I am going to be a new teacher as of August 2010, and my degree is NOT in education. So, I'm doing a lot of studying/self training under "the gun."
I appreciate your advice of short, meaningful activities. Could you give an example/illustration of a "typical" class period where you might implement two or three different activities?
---What I am anxious to see is the "what" (activity) and "how" you transition and plan for them.
[Edit: Response]
Hi Matthew,
If your first year is anything like mine was then it's going to be tough.
An example of a typical period might go like this:
1. Open with a short "bellwork" writing assignment about a current event that is related to the current unit. While they are working I can take attendance or take care of consequences for tardies. As soon as I'm finished with administrative affairs, I walk around and help students. I nominate a few students to share (to jump-start discussion later) and affirm good responses.
2. Students use their paragraphs to do a pair-share about the unit, which later leads into a structured academic discussion. Students have to jot down interesting ideas/names as others share.
3. Students get to choose to work on one of 3 or 4 independent activities to include: comprehension questions, outlining, graphic organizers, etc.
It changes a lot depending on what unit I'm teaching, so I try to stay flexible. I hope that helps!
Justin--
I am going to be a new teacher as of August 2010, and my degree is NOT in education. So, I'm doing a lot of studying/self training under "the gun."
I appreciate your advice of short, meaningful activities. Could you give an example/illustration of a "typical" class period where you might implement two or three different activities?
---What I am anxious to see is the "what" (activity) and "how" you transition and plan for them.
[Edit: Response]
Hi Matthew,
If your first year is anything like mine was then it's going to be tough.
An example of a typical period might go like this:
1. Open with a short "bellwork" writing assignment about a current event that is related to the current unit. While they are working I can take attendance or take care of consequences for tardies. As soon as I'm finished with administrative affairs, I walk around and help students. I nominate a few students to share (to jump-start discussion later) and affirm good responses.
2. Students use their paragraphs to do a pair-share about the unit, which later leads into a structured academic discussion. Students have to jot down interesting ideas/names as others share.
3. Students get to choose to work on one of 3 or 4 independent activities to include: comprehension questions, outlining, graphic organizers, etc.
It changes a lot depending on what unit I'm teaching, so I try to stay flexible. I hope that helps!
Warm regards,
Justin