Does technology improve or control our lives? What blurs the line between what is real and what isn’t?
These were the essential questions that my students reflected on as we read texts, discussed ideas, and wrote essays. We, as adults, have probably pondered these ideas already and came to our own conclusions, or maybe they continue to keep coming up even as we age. For many students, this was the first time they really looked deeply into these topics. Each student went on their own journey and came to their own conclusions.
8th Grade
My eighth graders explored the impact of technology on our lives and the effects we observe from it. Most students started the unit thinking that technology only improved our lives; they cited how they are able to communicate with family across the world, the conveniences of technology, great medical advances, etc. As we read texts that presented different viewpoints on technology, their thinking deepened. Many realized that addiction is a form of control and that technology, especially social media, is an addiction for a high number of people. We discussed what should be controlling and directing our lives as Christians, and we asked ourselves if technology was taking the place that God should fill. By the end of the unit, most students recognized that technology can create wonderful improvements in our lives, but that there is a risk of it controlling us as well and that it should be approached with caution. Where are you with your relationship with technology? What controls your life?
One activity that we did that was new for them was a fishbowl discussion. Students had to create a claim as to whether automation has a positive or negative effect on employment. They then had to discuss ideas together without the teacher adding or guiding the discussion. For their first time doing it, students did a good job coming prepared and having good evidence to support their claims. Here are some quotes from students after the activity: “That was actually a lot of fun.” “I really enjoyed that.” “I’m sorry. I think I spoke too much and didn’t give you enough time to share.” “I’m not sure that my evidence was relevant.” It was a great first try in having genuine discussion that are open to multiple opinions.
Here are some pictures from the eighth grade classes:
The class rules created and agreed on by students.
Eighth grade students actively engaging together.
Students writing about how technology is improving and controlling their lives.
Eighth grade students working together to analyze a text we read together.
One of my classes choosing to sit and read their new books they just checked out of the library.
Our wonderful librarian coming to show students online resources they can use for their research.
Love the joy and focus that students have while working.
Examining an exemplar argumentative essay.
Student composed sonnets.
7th Grade
My seventh graders explored the idea of reality. Through the texts we read, they came to realize that people can distort our sense of what is real, our fixation on something can distort our ideas of reality, and that social media can reflect a life that isn’t real. We discussed throughout this unit about what grounds us in reality and we came to the conclusion that the Bible shows us what is real and what isn’t, and that we should rely on that to direct our lives. At the end of September, we started examining informational texts and discussing research papers. This past week, students took a quiz that showed them their personalities and which careers might be a good fit for their personalities. When we return from break, students will begin researching one career that they might like to pursue. Students are excited about this project and it will be fun to see what they discover.
Here are some pictures of my seventh graders exploring ideas together:
Seventh graders engaged in discussing moods of two different poems.
Seventh graders using text evidence to support their ideas.
Seventh graders working together to create a poster that expresses their ideas.
Seventh graders working on a poster.
Family News
This first school quarter has been filled to the brim with school and sports. Paige has joined many things and puts a lot of pressure on herself to do well in all that she does. This quarter she has been playing varsity soccer, editing the school newspaper, leading a small group of 6th graders in a Bible Study, helping in Sunday School, taking two AP classes and one honors class, trying to join Night Bazaar Evangelism on the weekends, and making room for friends. She is often busy and feels behind in what she is doing; however, she has been doing a great job of giving herself grace this year and not expecting perfection in everything.
Asher has entered high school and is enjoying building his friend group. We are so thankful for the group of boys that he gets to do life with. They encourage each other, build each other up, and push each other to know the Lord more. He is on the JV soccer team and is going to Bible study on Wednesday night along with the regular youth group activities. As he is growing, we are seeing more confidence from him and a desire to do what is right.
Reese is in seventh grade, and yes, has her mom as her English teacher. This has been somewhat challenging for both of us, but it’s good to do it now because she will also have her mom again next year. She is learning a new instrument for band class, which has been a challenge for her, but we love to see her push through hard things and see growth in the end. Her friend group is large as she loves people and loves to have fun; she has been busy with play dates almost every weekend. This quarter she has been playing basketball and has also been a part of the Wednesday night Bible study for her age group. We continue to see her take joy in being with people and creating new things.
Elijah finally had a good deal go through and that has been a huge encouragement to him. Unfortunately, his website was hacked and he lost the ability to use it. This has caused him to build a new one and find solutions to make sure that it does not happen again. He has been able to meet with many different types of people and was able to share God’s Good News with them. One person who was in town for a short visit was able to help Elijah with his website issues and was a great encouragement spiritually to him. We are thankful for the opportunities Elijah has had in his business this quarter.
First day of the school year. Reese, Paige, Asher: 7th, 11th, 9th grade
Family photo before the first day began.
Paige playing defense in soccer.
Asher playing defense in soccer (#10).
Paige and Asher dressed up in “formal” attire for Tiger Pride week.
Asher with some friends during a dress up day. They were Men In Black.
Asher celebrating his birthday with friends at an airsoft field.
Prayers
Praises
- The closed deal for Elijah’s business this past quarter.
- Great discussions with students about where we put our focus and what we allow to control us.
- Our kids are active and growing physically, mentally, and spiritually.
- God’s providence in our lives as He has provided for us and given us what we need when we needed it.
Requests
- Our kids will seek God above all else.
- More chances to speak life into the lives of students, clients, and colleagues.
- Elijah’s dad’s health to improve (cancer and back issues).
- Energy to continue to do well as we head into a busy season (Family from the States visiting and Christmas).
May you be encouraged by what God is doing in our lives and may He encourage you in your life.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16