at school when the test was taken, the results will not be released until next week, that is the results of yes or no to an ice cream party. Everyone seems to be behaving well, and many are beginning to get anxious for Spring Break, including myself!

Week of 2/26 to 3/2
Mood:  happy
We continued with the teaching of Western Europe this week. Students learned about various countries including: Iceland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Greece. Students also were able to identify several water bodies, capital cities, and bordering countries. This week was just basic book work with worksheets.

Week of 2/19 to 2/23
Mood:  happy
This week, students finished up everything with South America. This included watching a movie on South America, as well as the Panama Canal. Then, we briefly began introducing parts of Western Europe. Students worked on worksheets that accompanied the reading selections within the book. Students were not very excited to start back with their book work!

Week of 2/12 to 2/16
Mood:  happy
Students continued working on their salt and flour maps this week. We allowed them to dry over the weekend, but because some did not dry in time, the painting process did not begin until Tuesday. Students painted their maps based on elevation and land forms, such as mountains. It took the rest of the week before everyone had finished their project. The grading process began, and students were then able to take their maps home; although, many students decided to throw them in the trash. Those seventh graders! Everything is going great so far!

Week of 2/5 to 2/9
Mood:  happy
This week students studied and prepared themselves for the South America Map Test. After completing the test, they were able to begin the production of their salt and flour maps of South America. These maps required careful manipulation as well as concentration. Students will continue to work on these maps next week as well. Amazingly, students acted in adult mannerisms and did not act out of place when working on their maps. The mixing and shaping of the map ingredients was completed this week.

Week of 1/29 to 2/2
Mood:  happy
This week countries studied included: Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile. Worksheets accompanied the learning process. We also had 2 substitute teachers this week. Some students acted out more than normal with the substitute teachers, but were able to be controlled. The independent study seems to be coming along well!

Week of 1/23 to 1/26
Mood:  happy
This week, studies were focused on the Panama Canal. Review was used to see what students remembered from previous educators. We then began South America and dug deep into Brazil. Typical Middle School problems, such as not paying attention occurred. The first week in the classroom was a definite change from what I was used to!