This Week in Health (10/6-10/10)

It is hard to believe we are already winding down with term 1. We move on to term 2 in just a few short weeks. The school year is already flying!

6th Grade: We recently finished up our unit on physical fitness and nutrition. I am hoping the students learned plenty about the importance of exercise and what eating a "healthy" diet really means for them. With the upcoming cold and flu season we have spent some time this week talking about infectious diseases and how germs spread. Hopefully we will be seeing plenty of hand washing this fall and winter as a result! :)

7th Grade: We have been discussing nutrition in 7th grade. When the students are in 6th grade we focus on the 5 food groups and what a balanced plate looks like. In 7th grade we get more into detail about the food groups, discussing benefits of each, the nutrients they provide, and serving sizes. We also start to look at calories and how many calories different foods provide us with. We also talk about how many calories are too much, too little, or just right. We took on one of my favorite lessons to teach this week in which we examine food advertising and how it impacts our food choices. Hopefully the students are now more aware of some of the "tricks" advertisers use, and  will use this to make healthier, more informed decisions.

8th Grade: We have been talking about a variety of mental illnesses, warning signs related to these illnesses, as well as treatment. The general purpose of this unit is to provide awareness of mental illnesses and talk about ways to help if they are ever impacted, directly or indirectly. The students generally take a lot of interest in this unit and we have many valuable discussions in class. Currently we are discussing addiction, and watching Chris Herren's story to look at the dangers of drug addiction and the impact drug abuse has on one's brain. Visit this web page for more information about Chris Herren and his project: http://www.theherrenproject.org/,

Health Back in Full Swing!

Health classes are in full swing here at West Springfield Middle School. We are now in our third week of lessons and most of Mrs. Hardy's classes have moved on to their second topic of the term! I can't believe how quickly time is flying already!

6th Grade:

The 6th graders are currently finishing up their unit on empathy and bullying prevention. The highlighted activity of this week is one centered around how words hurt others. The students wrote down insults they have heard onto a cutout of a person. We then went around the room sharing the insults. Each time a person shared an insult, the students had to rip off a piece of their person. Once the person was in several pieces the students were provided with the challenge of putting the person back together. We are still in the process of reconstruction, but our post activity discussion will focus around the negative, long-lasting impacts our words can have on others.

7th Grade:

We have just begun our unit on teaching tolerance. During the past few classes, the topic of conversation has been stereotyping. Students have been engaged in meaningful discussion regarding how stereotypes are learned and the impact stereotyping has on society. We have watched several commercials and analyzed ads to investigate how the media influences stereotyping.

8th Grade:

The 8th graders have just begun their unit on nutrition. Students have learned the 6 different nutrient groups, the benefits of these nutrients, and the foods we can find them  in. Currently students are practicing identifying sources of the various nutrients. At the end of the week we will be investigating ingredients in our foods, and learning how to read food labels.

This Week in Health (April 7, 2014)

6th Grade:

This week, the students learned important interpersonal skills including empathy, considering another person's perspective, and disagreeing respectfully. The students discussed situations when they would need to apply these skills, reflected on examples from their own lives, and practiced using the skills in role playing scenarios with their classmates.

7th Grade: 

This week the students explored "relationships". They began by discussing the qualities that can make the various relationships in their lives be successful or fall apart. They distinguished between the positive qualities and negative qualities specifically in relationships with parents, teachers, siblings, and friends. The students also discussed how they could demonstrate 5 essential positive relationship qualities in a variety of scenarios. Towards the end of the week, the students focused on identifying the friendships in their lives and reflected on how they may respond in some difficult situations involving friends.

8th Grade:

Students identified and discussed the most important values in their lives. The students also applied these values by standing up in front of their class under one of 3 signs: "agree", "disagree", or "unsure" based on their beliefs in a variety of different topics. The students ended the week by learning the "DECIDE" decision making model and analyzing a video to process through it.

