Welcome to 8th Grade Social Studies at Kenowa Hills MIddle School.
Its going to be a great year!
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world".
Nelson Mandela
Important Links:
KHMS
KHMS Media Center
CNN Student News
Social Studies Online Book
Civic Virtues
A Little About Me..
Hi, my name is Mrs. Trotter. I teach 8th grade social studies at Kenowa Hills Middle School. I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2005 with a degree in Secondary Education focusing on Social Studies and History. I also have a Master’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Educational Leadership. My husband and I have been married for 11 years and we have three amazing little boys! I like to play board games, read, cook and watch sports with my husband. I am very passionate about social studies, and I love to teach
Hi, my name is Mrs. Trotter. I teach 8th grade social studies at Kenowa Hills Middle School. I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2005 with a degree in Secondary Education focusing on Social Studies and History. I also have a Master’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Educational Leadership. My husband and I have been married for 11 years and we have three amazing little boys! I like to play board games, read, cook and watch sports with my husband. I am very passionate about social studies, and I love to teach
Procedures
Beginning of Class Technology Use
# Beatthebell #schooluseiscooluse
End of Class Finishing Your Work Early
#nodoordorks #figureitout
Sick Days Grabbing Your Attention
#checkthemail #canyouhearmenow?
Leaving the Room Q.U.I.E.T. Policy
#wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing? #notsoloud
Beginning of Class Technology Use
# Beatthebell #schooluseiscooluse
End of Class Finishing Your Work Early
#nodoordorks #figureitout
Sick Days Grabbing Your Attention
#checkthemail #canyouhearmenow?
Leaving the Room Q.U.I.E.T. Policy
#wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing? #notsoloud
Welcome to 8th Grade Social Studies!
This year in social studies your child will be learning about many of the topics and events that took place in our county’s first 100 years. As a class we will also spend time on current events and students will be encouraged to see how both have an effect on their lives. On top of the traditional social studies curriculum students will be introduced to lifelong habits that will help shape them into great future citizens! One of them being the importance of having a growth mindset.
A growth mindset is the philosophy that with effort, every student has the capability to “be smart”. All brains are built the same- and through hard work all students can achieve success. This is great news! Students will be learning about how their brains work, how to think critically, what to do about mistakes and how to adopt a growth mindset.
To make this work, I need your help. It begins with building a common message that your child can succeed. When they hear this both at school and at home they will begin to believe and live it. Some beginner steps include praising your child’s effort at home, encourage flexibility and staying positive. It is important that the kids know as long as they are willing to work hard, they will achieve great things. Building a growth mindset is a process that I will update you on throughout the year- Be sure to ask your student about it and check the class weebly for monthly tips on how to encourage a growth mindset at home.
This year in social studies your child will be learning about many of the topics and events that took place in our county’s first 100 years. As a class we will also spend time on current events and students will be encouraged to see how both have an effect on their lives. On top of the traditional social studies curriculum students will be introduced to lifelong habits that will help shape them into great future citizens! One of them being the importance of having a growth mindset.
A growth mindset is the philosophy that with effort, every student has the capability to “be smart”. All brains are built the same- and through hard work all students can achieve success. This is great news! Students will be learning about how their brains work, how to think critically, what to do about mistakes and how to adopt a growth mindset.
To make this work, I need your help. It begins with building a common message that your child can succeed. When they hear this both at school and at home they will begin to believe and live it. Some beginner steps include praising your child’s effort at home, encourage flexibility and staying positive. It is important that the kids know as long as they are willing to work hard, they will achieve great things. Building a growth mindset is a process that I will update you on throughout the year- Be sure to ask your student about it and check the class weebly for monthly tips on how to encourage a growth mindset at home.
Mistakes Are A Good Thing!
I have good news- Mistakes are okay in this class! In fact... I would be worried if you don’t make several throughout the year. Together we are going to be exploring awesome topics about how our country was formed and the effects of current events. We will be reading primary sources, studying documents and becoming historians. A mistake or failure is strong evidence that you are trying, and that’s all that I want you to do. My failure policy is: you are absolutely allowed, even encouraged, to get the wrong answer, but you must self reflect on your mistake and try the problem again.
I have good news- Mistakes are okay in this class! In fact... I would be worried if you don’t make several throughout the year. Together we are going to be exploring awesome topics about how our country was formed and the effects of current events. We will be reading primary sources, studying documents and becoming historians. A mistake or failure is strong evidence that you are trying, and that’s all that I want you to do. My failure policy is: you are absolutely allowed, even encouraged, to get the wrong answer, but you must self reflect on your mistake and try the problem again.