7th Grade Healthy Living
Health Philosophy
Health is a living, breathing, working subject. No matter whom we are; health affects us one way or another. Out of all school subjects, health is the only subject that will be a factor in our everyday life until the day we die. Learning how to keep our bodies healthy is an important skill that requires some knowledge and effort. Building a strong healthy body is important in physical health, but building strong healthy minds and relationships is just as important for our emotional, mental, and social needs as well.
Overview
We will cover a number of topics from the Michigan Model for Health curriculum including character and healthy relationships, lifelong fitness, tobacco, sun safety, gambling prevention, alcohol and other drugs, nutrition, and bullying. We have a substantial amount of information to cover in a short time together. My goal is for thoughts to be generated and ideas to be built to stand as the start of a solid foundation to a physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially healthy future.
Class Structure
There will be many times when we will work with a partner or with a group. Sometimes I will choose your groups, other times I will allow you to choose your own groups. Taking notes is an expectation when necessary along with journal writing. Writing what is discussed in class in your own words is valuable for effective learning.
Make-up Work
If you are absent, the responsibility is yours to check with me on what you have missed. I will then give you a time frame in which to turn in the missed work.
Homework
Some homework will require access to the internet. If you do not have internet at home, you can use a school computer. Homework will count as part of your grade.
Projects
This class will be very project-based in order for you to act as health researchers and gain knowledge as you delve into various topics. Again, you will work on individual and group projects as we progress throughout the class.
Journals
Your journal is expected to be with you each day in class. You will need to bring your own notebook journal; I expect that its use will be limited to health class only. If you prefer, you may also use your iPad Evernote app, to complete journal writing. Most days you will have a journal entry. There may be notes or other written activities in your journal as well. I will randomly check journals. Information that has been discussed in class as well as any specific notes will be expected to be in your journal when I do journal checks.
Tests /Quizzes
After covering a unit, there may be a quiz on the material covered to ensure that you have grasped the content. Your note taking skills and classroom participation will play a huge factor in determining your success on these tests/quizzes.
Edmodo
This class will also be set-up on Edmodo, which is an on-line tool that encourages communication among teachers, students, and parents. Certain assignments will be made available on Edmodo and students will be expected to complete and submit accordingly.
Expectations
I like to call these expectations instead of rules. You are in middle school and these are things expected out of you.
1. Come to class on time. Standing outside the door and rushing in after the time allotted will constitute a tardy. You must be INSIDE the door and in your seat to be counted on time.
2. Begin the start up activity within 1 minute after the allotted start time. Directions will be written on the board. Please do not wait for me to remind you to begin since I need to take roll and attend to other d uties for the first few minutes of the period. When I begin class, directions for the start up may be taken down, so don't delay.
3. Attend to personal needs before coming to class. Please use the restroom during transition times if possible.
4. Remain in your assigned seat unless you have permission to get up. Throw scraps away at the end of the period on your way out. There will be situations where I want you to get up and move around, but be aware of the appropriate time to do this.
5. Do not eat candy or other food in class unless you have been given special permission. IF we are finished with the lesson and permission is granted, you may be allowed, but be sure to ask first.
6. Bring required materials every day unless you are otherwise directed.
7. Disruptive behavior is unacceptable. Be aware of the situation since quiet talking is allowed in some situations and speaking to the entire group without raising your hand may be allowed in others. I will remind you once and expect compliance.
8. Use polite speech and body language. Unkind teasing and impolite behavior is unacceptable. We want to promote a positive learning environment.
9. Do not cheat. Students caught cheating will receive a zero and a phone call home along with a referral. Both the student who shares his or her work for an independent assignment AND the person who copies will be held accountable with the same consequences. I expect you to do your own work and to be sure no one can copy your work.
10. Follow the teacher's directions promptly. Keep me happy and I'll do a better job for you!
Grading
Your grade in health depends on you! Your final grade will consist of the following:
projects and group work
homework
journal checks
tests/quizzes
If you keep up on your notes, journal entries, and homework from the very beginning, you will set yourself up for success.
General Guidelines The key to success for each of us is to maintain a level of respect for one another. If you are not sure of something, please ask.
