My apologies, yesterday afternoon was a bit crazy so I was unable to post, so here it is today:
This was the first full week together for students and staff...its hard to believe we've only known each other a little over a week. I've enjoyed getting to know your students. I promise to have names memorized by the time I post next week!
This week was probably the most "boring" week of history your child will experience (I hope). This is the week where I lecture in class and we just sort of go over the "how to's" of watching the videos at home. They may have been complaining that it was "just notes" and to tell the truth this week it was. However next week should be much more exciting.
In class this week we covered the various tools and skills that historians need in order to be able to accurately assess documents and texts about history. We also discussed primary sources versus secondary sources. Finally we learned how to actually watch a video at home (I modeled it for the students) that they should be watching it once through to fill in notes, underline, highlight, think and ask themselves questions, and once more through just to listen.
We also went over how to do a Critical Reading and started one together in class. I will be going over those on Wednesday for the classes that I see. They may feel some anxiety around this activity, please assure them that there is no "wrong answer" and that they should just try their best.
Many students have been on Schoology taking their quizzes, I'm really happy! I think for the most part we have worked out all the login/computer issues surrounding getting on to the site. If your student will not have regular internet access they will be meeting with me Monday 8th period to set up a plan to ensure they are able to complete all assignments on time.
Please remind your students that they only need to achieve an 80 % or better on a quiz. It has been engrained in them to redo it until they get 100% (which is fantastic) but under the Mastery Grading this will not result in a higher "grade" at the end of the term. Whether they score an 80% or a 100% it simply gets marked in my gradebook as "mastered." They are more than welcome for their own interest to take the quizzes until they get a 100, just know that they shouldn't be stressed about it as it isn't necessary.
If they are still confused on things like flashcards, Critical Readings and section reviews just keep in mind that it is still the first real week, I promise after a few times doing them they will be able to complete these tasks no problem. As always let me know if there are any questions.
Next week:
Monday and Tuesday we will be having an "in class Dig." Students will sit in teams and actually dig, photograph, and record artifacts. Tuesday they, along with their team, will create a presentation about what they think their "site" was. I will display those Tuesday night for back to school night.
Wednesday is a half day for students, those classes that I see will have a "mock" Critical Reading discussion to see how it works.
Thursday we will be reviewing for our first mastery test.
Friday we will be taking the test on the iPads in class. If students don't finish in class they may finish at home at their own pace.
As always let me know if you have questions, comments, or concerns. I hope to see you all Tuesday night for Welcome Back Night!
A note about parent meetings: A few people have asked about parent meetings and how to schedule one. Our Green Team policy is that we meet as a team. In other words if you want to call and schedule a meeting you are more than welcome to do so, but it would be a meeting with all 5 or 6 teachers. If you have an individual question for me you are welcome to email me or call me at the school and I would be happy to answer it. If you are planning to set up a meeting I recommend waiting until after back to school night in case your questions get answered. If you would still like a meeting after that you may send a note in with your child's homeroom teacher, or call guidance at the school.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! I look forward to seeing your child on Monday and you on Tuesday!
No comments:
Post a Comment