As we prepare to start another school year, we wanted to first post a little bit about our Humanities program at OES so that you will have some background information about what and how we will be learning.
What is Humanities
Our Humanities courses at OES explore themes that impact our global society, both past and present, through the lenses of art, music, literature, philosophy, government, and more. The first unit of the year for both classes will ask students to explore their own identities within the context of their local and global societies.
Humanities Schedule
Unlike other courses that are scheduled for 55 minutes, Humanities is a 110 minute block each day. This extended time enables us to routinely include discussion-based activities and inquiry-based projects that allow students to pursue personal interests. During independent work times, students will be encouraged to take breaks as needed.
Humanities Philosophy
The goal of Humanities is to support students as they become more independent, self-directed learners. Aside from exploring important themes as a group, we also hope to guide our students as they explore topics and issues that are important to them while practicing critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. This personalized approach to learning allows students to focus on the skills in which they need the most practice in a way that is meaningful to them as individuals.
In our experience, many students have a misconception that every question has right and wrong answers. In Humanities, this is rarely true. Instead, our focus is on developing the skills needed to analyze and discuss topics from multiple perspectives rather than arriving at an agreed upon "correct" answer. Students will be asked to accept challenges that do not have definite solutions and embrace any mistakes they encounter along the way as opportunities for learning and growth.
Learning Lab
This year, we will again have the opportunity to participate in Learning Lab VT sponsored by the Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education out of UVM. This means that we will be opening our doors to teachers and students from across Vermont to visit and observe the amazing work that our students are doing! Students will have the option to interact with these visitors and share their thoughts and opinions about education.
Communication
Throughout the year we will be communicating with you regularly about the work we are doing and the progress students are making. However, there are several other ways to stay up to date with what's happening in Humanities as well. You can visit our weekly blog, follow us on Twitter, and we are always happy to communicate via email. Regardless of how it happens, we value open communication and hope to stay connected with you!
Andrea Gratton & Kyle Chadburn
5-8 Humanities
agratton[at]ocsu[dot]org
kchadburn[at]ocsu[dot]org
Twitter: @OEShumanities
What is Humanities
Our Humanities courses at OES explore themes that impact our global society, both past and present, through the lenses of art, music, literature, philosophy, government, and more. The first unit of the year for both classes will ask students to explore their own identities within the context of their local and global societies.
Humanities Schedule
Unlike other courses that are scheduled for 55 minutes, Humanities is a 110 minute block each day. This extended time enables us to routinely include discussion-based activities and inquiry-based projects that allow students to pursue personal interests. During independent work times, students will be encouraged to take breaks as needed.
Humanities Philosophy
The goal of Humanities is to support students as they become more independent, self-directed learners. Aside from exploring important themes as a group, we also hope to guide our students as they explore topics and issues that are important to them while practicing critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. This personalized approach to learning allows students to focus on the skills in which they need the most practice in a way that is meaningful to them as individuals.
In our experience, many students have a misconception that every question has right and wrong answers. In Humanities, this is rarely true. Instead, our focus is on developing the skills needed to analyze and discuss topics from multiple perspectives rather than arriving at an agreed upon "correct" answer. Students will be asked to accept challenges that do not have definite solutions and embrace any mistakes they encounter along the way as opportunities for learning and growth.
Learning Lab
This year, we will again have the opportunity to participate in Learning Lab VT sponsored by the Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education out of UVM. This means that we will be opening our doors to teachers and students from across Vermont to visit and observe the amazing work that our students are doing! Students will have the option to interact with these visitors and share their thoughts and opinions about education.
Communication
Throughout the year we will be communicating with you regularly about the work we are doing and the progress students are making. However, there are several other ways to stay up to date with what's happening in Humanities as well. You can visit our weekly blog, follow us on Twitter, and we are always happy to communicate via email. Regardless of how it happens, we value open communication and hope to stay connected with you!
Andrea Gratton & Kyle Chadburn
5-8 Humanities
agratton[at]ocsu[dot]org
kchadburn[at]ocsu[dot]org
Twitter: @OEShumanities