Healthy Living Syllabus
Health is a living, breathing, working subject. No matter whom we are; health affects us one way or another. Out of all school subjects, health is the only subject that will be a factor in our everyday life until the day we die. Learning how to keep our bodies healthy is an important skill that requires some knowledge and effort. Building a strong healthy body is important in physical health, but building strong healthy minds and relationships is just as important for our emotional, mental, and social needs as well.
Overview
We will cover a number of topics from the Michigan Model for Health curriculum including character and healthy relationships, lifelong fitness, tobacco, sun safety, gambling prevention, alcohol and other drugs, nutrition, and bullying. We have a substantial amount of information to cover in a short time together. My goal is for thoughts to be generated and ideas to be built to stand as the start of a solid foundation to a physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially healthy future.
Class Structure
There will be many times when we will work with a partner or with a group. Sometimes I will choose your groups, other times I will allow you to choose your own groups. Taking notes is an expectation when necessary along with journal writing. Writing what is discussed in class in your own words is valuable for effective learning.
Make-up Work
If you are absent, the responsibility is yours to check with me on what you have missed. I will then give you a time frame in which to turn in the missed work.
Homework
Some homework will require access to the internet. If you do not have internet at home, you can use a school computer. Homework will count as part of your grade.
Projects
This class will be very project-based in order for you to act as health researchers and gain knowledge as you delve into various topics. Again, you will work on individual and group projects as we progress throughout the class.
Journals
Your journal is expected to be with you each day in class. You will need to bring your own notebook journal; I expect that its use will be limited to health class only. If you prefer, you may also use your iPad Evernote app, to complete journal writing. Most days you will have a journal entry. There may be notes or other written activities in your journal as well. I will randomly check journals. Information that has been discussed in class as well as any specific notes will be expected to be in your journal when I do journal checks.
Tests /Quizzes
After covering a unit, there may be a quiz on the material covered to ensure that you have grasped the content. Your note taking skills and classroom participation will play a huge factor in determining your success on these tests/quizzes.
Edmodo
This class will also be set-up on Edmodo, which is an on-line tool that encourages communication among teachers, students, and parents. Certain assignments will be made available on Edmodo and students will be expected to complete and submit accordingly.
Expectations
I like to call these expectations instead of rules. You are in middle school and these are things expected out of you.
1. Come to class on time. Standing outside the door and rushing in after the time allotted will constitute a tardy. You must be INSIDE the door and in your seat to be counted on time.
2. Begin the start up activity within 1 minute after the allotted start time. Directions will be written on the board. Please do not wait for me to remind you to begin since I need to take roll and attend to other d uties for the first few minutes of the period. When I begin class, directions for the start up may be taken down, so don't delay.
3. Attend to personal needs before coming to class. Please use the restroom during transition times if possible.
4. Remain in your assigned seat unless you have permission to get up. Throw scraps away at the end of the period on your way out. There will be situations where I want you to get up and move around, but be aware of the appropriate time to do this.
5. Do not eat candy or other food in class unless you have been given special permission. IF we are finished with the lesson and permission is granted, you may be allowed, but be sure to ask first.
6. Bring required materials every day unless you are otherwise directed.
7. Disruptive behavior is unacceptable. Be aware of the situation since quiet talking is allowed in some situations and speaking to the entire group without raising your hand may be allowed in others. I will remind you once and expect compliance.
8. Use polite speech and body language. Unkind teasing and impolite behavior is unacceptable. We want to promote a positive learning environment.
9. Do not cheat. Students caught cheating will receive a zero and a phone call home along with a referral. Both the student who shares his or her work for an independent assignment AND the person who copies will be held accountable with the same consequences. I expect you to do your own work and to be sure no one can copy your work.
10. Follow the teacher's directions promptly. Keep me happy and I'll do a better job for you!
Grading
Your grade in health depends on you! Your final grade will consist of the following:
projects and group work
homework
journal checks
tests/quizzes
If you keep up on your notes, journal entries, and homework from the very beginning, you will set yourself up for success.
General Guidelines The key to success for each of us is to maintain a level of respect for one another. If you are not sure of something, please ask.
Healthy Living Syllabus