Social Issues
Approximately six weeks of the school year will be spent in the Social Issues classes. The Social Issues class has been designed to assist adolescents develop skills in the areas of communication, personal safety and influences of the media. Our theory is that if we can teach students to be successful in these areas our sixth graders will have an easier adjustment to middle school and adolescence. This class is a mix of group discussions and technology infused projects related to the units listed below. Software used includes Microsoft Office, Inspiration, I-movie and Adobe PhotoShop Elements. The following is an overview of the three units that will be taught during this six-week course:
Media Influence
• How hidden messages in advertising influence us in subtle ways.
• Finding examples of sneaky advertising techniques on the internet.
• Eating disorders and media influence.
• Violence and media influence.
• How advertisers use digital enhancement to create unrealistic role models.
Communication
• Assertiveness – How to set reasonable limits with others and not be a bully or doormat.
• Personal accountability and working cooperatively in groups (activities to practice these skills).
•
Issues important to WMS 6th graders. We will get direct feedback from
WMS students on what they think are the important issues in their lives.
Personal Safety
• Bullying, intimidation and harassment. How the law, the school and the students handle these problem issues.
• Avoiding trouble and dangerous situations. How to anticipate problem situations and strategies to keep safe.
• Internet safety.
We
have used a single gender approach to teaching this type of class for
the past several years. We have found that most middle school students
are more comfortable discussing social issues without the teasing and
social pressure that goes on between boys and girls at this age.