This Week in Health

Ms. Riccio's Classes:

6th Grade:

This week the 6th graders finished up their unit on physical fitness and nutrition. The students spent a good deal of last week learning about what it means to be physically fit and how one can achieve this. This week, the focus has been more on the nutritional aspect, and students have been learning about the 5 food groups, what a balanced meal entails, and why it is so important to eat breakfast. In one activity, students were asked to create (in writing) 4 healthy breakfast options which each contained at least 3 of the 5 food groups. 

7th Grade:

The 7th graders have begun their nutrition unit this week. They started off by learning about the 5 food groups and the benefits that the various foods in each of these groups have on their health. Now they are learning all about the 6 different nutrient groups and the different foods that contain these nutrients. In one activity, students created a healthy 5 day meal plan, making sure that they had one food from each of the five food groups at each meal. Next up students will be learning and practicing how to read nutrition facts labels.

8th Grade:

The 8th graders started up their unit on mental health this week. So far the students have learned what a mental illness is and why they may occur. The students have also focused in on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), eating disorders, and addiction. When learning about these various mental illnesses the students identify common signs and symptoms, treatment options, and resources that could be of help to someone suffering from the particular mental illness. 

Ms. Tash's Classes:

6th Grade:

In 6th grade, the 2nd period students are learning how to read nutrition labels and how to create meals using "my plate". In the 6th period class, students are learning about manners. Currently they are focusing on manners when using a cell phone and computer.

7th Grade:

In 7th grade, the students are completing their drug unit by learning about marijuana.

8th Grade:

In 8th grade, the students are learning about disease prevention. They are focusing on the prevention of colds, the flu, and strep throat.

This Week in Health (2/4/14)

Ms. Riccio's Classes:

6th Grade:

In 6th grade we are finishing up the 2nd Step program, which is designed to teach effective interpersonal skills and educate students on the topic of bullying. This week in particular we are discussing how to identify bullying and how to respond to bullying. We are also learning about what it means to be a bystander and how one can be a positive/active bystander. 

7th Grade:

In 7th grade we are finishing up our relationships unit. Students are watching the movie "The Sandlot". We are using this movie to identify and discuss the various forms of communication (aggressive, passive, and assertive). We are also analyzing the friendships in this movie to distinguish positive and negative qualities. In addition, we are pinpointing parts of the movie to explain what is meant by "compromise" and "cooperation".

8th Grade:

In 8th grade we are finishing up our unit on Values & Beliefs. Throughout this unit students have identified their top values and have learned an effective decision making model. The students are watching the movie "Cyberbully". While watching the movie students are reflecting on their personal attitudes and behaviors towards the internet and social networking sites. They are also reflecting on their own values and whether or not they match their behaviors on and off line. In addition they are analyzing the decisions made by characters in the movie and the effects those decisions have had on themselves and others. 

Ms. Tash's Classes:

6th Grade:

The 2nd period class is working on manners and kindness. They have created a card to give to a teacher that would make that teacher smile. The 6th period class is working on nutrition. They are creating "my plate" for healthy eating. They also created a healthy "snack attack" menu. 

7th Grade:

The students are completing their friendship unit. The 3rd period class will be visiting the Applied Academics class on Friday to decide whether or not they would like to become a "Friday Buddy".

8th Grade:

The students recently applied the "Think First" model to solve 3 issues teens may have to deal with. The students will also be discussing peer pressure as it relates to drugs later in the week. 

Teens & Chatting Safely Online (STUDENT BARK BUCK BONUS!!!)

For this generation of teens, technology and social media are not just tools, they are a way of life. Social networking sites now make it possible for teens to communicate with anyone, anywhere in a matter of seconds. While there are several benefits to social networking, there are also several dangers that one should consider when chatting online. Click on the link below and watch this short video of a few teens' experiences and perspectives. Then answer the questions on your sheet! Remember, 10 bark bucks are on the line!!! :)

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/perspectives-on-chatting-safely-online

Ms. Riccio's Classes

6th Grade:

This week in 6th grade students started off the week by reading an article on the importance of sleep. They then used the information from the article to summarize, analyze, and think critically about the topic. They then learned about water and why it is so critical to stay hydrated. The students learned about some signs of dehydration and how they can avoid it. We will finish out the week by learning some basic first aid skills and steps one can take to handle some minor first aid injuries.

