I hear and I forget
I see and I remember
I do and I understand
-Chinese Proverb





Sunday, January 9, 2011

1/9/11

Dear friends,

The seventh grade is coming to a critical part of the grand journey that sweeps from the Animal Kingdom, to the Plant Kingdom, to the Mineral Kingdom to the mysterious realm of the Human.  The workings of the human physical body are familiar and hidden at the same time.  For example, we all eat and digest food every day, but how often do we stop to think about the transformation that food goes through?  While demonstrating understanding of basic anatomy, the students have written humorous accounts of food passing through the digestive organs.  We will take this a step further by considering the social value of food and by expanding our ideas of nutrition. 

The physical body is a good starting point for many issues of self awareness.  The study of the reproductive systems have given us the precious opportunity to talk to explore our own births and how we came to be in our families.  Relationships have also been a topic of discussion.  We have focused on what it can mean to be a good friend.  The students were able to verbalize what a balanced relationship is like and we related this to other kinds of relationships.  This and other subjects that are of a personal nature have offered many opportunities for maturity and inner growth on their part.  I have been extremely proud of the way that the students have handled themselves in a classroom environment with heightened sensitivities.