Geographic Reasoning

Our first unit was called Tools of Geography, but it might have been better named Geographic Reasoning.  We spent quite a bit of time reviewing map skills such as reading symbols on a map, using scale and direction, and plotting coordinates.  We also practiced making inferences from maps and photos.  All of this was in preparation for developing geographic questions and making inferences using maps.  

The culminating project was to create an annotated map of Harlingen hotels.  The students studied a map of pre-existing hotels in our town to infer what makes a good location for a hotel.  They also had to try to figure why there were certain parts of town that didn't have hotels.  Finally they had to evaluate a site for a new hotel.

It was challenging for the students to finish in the time frame allotted.  Too many students focused on drawing the map which I told them to keep it basic; the focus should be the annotations.  Still, I was happy with the progress my students made over the first few weeks of school.

 

 

Anchor Charts in the Geography Classroom

 

This summer I was constantly seeing anchor charts all over Pinterest and even by teachers on Facebook.  That started my research into using anchor charts in my Geography classroom.  One of the first things I learned was that there are different ways of defining anchor charts and ways of doing them!  What was a geography teacher to do?

 

 

Part of my research had led me to define anchor charts as a way of visually reviewing information that was learned in class.  Students can then look back to the anchor charts as a means of reminding them of information, processes,  and even strategies.  In looking at samples of these charts I was able to find a lot of examples of ELA charts and math charts primarily for the elementary classroom.  I really never found any samples of high school geography work.

 

That is not going to stop me!  I actually started the first anchor chart based on our first actual lesson-the five themes of geography. 

 

 

This is my first effort and I hope it will benefit my students. My goal is to involve the students in creating future anchor charts and even add illustrations.  This can be used as we continue through the school year especially during test review time. 









The First Day of School

Welcome to the First Day of School in World Geography

I hope everyone is excited about starting school at Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy as I am!  This is going to be a wonderful growing experience for all our freshmen.  With so much to learn academically, I hope our students will grow personally as well.  

With all that said, I know that there will be nervous students and students who will feel lost on the campus.  Please ask any of the faculty for help this first week of school.  We want everyone to feel comfortable and at home so that the students will have an exceptional learning experience.  

Remember that this is high school and we do expect our students to come with some elementary supplies even on the first day-pen, paper, and some kind of folder to store information until they have the notebooks for their individual classes.  

Be prepared for a fantastic school year.   Students should always work to do their best and they will have no problems in their classes.  Remember to ask for help when needed.  Remember all the teachers are there to help, but how a student does is up to him/her.

Getting Ready!

This last week has had me in my classroom three times.  Getting everything ready for the first day of school is very exciting for me!  I love how I can practically see my reflection in the freshly waxed floors, clean desk tops, and brand new butcher paper for my bulletin boards.

My first job was rearranging the furniture back into collaborative groups.  When I first walked in, my classroom was set up in the traditional rows.  Nope!  Now my desks are set up for small group work.  My bulletin boards are also now ready to be utilized for student learning.  I decided this year instead of being used for decoration, that I would set them up as elements of the learning environment.  One board will be for school related information, one will be used as an anchor chart, one for a word wall, and the other will be used for the project based learning unit we are working on.  My goal is for the boards to help students be successful in geography class.

As my room moves nearer to completion, I become more excited about August 25th.  I know that not only will I, but my students too, will have an awesome year!

Welcome to Public Services House A

Welcome to your freshman year at Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy!  You are part of the graduating class of 2018,  and we teachers in the school of Public Services House A are here to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and grit that you will need to be successful though high school and after.

Public service is the act of providing an essential service to the community such as health services, teaching, law enforcement, and even the military.  This is not all inclusive; but if you have chosen this "major" in high school, then you are interesting in helping your community in some way.  I challenge you to start now!  Find some kind of service that you can provide to help others and do it!  Joining Student Council here at CFA would be a great start.

We are going to have a great year.  Remember to work hard, ask questions when you don't understand something, seek help when needed, and always do your best.  We teachers at CFA are here to help, but your effort will determine your success.