7th Grade:

In 7th grade we are learning about nutrition. The students have practiced outlining healthy meals that include all 5 food groups. Next, students will be learning about the 6 nutrient groups and what foods contain each of the these nutrients. Later in the week students will be learning how to read a nutrition facts label and how they can use this information to identify whether or not a food is a healthy choice. Finally, students will finish the week with a little nutrition consumer health. Students will be examining different strategies that food companies and advertisers use to "trick" customers into buying their foods. Students will then practice identifying these tricks in a variety of advertisements.

8th Grade:

In 8th grade, students will be finishing up their unit on mental health with a post quiz on this topic. Then, we will be moving on to discuss "dating" and what the differences are between healthy and unhealthy relationships. We will look at a variety of characteristics and discuss whether they are part of healthy or unhealthy relationships and why such characteristics can be helpful or harmful. 

Ms. Tash's Classes

6th Grade:

Students will be learning appropriate and effective ways to stand up for themselves and others. Students will also be examining cyber bullying.

7th Grade:

Students will be learning about sexuality and reproduction.

8th Grade:

Students will be learning about skin conditions and skin cancer. Students will also be learning about piercings and tattoos. 

This Week in Health (Monday, November 9th - Friday, November 13th)

Ms. Riccio's Classes:

6th Grade:

In 6th grade, we are learning the 5 components of fitness and discussing what it means to be physically fit. This week students completed an assessment on their own level of physical fitness. Then, students set a SMART goal for incorporating more physical activity into their daily schedule. Over the course of the next week, students will be tracking their progress towards achieving this goal. 

7th Grade:

In 7th grade the students are continuing to learn about intolerance and why it is so important to practice tolerance. This week in particular, students are learning what stereotyping is. We are discussing common stereotypes and investigating stereotyping throughout history. In addition, students are looking at the media and discussing ways in which many media sources influence stereotyping in our society. The students are having awesome discussions on how stereotyping and prejudice not only directly harms certain individuals, but society as a whole.

8th Grade:

In 8th grade we are finishing up our unit on nutrition. This week students are discussing factors that have contributed to the current obesity epidemic in the United States. The students are watching a documentary that demonstrates how food has transformed in the past couple of decades and using this documentary to identify changes that need to be made to turn the obesity epidemic around. In addition, students will participate in a fun online game that shows how much portion sizes have changed in the past 20 years, and how much physical activity needs to be done to burn these "extra" calories. Check out the game HERE!

Ms. Tash's Classes:

6th Grade:

The 6th graders are working on different peace projects. This will culminate with creating a wreath out of their hands that will depict a piece symbol. We are also creating vocabulary peace poles.

7th Grade:

The 7th grade will be completing the Tobacco, Alcohol, Marijuana unit with "What might happen if...?" statements to clarify the real life effects of drug use. 

8th Grade:

8th grade will examine the effects of stress on their emotional health and be able to apply "stress busting" management skills. 

8th Graders in Ms. Riccio's Classes are Reaching for SMART Goals

To finish off our Values & Beliefs unit in 8th grade, we discussed the importance of goal setting as it relates to our future, our values, and making good decisions. We spent time learning how to write effective SMART goals and discussed why it is beneficial to write goals in this way. Students were then asked to complete a final project in which they wrote a SMART goal for something they would like to achieve in the next 5 years. Students worked through a worksheet packet to help them process this goal. Students were asked to look at where they stood now in relation to their goal; to consider obstacles they may face while trying to achieve their goal; and to identify solutions for handling those obstacles. Students then wrote their goals on a traced version of their arm, along with 3 steps they need to take to accomplish their goal. Students decorated their arm to represent who they are. The final products are featured on a bulletin board located in the front lobby of the middle school. Below are some pictures of the students' work and the final board. Enjoy!

This Week in Health (November 25th - November 29th)

Ms. Riccio's Classes:

6th Grade:

In 6th grade the students will be finishing up the 2nd Step Program. We will be defining bullying and addressing ways to handle the bullying if the student, or someone they know, is being bullied. We will also be defining what a "bystander" is and will be discussing ways students can be active, positive bystanders.

