I like to use anticipation guides prior to beginning a novel or play. The anticipation guide consists of a series of statements for the students to consider, then they must mark whether they agree or disagree with each given statement. The students then choose three statements they felt especially strongly about, and they write a short explanation of why they answered the way they did (typically a paragraph each). Finally, we go through each statement raising hands for agreement and disagreement. On each question, I ask students who felt strongly about a statement to share their response, and it often leads into a short discussion, and sometimes debate, over the topic. I have the students fill these sheets out prior to reading and again after reading. After they read, they are supposed to reevaluate the statements using the new knowledge and perspectives they have gained through the reading.
I really enjoy using these anticipation guides as it exposes the students to many themes they will see in the book. It gets them thinking about the book before they even crack it open. Typically the first session of the anticipation guide goes very well. We usually have some great discussions. However, the final session where they fill out their answers after reading the book, doesn't go so well. I notice that the students typically just leave their answers the same. It seems they aren't applying their new knowledge, which is the ultimate goal of this activity. Any ideas of how to get them hooked into delving deeper into the final product?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Ideas!
My mind is overflowing with ideas to implement in my classroom next year. That's right...I got a job! I'm so excited to be given such a wonderful opportunity. I will be teaching 7th, 8th, and 9th English and 8th Reading. I can't wait to get started! As the days creep by, I'm finding it harder and harder not to think about my classroom. It's always on my mind! I've already purchased a bunch of stuff for it, too...and I haven't even seen it yet!
Out of the zillions of ideas floating around in my head, there are two that I am pretty sure I will implement. First, I want my students writing everyday. My plan is to have a daily writing prompt on the board each day as they walk in the door. They will write for the first five minutes of every class. If they don't like the prompt, they don't have to write about it. They can write about anything, so long as they are writing. I will read the entries each Friday. It'll be a little time consuming, but it's a good way to get the students writing, while also getting to know them better. Plus, bellwork is a good classroom management tool.
Second, I plan on implementing a day dedicated to recreational reading. I think recreational reading is so important. It is what fosters a love for reading. There is so much wonderful young adult literature out there. I'm pretty sure it will be Friday as it's the end of the week, and it will be a nice break for the students (and myself!). However, the entire period won't be dedicated just to reading. We will also do book talks! I love book talks. They're such a fresh idea. So much better than a typical book report. They're active and engaging. So my plan is to start the period with the writing bellwork, move into a couple of book talks, then silent reading, and finally a book response.
Well, the hubby just finished dinner. More on my ideas later :) If you have any ideas to contribute, please feel free!!
Out of the zillions of ideas floating around in my head, there are two that I am pretty sure I will implement. First, I want my students writing everyday. My plan is to have a daily writing prompt on the board each day as they walk in the door. They will write for the first five minutes of every class. If they don't like the prompt, they don't have to write about it. They can write about anything, so long as they are writing. I will read the entries each Friday. It'll be a little time consuming, but it's a good way to get the students writing, while also getting to know them better. Plus, bellwork is a good classroom management tool.
Second, I plan on implementing a day dedicated to recreational reading. I think recreational reading is so important. It is what fosters a love for reading. There is so much wonderful young adult literature out there. I'm pretty sure it will be Friday as it's the end of the week, and it will be a nice break for the students (and myself!). However, the entire period won't be dedicated just to reading. We will also do book talks! I love book talks. They're such a fresh idea. So much better than a typical book report. They're active and engaging. So my plan is to start the period with the writing bellwork, move into a couple of book talks, then silent reading, and finally a book response.
Well, the hubby just finished dinner. More on my ideas later :) If you have any ideas to contribute, please feel free!!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Taking Vaca Early
My juniors have decided to take an early vacation. Although summer is still 35 school days away for them, they have apparently decided to check out early. I need some ideas of how to get them back on track. It seems all of my activities are of little interest to them at this point as they have mentally checked out. Any ideas out there?
Friday, April 1, 2011
Lacking Motivation
My freshmen students seem to be lacking motivation when it comes to their weekly writing task. Each Monday, I give the students an optional journal prompt. They are supposed to write me 1-full page by the end of the week. I give them 15 minutes of class time to do this. If they don't like the prompt I give them, they are allowed to write about their weekend or anything else that they would like. It's a great way to get the students writing, and it also gives me a chance to get to know them a little bit better. And to top it off, it's an easy 10 points for them. However, for some reason, each week without fail, I have a handful of students simply not complete their journals. It's so frustrating!
I'm looking for ways to get them motivated to enjoy this writing task more. I read every journal and write comments back to try and engage them. It works for some of them. I've had comments like, "I love when you write back to me!" and "I like reading your comments!". However, it doesn't seem to work for all of them.
One thing that I know I need to change is that I need to write WITH my students. That was a big thing that was stressed in my undergrad classes. It's so important to write with your students because they need to see you doing it, too. Maybe me writing and sharing my writing with the students will be motivation for them to do the same. I'm going to give it a shot. Any other ideas out there?
I'm looking for ways to get them motivated to enjoy this writing task more. I read every journal and write comments back to try and engage them. It works for some of them. I've had comments like, "I love when you write back to me!" and "I like reading your comments!". However, it doesn't seem to work for all of them.
One thing that I know I need to change is that I need to write WITH my students. That was a big thing that was stressed in my undergrad classes. It's so important to write with your students because they need to see you doing it, too. Maybe me writing and sharing my writing with the students will be motivation for them to do the same. I'm going to give it a shot. Any other ideas out there?
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