Service and Health

Tier 2, 1^st & 2^nd Semester: Passages

Brief description:

Passages is a class that meets once a week to address the social and emotional developmental needs of adolescents entering high school. It is mostly experiential; consisting of group discussions, creative expression, role-plays, journaling, and other written assignments. The fall term begins with an emphasis on creating community. Issues that are highlighted through a variety of modalities include trust, friendship and self-esteem. The latter half of the term focuses on developing sensory awareness, distinguishing internal from external stimuli, and managing stress. The Spring Term begins with an evaluation of achievements of the previous term and goal setting for the new term. Topics covered this term include family dynamics, dating and sexuality, and substance abuse.

Goals and objectives:

Students learn to tolerate and enjoy human diversity

Develop compassion and a sense of responsibility and empowerment

To make an easy, supported transition from childhood to adolescence

Major topics/themes:

Health (mind, body, spirit, and heart)

Ability to play (to express joy and love)

Ability to feel connected to community on many levels

Alignment to standards:

(English Language Arts) Standard 1: Language for Information and Understanding

(Health and Physical Education) Standard 1: Personal Health and Fitness

(Arts) Standard 2: Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources

Resources and materials to be used:

Canfield & Wells, One Hundred Ways to Enhance Self-Concept in the Classroom

Devencenzi & Pendergast, Belonging: Self & Social Discovery for Children of All Ages

Kessler, Rachel et al, The Mysteries Sourcebook

Mahdi & Meade, Crossroads: The Quest for Contemporary Rites of Passage

Zimmerman & Coyle, The Way of Council

Assessment measures:

Journals, portfolios