7th Grade:

In 7th grade we ended last week participating in small group communication exercises to help facilitate a discussion on effective communication when working with others. We then learned the 3 different communication styles: passive, aggressive, and assertive. The communication activity was also used to define "cooperation" and "compromise" and converse about why both of these skills are also important when working successfully with others. To close up our unit on relationships, we are watching the movie "The Sandlot". While watching the movie students are identifying examples of the 3 different communication styles and explaining the effectiveness of each. They are also identifying examples of cooperation and compromise and explaining how these skills contribute to successful teamwork and relationships in the movie. 

8th Grade:

In 8th grade the students are finishing up their values & beliefs unit. At the end of last week students learned about the importance of goal setting and how to write S.M.A.R.T goals. Students were first asked to identify a list of their "wants" for the future. Off of this list they were asked to focus on one major "want" they would like to achieve in the next 5 years. Students then turned this want into a S.M.A.R.T goal. As a final project, the students are writing their goals, along with 3 things they need to do to realize their goal, on a traced version of their own arm. The finished products will be featured on a bulletin board in the main lobby of the middle school (pictures to follow so stay posted!)

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Mrs. Tash's Classes:

6th Grade:

In 6th grade we are immersed in character education.After discussing a variety of character traits, the students chose 5 character traits that they felt best demonstrated who they are.

7th Grade:

The 7th graders had been working hard on the HIV/AIDS fundraiser event last Friday. I am excited to report that the event helped to raise $340 to go to the River Valley AIDS Project. 

8th Grade:

In 8th grade, we are discussing drug addiction. While on this topic, we will be addressing the "hard" drugs including heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy. We will learn about the dangers associated with these drugs and the negative effects they can have on ones health. 

This Week in Health (November 18th-22nd)

Ms. Riccio's Classes:

6th Grade:

In 6th grade, we are continuing with the 2nd Step program. This week we are learning how to consider other people's perspectives, how to disagree respectfully, and how to communicate using an assertive communication style. Students are watching a variety of video clips to facilitate discussion about these topics and to help learn the skills. Then, the students are engaging in partner/group activities to practice the skills.

7th Grade:

In 7th grade, we are continuing in our relationships unit. We are focusing in now on friendships and are identifying positive qualities to look for in friends versus negative qualities. The students will be creating "Want Ads" describing their ideal friend and highlighting the top positive qualities that they think are the most important for a friend to have. We are also discussing the limits of friendship. The students will be identifying situations where our friends might be asking "too much" of us and how to handle those situations. 

8th Grade:

In 8th grade, we are discussing how our personal values impact the decisions we make. We are also identifying how we can use our values to guide us towards making good decisions in difficult situations. The students are learning the "ABCDE" decision making model (Assess the situation; Brainstorm solutions; Consider consequences; Decide and act; and Evaluate). The students are working together to apply this decision making model to a variety of scenarios. 

Ms. Tash's Classes:

6th Grade:

The students are working on their communication skills. They are "tweeting" their feelings on the class
Tweet Board.

7th Grade:

In block 3, the students are heading the "Shoot the Turkey" fundraiser to benefit children affected by HIV/AIDS. They are creating posters and red ribbons. The focus of this effort is empathy and compassion. In block 4, the students are differentiating between "cliques" and "friends", as well as identifying if a person is a true friend. 

8th Grade:

The 8th graders are looking at heroes. They are defining what and who heroes are in our daily lives. 

This Week in Health (November 11-15th)

Ms. Riccio's Classes:

In all classes we are starting off the week with a little stress/anger management. I was inspired by our unified arts team professional development last week in which we received guidance on how to manage students with mental health issues. Anger was a major topic we discussed and I was reminded how many young people don't necessarily have the tools at this point in their life to be able to control their anger. I decided that health class was a perfect opportunity to teach students some of these tools. I emphasize to my students that anger is an "OK" emotion to experience. We all feel anger at some points in our lives. What is not OK, is to act on that anger in a way that could hurt oneself or another person. Throughout the term I am going to be providing students with various anger management tools.

