Week of January 26

This past week we delved into the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" book by Sean Covey.  For those of you familiar with Steven Covey's book entitled "7 Habits of Highly Effective People," your child's text book for this course mirrors Steven Covey's book but is written by Mr. Covey's son, Sean, who writes on a level the students can more easily understand.  This is an excellent book which will challenge your child to begin to apply 7 new habits into his/her life.

Unfortunately, the students are unable to bring this book home to study since I need the books for each of my five classes.  However, if you would like to purchase this book for your child (this is NOT a requirement) to read at home you can go to your local bookstore or go to the Franklin-Covey website (www. franklincovey.com) to place an order.  The retail price is $14.95.

Parents, I would encourage you to ask your child about what they are learning in my class.  One of their goals in this class is to LEARN IT (in class), LIVE IT (throughout the day) and SHARE IT (with you, their friends, or anyone who'll listen!).  In this way, the material they learn in this course will be reinforced by their actions with the end result being the development of new, positive and effective life-long habits.

Coming up this week, the students will begin the process of understanding the importance of living their life according to fundamental principles or truths.  Instead of centering their life on friends, sports, stuff or other transient things, the students will learn why focusing on principles will enable them to remain true to themselves throughout life's ups and downs.  They will also be learning about their Personal Bank Account and how their actions can create either deposits or withdrawals into this account.  Finally, we will hop into Habit #1 on Friday when the students will begin to learn what it means to "Be Proactive."

Week of January 20

Beginning of the 2nd Semester...

Today you will begin with the end in mind.
Exit bad habits; enter new and better habits.
Open your mind to new possibilities, new opportunities, and new adventures.
Let the fun begin!

Welcome to the Great Books course of critical thinking and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens course in life management skills. This semester your child and I will be taking an adventure which will open their minds to the possibility of becoming a more critical thinker and equip them with the necessary tools to become a highly effective individual in every aspect of their life.

This first week is a shortened week due to the MLK holiday and the fact that the 6th graders will be going on a science field trip to MOSH. I will introduce both parts of this course to the students and cover some initial housekeeping items this week. I will also give the students a supply list and an introductory letter about this course which should be brought home to their parents (be on the lookout for this information).

Throughout this semester, should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. The easiest way to reach me is by email at vaughanc@duvalschools.org. You may also reach my by telephone at 346-5650 ext. 150.

Thank you for entrusting your child to me. I am thrilled to be teaching this course to your child. My goal is to help your child reach his/her goals and I have high hopes that this course will make a positive, life-changing difference for your child.

Week of January 12

This week is our final week together as the students will be completing their first semester of 6th grade and this elective course. Last Friday I administered Part I of the final exam which covered our Great Books course. This week we will spend Monday and Tuesday involved in activities which should help solidify the students' understanding of the 7 Habits. On Wednesday I will give the students Part II of the final exam covering the Covey material. On Thursday, our final day together, we will spend some time reflecting on all that we have learned together in this elective course.

Thank you for the opportunity to teach your child this semester. It has been a wonderful experience for me. I truly have appreciated the opportunity to influence your child's educational experience and hope that your child has enjoyed the adventure as well. :)

Week of January 5

Welcome to the New Year!  This week we will finish up our study of the Great Books course.  We will begin the week refreshing our memory of "Soumchi" and then reading Part II of this final story of the semester.  Throughout the week we will continue the usual process of taking directed notes and participating in shared inquiry discussion of this story.  To close out the week and our critical thinking course, the students will create a written response encompassing all aspects of what is required for an "accurate written response" using critical thinking skills.  This response will serve as part one of the student's final exam for this course.