WELCOME!

To the left you will find links for the agendas and blogs for all the classes I teach:

  • junior high language arts and social studies
  • high school cooking
  • junior high/high school roots music. 

When you are absent, this is the first place to check to find out what you missed.

CLASSROOM RULE

By now you know how to behave in school, and in my classroom there is one rule: Choose safe behavior that supports the learning expectations.

Being unsafe or choosing behavior that doesn't support learning creates a problem, and if you create a problem, I will ask you to fix it. If you cannot or do not fix the problem, I will do something. What I do will depend on you, the situation, and what you are willing to do to fix things.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Most of language arts is taught using the workshop approach. This means that you get to explore your own interests when it comes to reading, writing, and communication.

In reading you'll discuss story elements such as character, conflict, setting, and plot. You'll analyze how authors use literary devices such as imagery, exaggeration, metaphor, simile, dialogue, and more.

In writing you'll try to emulate these literary devices as you write in several genres, for example narrative, expository, persuasion, profile, memoir, book reviews, and poetry.

SOCIAL STUDIES

This year we are adjusting our curriculum to be in line with the state's suggested sequence of courses.  This means that both 7th and 8th graders will be taking Washington State for one semester. In addition, 7th graders will study ancient civilizations and 8th graders will study early U.S. history. 

Next year the 7th grade curriculum will remain the same, but the 8th graders will take a full year of U.S. history, which will better prepare them for their high school history courses. 

COOKING

9-12 Cooking is a one-semester class in which students reveiw the basics of cooking, participate in one or more cooking labs per week, and learn about food preparation from other parts of the United States and the world.

At the end of the semester, students will present a culminating demonstration project that shows their knowledge and skills in nutrition, safety and sanitation, cooking techniques, and etiquette.

ROOTS MUSIC

Roots music is a new elective at Curlew this year.  You do not need any previous experience to take roots music, but you will be required to take on the mindset of a musician—that means you must be able to practice independently while I work with other students and small groups. 

Everyone will sing and play an instrument, but only students who choose to will sing during public performances, which will be held once per semester.

You will need to have access to an acoustic instrument such as a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, upright or acoustic bass, Dobro®, Autoharp®, concertina, ukulele, or harmonica, etc.