Week 11: Reformation and Red Ribbon Week

Happy Reformation!

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 theses on the local church "bulletin board" calling people to debate the truth of the Bible and how the church had strayed from that truth.  Our class is learning about Luther's life as well as the amazing discovery he made:  WE ARE SAVED BY GOD'S GRACE  - not by good works or money or penance.  This led to a reform of the church and the creation of Protestant churches around the world.

We have read a biography of Luther written as if Luther visited sixth graders at a Lutheran school and ate lunch with them for the week, modeled after the Table Talks Luther actually had with students for much of his life.  We are also using clips from the Luther Movie made in 2003.  Though there are some fictional details added, the heart of the movie shows Luther's struggle to understand God and share with the world about God's love.  (Note if you watch- the movie is PG-13 for some violence and language.  Sections for class have been selected as appropriate for students and our study.)  Student also used modern "social media" to spread Scripture that refutes the false teaching of Luther's day through Flipgrid videos.

We will wrap up our Reformation next week as we examine Luther's motto: Grace Alone,  Faith Alone, Scripture Alone, Christ Alone.

 

 

From our class bloggers: Kayla and Mae: 

 We had a really fun time at our great halloween party. Our three winners 

for best costume go to Yuan in 3rd, Olivia and Chloe as the Skittles in 2nd. 

And can I get a drumroll please for Daniel our 1st place winner. This Week 

is also red ribbon week where we turn to healthy choices.

 (I'll add the photos of Peace out day next week - forgot the i-pod again!!)

 

  2nd step this week and next looks at healthy choices and saying, "No" to drugs and alcohol.  We discovered a lot of facts about tobacco and marijuana as well as the impact addition has on the body, relationships, and personal goals.  Next time, we will see how alcohol and drugs can affect a growing body and role play scenarios that equip us to make positive choices in peer pressure situations .

 VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP NEXT WEEK - METRO THEATRE

Families,

We are excited to provide a virtual field trip for our Junior High students.  Metro Theatre of St. Louis is providing us with a streaming option for their current play And in this Corner: Cassius Clay.   This is the theatre group that has provided an in-house play in our gym in previous years.  We are excited to offer this theatre experience next week for our students.  

And In This Corner: Cassius Clay is the story of the young man who would become Muhammad Ali. From his relationship with a white police officer who introduced him to boxing as a kid in Jim Crow-era Louisville to his gold medal-winning performance in the 1960 Rome Olympics, Cassius holds onto the faith that his potential is unlimited. But it is the friends from his childhood who are becoming Freedom Riders who ultimately challenge him to understand that there is more to life than personal success: he must use his gifts to work for the good of his community.

 

Thank you, parents, for your time for conferences!  I look forward to continuing a great year with you and your child!