A few days ago we had a conversation in the teachers lounge. Several of my classes are struggling with all their teachers. What to do? I asked if anyone had extra Pixie Dust that I could sprinkle and make the problems go away. EVERYONE was fresh out.
One of the teachers made a profound comment. "They need structure because many of them don't have it at home. When we don't provide structure it ends in chaos."
I knew that. Really I did. My aha moment came as I realized I was giving freedom and independence to early. I started to analyze how I could approach these classes differently. How can I give them structure and move them to more independence. It seems its time for me to study and learn more about "gradual release of responsibility."
Yesterday I changed up my lesson plans. I took out all our individual state books and split them among the tables. Students were asked to write the framework in their notebook to collect the notes from their reading. I also reminded them that the book might not answer all their questions. They would need to find another resource and include that information.
*Not all states have 5 counties.
Citations: Where did you find your information?
Next week I will give them the Diamante Template to plug in their information. The first part went well. They were excited to share with each other.
I adapted this diamante poem template as a state research tool, to provide new ways to synthesize research information.
Montana
Yellowstone Clearwater
Custer Carter Petroleum
Missoula Helena Billings Butte
Wheat Alfalfa Barley
Pictograph Caves Lake Elmo
Bitterroot
One of the teachers made a profound comment. "They need structure because many of them don't have it at home. When we don't provide structure it ends in chaos."
I knew that. Really I did. My aha moment came as I realized I was giving freedom and independence to early. I started to analyze how I could approach these classes differently. How can I give them structure and move them to more independence. It seems its time for me to study and learn more about "gradual release of responsibility."
Yesterday I changed up my lesson plans. I took out all our individual state books and split them among the tables. Students were asked to write the framework in their notebook to collect the notes from their reading. I also reminded them that the book might not answer all their questions. They would need to find another resource and include that information.
Information Source 1 Source 2
1
|
State Name
| ||
2
|
Rivers and lakes (4)
| ||
3
|
Landmarks (5)
| ||
4
|
Famous People (3)
| ||
5
|
State Bird
| ||
6
|
Agriculture and Products (5)
| ||
7
|
State Flower
| ||
8
|
Major Cities (4)
| ||
9
|
State Animal/mammal/fish
| ||
10
|
Names of Counties (5)*
| ||
11
|
State Parks (3)
| ||
12
|
National Parks
| ||
13
|
State Capitol
| ||
14
| |||
15
|
*Not all states have 5 counties.
Citations: Where did you find your information?
Next week I will give them the Diamante Template to plug in their information. The first part went well. They were excited to share with each other.
I adapted this diamante poem template as a state research tool, to provide new ways to synthesize research information.
State Research - Diamante Poem
Line 1: Write the name of your state.
Line 2: Write the name of two rivers or lakes in your state.
Line 3: Write the name of three counties located in your state.
Line 4: Write the names of four cities in your state.
Line 5: Write the name of three crops or products in your state.
Line 6: Write the name two state parks. ( Or one if it has two words in the title)
Line 7: Write the name of the state flower.
Montana
Yellowstone Clearwater
Custer Carter Petroleum
Missoula Helena Billings Butte
Wheat Alfalfa Barley
Pictograph Caves Lake Elmo
Bitterroot
