Welcome to Mrs. Edward's 7th and 8th Grade Class!

Lights! Camera! Action! Be a reading Star!

February is Literary month at New Life Academy.  This is when each class is given a goal of a number of books to read and students read to earn and compete for prizes.  We have already had weekly prizes of popcorn and choochoos and are looking forward to the larger prizes that are still to come.  The most exciting part - IF the school gets 100% participation Mr. Elofson will wear his hair in a GREEN FAUX-HAWK for a day!  Now that will get kids reading!

For every book that is read, the students fill out a "Clapperboard" telling the title, author, and a summary.  These clapperboards are then hung in the library for inspiration.  I am so proud of how many books the school has read in only 2 short weeks!

The 8th graders are not only participating by reading 5 chapter books in 4 weeks (at least) but they are also helping tremendously with hanging the "clapperboards", making stars, and more.  Not only are the 8th graders reading, they are also learning to be servant leaders for their community.

Reading to Younger Students

We understand that as 8th graders it is very important for us to set a good example for the younger students in the school.  We want to be good role models and have good relationships with them. One thing that is really important to our class is reading (We LOVE reading!!) so we read to the first and second graders.

The moon isn't made of cheese, its made of ... OREOS!!

Our class had a blast learning about the moon phases because we got to use Oreos.  We learned that the moon doesn't change shape, but instead the earth blocks the light that comes from the sun and that is why we can't see part of the moon sometimes.  We learned about the different phases of the moon and used oreos demonstrate our knowledge.  Projects that are as educational as they are edible are always a big hit.  When we were finished we shared our knowledge and our Oreos with Mrs. Kirkland's first and second grade class.

Poems

In writing class (we write alot in our class), we have been learning about figurative language.  Recently, students practiced using figurative language by writing poems.  Everyone did really well and is learning and growing.  Two of the poems revolved around the same topic - mornings.  It has been interesting for us to learn that two different authors can write about the same topic in different ways.  Students are developing their writing "voice" and are leaving a unique stamp that makes writing their own in every piece that they are writing.  We hope that you enjoy them! 

Coffee Cup

She picks me up and puts me down
She pours the coffee, warm and brown
My heart sighs with such great delight
And warmth fills me in great heights

I love our special time in the mornings
Ones with tranquil and peaceful feelings
I prayed these times will last forever
Only a dream that turned out, however

When he comes and steals her away
I am left, never used, blurred and gray
Bright, shining, and blinding, is her smile
Smiles I never received, all the while

I learn to live with a great void
A hole, big and black, always devoid
I learn to live with the obvious fact
That we will never stay intact

Because as time soon passes by
I couldn’t say my final goodbye
And as she departs, in a hurried rush
She doesn’t see how I am crushed

I welcome the darkness with open arms
With only one wish, that he brings her no harm

- A.C. Ayuman

Morning

I woke up today

My alarm clock was screaming

My breakfast was steaming

I packed up my bag

My home work is done

I have my lunch

I ate up my breakfast

I raced down the stairs

With booming, "good mornings"

I get in my car

And take a little nap

And off to the school

To say more good mornings


- Sakura

Star student  spotlight - Shuichi and his yoyo

If you have been in the NLA parking lot after school or spent much time with many of the students, then you know that the fun new craze at NLA is the yoyo.  This is in no small part due to our own 8th grade trend setter - Shuichi.  Shuichi became interested in the yoyo about a year ago and began studying and practicing new tricks.  He has become a master and often leaves people stunned with his impressive yoyo skills.  Learning the yoyo, however, was not enough for Shuichi.  He is using his skill and talent to give back to the school community.  He contributed to the Fall Carnival with a yoyo performance and will participate in the upcoming NLA Night Cafe with a demonstration of his yoyo skills.  Shuichi has also taken the time to mentor to and inspire younger students with his talent.  Every day after school he plays his yoyo with the younger students.  He gives them pointers and encouragement, and just hangs out with them.  He is an excellent mentor, teacher, and friend.  Shuichi is a shining example of 1 Peter 4:10, " Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."  Thank you, Shuichi, for the inspiration and smiles that you share!

Christmas party!

Over Christmas break, several of the students had the opportunity to get together for a fun day of fellowship together at Mihama.  We enjoyed Christmas shopping, eating soba, and spending quality time together - with OUT school uniforms :)

 French Impressionist Exhibit

In September, we were blessed to be able to attend an Impressionist exhibit at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum.  Students were able to see works of art that had been painted by Van Gogh, Monet, and many others.  This was very exciting as paintings like this don't come to Okinawa very often.  Students were not only able to see firsthand the paintings and learn about the impressionist style, but they also chose a painting to be a basis for a fiction story.  This was not only a very fun and exciting day, but also a great learning opportunity.

Sonnets

We have been studying sonnets in English.  We had a lot of fun studying iambic pentameter and stomping to the line, "I am a pirate with a wooden leg". We analyzed several sonnets. The students not only learned that sonnets aren't as intimidating as they seem, but also enjoyed reading the sonnets and learning how to understand them.  They recently chose a sonnet to analyze independently and share with the class, and what a great job they did!

Book Reviews

Once a month we take time to share what we are learning with our classmates.  Each month a student chooses a book to review to their classmates and recommend (or not recommend) good books to each other.  Each book review includes a short synopsis (with out giving away the ending), examples of author's craft, an over all opinion about the book, and a recommendation.  This is a great way to get ideas for up coming books!  Take a look at our book reviews and check out the books we are reading.

Time for fun

Our class isn't all work and no play, we make time to enjoy ourselves and have fun also.  To the right are some pictures of students trying on Mrs. Edward's sunglasses.  Below is a video of students playing "Knight, Rider, Princess" at chapel.