Language Arts and Social Studies are working together during the next few weeks to help students focus on a few core learning targets. On a practical level, at home, this will mean unified LA and SS homework. This does not mean less homework; but, it should facilitate a more organized homework life.
During the next three to six weeks, Cedar students will learn how to:
- define renaissance
- give historical examples of renaissance
- notice potential renaissance movements in our world today
- predict future renaissance movements based upon history and current events
- outline a research paper
- identify cause and effect relationships using “If…then…because…” statements
- use careful reasoning to help readers follow their thinking
- help readers by using accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar
- use the research process to complete an engaging renaissance essay
Obviously, this will take a lot of work. Ms. Farley and I will adjust instruction and calendars to meet student needs as they arise. Right now, our best estimate is that the entire process will take about five or six weeks. We will guide students step by step toward the completion of their essay. For that reason, we are not putting a final due date on the table yet. Instead, we will expect students to meet specific, smaller expectations week by week. Please check both of our homework schedules on a regular basis.
For this week, all social studies and language arts homework assignments are identical. Do not hesitate to e-mail both teachers (Ms. Farley & Mr. Coleman) with questions.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged: cause and effect, essay writing, history, homework, interdependent curriculum, langauge arts, renaissance, research, social studies, writing November 30, 2009
DO:
Offer constructive criticism
Keep personal insults to yourself
If you don’t have anything to say, be silent & think
Compliment first
Try to help people who are making big mistakes actually improve
Push people to try harder
Be specific.
DON’T:
Just tell people “work on it.”
Offer really brutal comments
Make the feedback personal
Insult people
Posted in Uncategorized November 17, 2009
In sixth period today used “feedback nightmares” to inspire a discussion about behaviors to practice and avoid while giving each other feedback on our writing. Here are the results:
DO:
- Show respect
- Make your feedback clear
- Be supportive
- Make your feedback descriptive
- Organize your thinking
DON’T:
- Rush
- Be too positive or negative
- Make fun of people or their work
Posted in Uncategorized November 17, 2009
During class today, we discussed some nightmare situations related to feedback. As a result of this sharing, we generated a list of effective feedback methods.
Here is our list.
DO:
- Give light, but helpful feedback.
- Be positive.
- Actually help them.
- Tell them specific things.
- Give examples.
- Give a compliment first.
- Be honest.
- Tell people to try new things.
- Watch your nonverbal communication.
DON’T:
- Don’t be sarcastic.
- Don’t be cruel.
- Don’t make the feedback personal.
- Don’t yell.
- Don’t interrupt each other.
- Don’t lie.
- Don’t tell people to not do things.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged: communication, feedback, writing November 17, 2009
Today we went over some “Feedback Nightmares”, resulting in a list of helpful and destructive behavior while giving feedback. Here are the results for fourth period:
DO: let writers know about big mistakes; start with “I notice” & “I wonder”; specify what people should work on and what you like; be respectufl and listen.
DON”T: lecture; think random thoughts & just throw them on the page; say rude things; focus so much on the grade that you miss the feedback; compliment meaningless things (for example, the font); be self centered.
Posted in Uncategorized November 17, 2009
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