Phillip Lafferty

New Year, achievable goals.

Well, the New Year is finally here and we are closer than ever to the CRCT. As we

get back in to our routine we are increasingly aware of the timer hanging over our heads. The students are asking more and more questions about the test and the world that awaits them after middle school. In the coming weeks we will be having presentations from the magnet schools. These visits tend to excite the students but also makes them more anxious a bout their impending promotion. This is the time of year when students have the potential of losing their focus causing their grades to slip. We must be diligent in our efforts to keep our students focused and on task. It is the duty of everyone involved in our students' lives to make sure their futures are bright and full of promise, to allow anything less would be a travesty.

Lafferty

Living history

It has been a while since I have posted but we have been extremely busy over the last month and it has been an exciting time for our classes. Prior to the start of Thanksgiving break we began discussing the American Civil War. This is a big part of Georgia History and we live in the center of where a lot of the war took place. When we read about the battles the students are quick to point out that "hey that’s right down the road" or "I've been there". Having this much history at their fingertips is exciting for them but it also can be disheartening for those that have not been to places that are literally less than 30 minutes away.

Instead of going to a movie perhaps a trip to see some of this “local” history would be more beneficial and a heck of a lot more fun. I have placed two links at the bottom of the page that better describe these pieces of

Americana

.

http://www.nps.gov/kemo

http://www.stonemountainpark.com/

Econ

Today I have been in an in-service learning exciting new methods to teach economics! This has been a great learning experience and I am looking forward to coming back to school so that I can teach some of these new methods. I'll see everyone in the morning!

Tests and reviews

Today during class we had a great test review and as we gear up to end chapter 5 and begin chapter 6 I can feel a lot of excitement. The previous chapters have not always been the students favorites but as we approach the industrial revolution the kids are able to have more of a connect.

A Friday after a test brings an "open line discussion" this is a time that we are able to discuss current events and other things that the students may want to dialogue about.

First Entry

Greetings!

So this is my first time using our new blog and I am very excited to see how it goes. Through this blog you will be able to find out information that your student may have forgotten to tell you about. From activities to assignments I will attempt to cover it all on here. As always if you have any questions you can reach me via email phillip.lafferty@cobbk12.org