The Odyssey- Create a Hero!

In this warm-up to the Odyssey, please create a god/superhero type of being who has the ability to save the world from a specific problem!
Please read the directions from the handout, and see my example below from the class discussion. Use your imagination, have fun, and be thorough!

UPDATE: 1/11/2017  Here are some heroes that your class has decided that we need today. Note the issues that your peers want to have solved.  What do these texts teach us about ourselves as a culture?

                                                                       

Collaborative Learning Reflection

Now that you have completed and presented your lessons to the class, please respond to the following reflection sheet.  Hard copies are available in class.

This is a confidential reflection paper.

Please analyze YOUR contribution thoroughly. What could you improve on next time? What made you proud?

**Keep in mind that if you were not happy with the content, the presentation, the response from the class or your partners, that you are to use language that addresses the issue in a professional, not personal manner.  You should be truthful and tactful when reporting problems.

The copy is below:

Confidential Group Work/Project Reflection

In this reflection open response, please explain in detail your experience completing this project. Honesty is the MOST important quality of a reflection or else it is a colossal waste of our time.

The way to ensure that you have reflected honestly is to provide concrete, specific examples to support your assertions. 

For example, if you say that “Fred was a good leader”, then you need to provide a SPECIFIC detail about his leadership style. 

Example: “Fred took charge by assigning each of us our duties.  When we had a conflict, Fred stopped the argument, heard both sides of the issue, and convinced us to choose to do a video over a power point presentation, explaining that everyone could be better involved in the project that way.”

Start from the first time that you met, to the presentation of your final project.

In your response, please address the following:

·         Group work:  What role did the other group members take?  What was your role?  Did the group mesh well from the beginning, or did it take some time to learn each others’ work styles?  What was the best part of working with the individuals in your group?  What have you learned about YOURSELF as a group member?

·         The Project: How did you decide on the type of project that you completed?  What strengths did you and your group members possess that made your decision easier? Did you have disagreements about what type of project to complete, or how to complete them?  How did you resolve your disagreements?  If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?

·         The Result: Now that you have presented your work to the class, how do you rate the final result?  Was the actual result different than what you envisioned?  How so? Are you pleased with your contribution to the project?  Why or why not? Was it fun?  Was it anxiety-provoking?  Was it boring? Select an adjective for the overall experience, and explain how YOU contributed to that description of the experience.

·         Your Voice:  What should I know about this project experience that you have not already addressed?  Please explain in detail.

Please edit for focus, clarity, spelling and grammar.  Turn in for a grade.

Lessons Around the World

This week, you will spend 3 days in the library preparing lessons to teach the class about your topic.
Be creative, thoughtful, and thorough in your planning. Lessons will be taught on Friday, October 13, 2017.
Here are the requirements:

Teach Us a Lesson- Current Events, UpFront Magazine

Please compare your lesson to this rubric BEFORE the due date.  Look at what is required, and make adjustments as necessary.

Criteria	100	75	50	0
All worksheets and planning materials are handed in, and well prepared for all group members.
Your presentation included an inquiry about what your students already knew about your topic
Your lesson contained:  a clearly stated big idea, important background information, and clearly connected details from the text
Your activity was well organized, and helped students understand your lesson.
You assessed what students took away from your lesson with a wrap up activity.
You all turned in your reflection sheets.

I am really looking forward to learning from you!  I can see that you are working hard on this project! Keep up the great work!

This Week...UpFront Magazine Articles

This week in class, you are going to be in groups, exploring a current event issue found in UpFront Magazine.  Your assignment is to learn about the topic, discuss your opinions using the rules of civil discourse, and create an interesting lesson on your topic for your classmates using PowerPoint or Sway. We will be going to the library next week to work on your presentations. Enjoy!

   

Alternate Assignment: Period 6 will read articles and take notes in order to write effectively using key ideas and details from the text to demonstrate learning.

Cooperative Learning

Participation consists of homework, discussions and contribution to collaborative learning.

100% Participation!

                                      

Analyze this! Two Women...Two Journeys...Two Questions

You have just finished reading Plainswoman, by Williams Forrest, and The Necklace, by Guy de Maupassant.  Both stories teach us about choice, strength, resiliency and growth. In your own words, please answer the Essential Questions for BOTH stories, and be ready to share out in class.

As a reminder, the EQs *(Essential Questions) are: "What does this text teach me about humanity?" and "What does this text teach me about myself?"
Your answers are due, neatly written, on Monday, October 2, 2017.

Use Your Words!

Today in class, we began the story assessment.  The homework is to use your student email to collaborate to finish the story. Keep in mind that tomorrow is a Wave Week Wednesday, so you can also get together in the library or cafeteria to do the finishing touches on your work.

Here are the directions:
Tell me a story using all 4 characters in your group.  Why?
1. Using new vocabulary helps you LEARN it well.
2. You are taking your learning and putting it into a group-created context.

Story Requirements:
1. Background Information: Setting (time and place), and situation
2. Conflict:  Create a problem that must be solved.
3. Resolution: Tie up loose ends.

Please do your part to contribute to the group task.  An accountability sheet will be circulated at the beginning of class tomorrow.

Have fun and learn!