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!