Friday, March 7, 2008

Content Objectives: 2.02 Create a research product in both written and presentational form by: researching and organizing information to achieve purpose, selecting presentational format, using notes and/or memory aids, and employing charts and diagrams to enhance communication.
6.02 Continue to identify and edit errors in written and spoken English.

Language Objective: Make a verbal presentation, and generate questions during the presentation process.

Essential Question: How will I make an effective presentation of my research?

Students presented their research projects today. Many were interesting, but I discovered students need a reason to listen to their peers. I don't mean like Holden's class in The Catcher in the Rye where students yell "Digression!", but something like a K -W -L chart.

Several papers will be presented on Monday as many students were off campus for events such as Battle of the Books, SEMSingers, and the ACC tournament.

Homework: SSR

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Content Objectives: 2.02 Create a research product in both written and presentational form by researching and organizing information to achieve purpose. 6.02 Continue to identify and edit errors in written English.

Language Objective: Generate questions during the research process, and discuss the returned rough draft.

Essential Question: How will I support my thesis statement and create an effective presentation?

Today's class continued research in the media center. While some students worked to complete their final draft, many students continued work on their PowerPoint presentation for Friday. Today was busy: we had spring pictures, a tornado drill, and a sixth grade writing test.

Mr. Smith, President of MainSales Design Incorporated in Asheboro, NC replied to my invitation to speak to my students during our upcoming unit on advertising and propaganda techniques.

Homework: SSR; final draft and presentation due Friday, February 7, 2008.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Content Objectives: 2.02 Create a research product in both written and presentational form by researching and organizing information to achieve purpose. 6.02 Continue to identify and edit errors in written English.

Language Objective: Generate questions during the research process, and discuss the returned rough draft.

Essential Question: How will I support my thesis statement and create an effective presentation?

Today's class continued research in the media center. Many students began or continued work on their PowerPoint presentation for Friday. I realize the need for more instruction in the area of citing sources.

Homework: SSR; final draft and presentation due Friday, February 7, 2008.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

(AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

Content Objective: 2.01 Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed, summarizing information, drawing inferences, generating questions, and extending ideas.

Language Objective: Discuss current events with a partner and summarize for the class.

Essential Question: What's happening in my world?

Today we took a break from the research project. Due to the seventh grade writing test, our schedule was changed. Students were each given a newspaper to peruse and read as they wished for twenty minutes. Next, student created pairs were each given an article selected by me to read and discuss together. After five minutes of discussion, the pairs rotated to the front of the class to summarize their article and answer questions. The purpose of this exercise was to get students invloved in discussing the day's news.

Homework: SSR; final research paper/presentation due Friday.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Content Objectives: 2.02 Create a research product in both written and presentational form by researching and organizing information to achieve purpose. 6.02 Continue to identify and edit errors in written English.

Language Objective: Generate questions during the research process, and discuss the returned rough draft.

Essential Question: How will I support my thesis statement and create an effective presentation?

After a quick review of Pygmalion from Friday and a discussion of the reading comprehension questions, today's class continued research in the media center. I returned the rough drafts with comments, and students began rewriting their papers. The majority of the problems in the rough drafts concerned the use of documented facts, citing sources, tone, and spelling. I'm beginning to think the index card method of writing a research paper has merit; several students would benefit from being able to see and manipulate the position of their collected research.

Homework: SSR; final draft and presentation due Friday, February 7, 2008.