Home-School Connection
Gemini students are encouraged to engage in conversations around the content they are learning at school with people in their homes and their communities. The purpose of the home-school connection is to provide opportunities for students to review and reinforce concepts at home, make emotional connections to the material, and develop problem solving skills.
Each week, a different department will post a home-school question below to foster discussions with topics they are currently learning in their classes. If you have any questions related to the questions, please reach out to your child's department teacher.
Week of April 28th- Electives
Art: 6th Grade, 8th Grade- As our 2024/2025 school year comes to a close, let's think about how we're going to keep busy and creative this Summer! Please use the links posted below to find many Family-Friendly Arts and Crafts activities you can do in the comfort of your own home using basic materials. These fun and creative Arts and Crafts activities can be used for a variety of ages from young to old. How do you plan on showing your creativity this Summer?
Link #1: https://youtu.be/sT-fdlxELxs?si=LVKDvapEXKRXczgD
Link #2: https://youtu.be/SF71ks5FrKQ?si=9qoHFYNcbXTyh-9j
Wellness: 7th Grade, 8th Grade- In Wellness class students have been learning a variety of stress management strategies to promote overall wellbeing. Currently students are practicing yoga! Yoga offers a wide range of benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. Here are some key advantages. After reading through the benefits of Yoga teach your parent/guardian/adult 3-5 yoga poses or yoga sequence.
Physical Benefits:
Improved Flexibility and Balance: Yoga poses stretch and strengthen muscles, increasing range of motion and promoting better stability, which can help prevent falls, especially as you age.
Increased Muscle Strength and Tone: Many yoga poses require you to support your body weight, building strength in your arms, legs, back, and core.
Enhanced Respiration, Energy, and Vitality: Deep breathing exercises (pranayama) in yoga can increase lung capacity and improve overall energy levels.
Support for Back Pain Relief: Yoga can be as effective as basic stretching for easing lower back pain and improving mobility.
Potential to Ease Arthritis Symptoms: Gentle yoga practices have been shown to reduce discomfort in swollen and tender joints.
Benefits for Heart Health: Regular yoga practice may lower stress levels and inflammation, contributing to a healthier cardiovascular system. It can also address factors like high blood pressure and excess weight.
Improved Athletic Performance and Injury Prevention: Increased flexibility and strength can enhance athletic abilities and reduce the risk of injuries.
Better Bone and Joint Health: Weight-bearing yoga poses can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Certain poses also promote the release of fluids in joints, supporting healthy function.
Mental Benefits:
Stress Reduction: Yoga promotes relaxation by encouraging focus on breath, mindfulness, and gentle movements, which can calm the nervous system and lower the stress hormone cortisol.
Improved Mental Health: Yoga has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also enhance overall well-being and resilience.
Increased Body Awareness: Paying attention to your body during yoga helps you become more attuned to physical sensations, potentially leading to earlier detection of health issues and control of the body.
Mental Calmness and Focus: Breathing exercises and focus in yoga can quiet the mind, improve concentration, and promote a sense of inner peace.
Better Sleep: A consistent yoga routine, especially before bed, can help relax the body and mind, leading to improved sleep quality.
Brighter Moods: Practicing yoga can increase mental and physical energy, boost enthusiasm, and reduce negative feelings.
Enhanced Self-Care: Yoga encourages you to prioritize your well-being and engage in practices that nurture your mind and body.
Connection with a Supportive Community: Participating in yoga classes can foster a sense of belonging and provide a supportive environment.
Technically Speaking: 6th Grade- In Technically Speaking, we learned about our Digital Footprints - all the information people leave about themselves online through their online activities.These activities could be posting on social media, doing research, or shopping among many others. Talk to your family about all the ways people share information online, and how you can protect your privacy.
Brainstorm ideas about how you can stay safe, protect your privacy, and learn more about online security with the tips on this website: https://www.commonsense.org/education/family-tips/6-12-privacy-and-security
Drama: 7th Grade, 8th Grade- Who is an actor you really like? Why do you like them?
MVP: 6th Grade- Have you ever had to work in a group? How do you manage working with other people on projects?
Photography: 8th Grade- Impress your family with your photography (& technology) skills!! ✨📸✨ Show your parents or guardians your Photography Google Site that is in progress. Be sure to show them all the ‘challenges’ we have done in class so far and why you chose the photos on your ‘favorites’ page. Finally, share your thoughts & plans for how you want your finished site to look.
FACS: 7th & 8th Grade- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RbFgHl51TD0Ix_a3EZNe6gFkgIRj1wrGa1MAHIWSlHU/edit?usp=sharing
Creative Writing: 7th & 8th Grade- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeumZ2vIUomhybqZoTFWdJKXFwCFZjkk0kfJrJVIcyRhjKeXw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Sign Language: 7th & 8th Grade- What signs have you taught to your family or friends? How do you think this helps you in class?