The students started off by identifying what makes them feel comfortable and relaxed, as well as what "triggers" their anger. Then, we discussed why it was important to be able to control our anger. Many students identified the dangers related to harming oneself and others, as well as ruining friendships and other relationships. Students then shared some of the tools they already use to help calm them down when they are angry or upset. Some of the strategies they shared included listening to music, having some alone time, playing sports, punching a pillow, and counting down from 10. We ended class with practicing some deep breathing and a 10 minute guided meditation.

6th Grade:

We will be beginning the 2nd Step Program, a curriculum directed towards social and emotional health, and bullying prevention. The first few lessons will focus on empathy and communication.Students will be learning what "empathy" means and how to demonstrate empathy through their body language, words, tone of voice, and facial expressions.

7th Grade: 

We will be beginning our unit on relationships. Students will start by identifying the various relationships that exist in their lives as teenagers, as well as the essential qualities necessary in  healthy relationships. Students will also be identifying and discussing qualities and behaviors that might make a relationship unhealthy.

8th Grade: 

We will be beginning our unit on values and beliefs. Students will spend the first few days in the unit defining the term "value" and identifying the most significant values in their lives. Students will also have the opportunity to express their beliefs and values in front of their peers as they vote on a variety of topics such as the importance of education.

Ms. Tash's Classes:

6th Grade:

We will be starting our unit on communications kills. Students will learn and practice how to listen, speak properly, appropriate volume and tone of voice, reading facial expressions, and body language.

7th Grade:

The students will be creating "friendship pyramids" in period 4 and AIDS Awareness posters in period 3. Also, on Fridays period 3 students will be joining the Applied Academic Students in their classroom. The purpose of this is to make friends and develop empathy for those that are different than themselves.

8th Grade:

The students will begin exploring "who am i?". They will discuss and write on this topic, and at the end of the week will create a self portrait poster.

Teens & Chatting Safely Online (BARK BUCK BONUS FOR STUDENTS)

For this generation of teens, technology and social media are not just tools, they are a way of life. Social networking sites now make it possible for teens to communicate with anyone, anywhere in a matter of seconds. While there are several benefits to social networking, there are also several dangers that one should consider when chatting online. Click on the link below and watch this short video of a few teens' experiences and perspectives. Then answer the questions on your sheet! Remember, 5 bark bucks are on the line!!! :)

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/perspectives-on-chatting-safely-online

This Week in Health (November 4, 2013)

Ms. Riccio's Classes:

In 6th grade we are closing out our Puberty and Reproduction Unit with watching the movie "My Girl", an excellent coming of age story. As we watch, the students are reflecting on some of the physical and emotional challenges the main character, Vada, is facing during this new time in her life. 

In 7th grade we are finishing up our Drug & Alcohol Unit. This week the students participated in alcohol simulation stations in order to experience many of the negative effects related to alcohol abuse. Stations included trying to walk a straight line after being spun around and trying to thread a needle with foggy glasses on. Following the stations, the students discussed how these negative effects could impact their ability to go about daily functions and the unnecessary dangers they may expose themselves to.

In 8th grade we are ending our Sexually Transmitted Diseases Unit by watching the movie "Girl Positive". This Lifetime original movie tells the story of a young girl who is infected by HIV and the impact it has on her own life, as well as the rest of her community. While watching this movie, the students are identifying how HIV and other STD's are transmitted, the consequences of becoming infected, and how they can prevent such diseases.

Ms. Tash's Classes:

In 6th grade, we will be completing our sexual reproduction unit. Students will be taking their final quizzes on this topic area.

In 7th grade, we will be completing our Prejudice and Tolerance unit by watching a video on the Civil Rights Movement.

In 8th grade, we will be completing our Relationship, Dating Violence, & "What it Means to be a Man" unit. Guest speakers including Vice President Mr. Gillen, and 8th grade ELA teacher Mr Dufault, were welcomed into class to share with students their perspective on what it means to "be a man".

All Health Classes:

All classes will be ending on Wednesday November 6th, as we switch terms. The new classes for term 2 will spend time getting to know each other and addressing classroom rules, grading procedures, and content for Health Class.