AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY OPEN HOUSE 2016 Merritt Robinson

About Me… Started the Manual Field Hockey program in 1996 (Head Coach ) Began teaching at Manual 15 years ago Favorite course to teach- AP Human Geography Involvement with AP Human Geography AP Human Geography Exam Reader College Board Service Learning Consultant for Human Geography Personal life Married for 16 years Mom to three (14, 12, 9) About Me…

The Year of Transition Organization is essential Balance! Sleep is essential Be conscious of transitional issues with your child Be an encourager to your child Have a GROWTH mindset A Year of Transition

1. Consider this statement: “Houses constructed with steep roofs or heavy thatch roofs are just two examples of responses to wet environmental conditions.” Which viewpoint does it best express? 2. If someone said that human occupation is limited in the desert because of intense heat, but that humans have adapted to living in the desert through the use of air conditioning, this would best be an example of what geographic approach? 2 Assessment Examples- Same concept, but neither is definitional.

1. Seek to understand, not to memorize 2. Reading should not just be summarized, but evaluated and interpreted. 3. Actively listen in class. Take notes in your own words, ask questions, participate in all activities. 4. Have a mastery mindset. Don’t allow struggles with material to lead to defeat. Learning can be hard! 5. Review, review, review. Review handouts, class notes, text notes, quizzes, Big Ideas handout, and study book. The key to never having to “study” (meaning frantic, long cram sessions) is to study a little EVERY day! 5 Keys to Success

Questions asked of sophomores:  If you could have a “do over” for freshman year, what would you do differently?  What study methods worked best for you?  What do you wish you would have known at the beginning of your freshman year?

Sophomore answers: 1. Flash cards – quizzing 2. Manage time better 3. Don’t procrastinate 4. Be organized 5. Know how to study / discover your learning style 6. Rewrite / retype your class notes 7. Get plenty of sleep 8. Join clubs; get involved 9. Take a study skills 10. Ask for help

The Senior perspective: 1. Organization is key 2. DON’T PROCRASTINATE – learn the art of time management 3. Learn how to take good notes / develop good study habits 4. Join clubs, participate and enjoy high school – it goes so fast 5. Get enough sleep and eat breakfast 6. Challenge yourself – think about some AP classes – they will prepare you for college 7. High school is totally different than middle school – you actually have to study 8. Get to know your teachers and counselors 9. Don’t get behind and try not to miss class – it’s extra important with block scheduling 10. All 4 years are important

Parent Perspective: 1. Support your child but balance between helicoptering and independence 2. Stay positive and encourage your child 3. Communication is important – with your child, their teachers and counselors 4. Allow / make time for kids to be kids and have a social life. Balance is the key 5. Know your child’s friends and be involved 6. Unplug – your child still needs lots of sleep 7. Stay on top of the college admissions process – consult with counselors 8. Set realistic, achievable goals while encouraging your child to “dream big” 9. Be sure your child does not get overwhelmed. Adding a study skills is helpful 10. Be present with your child – it goes by WAY too fast!

No self control or Parent tired There is an app for that..free app!