Thursday, September 3rd, 2015

Target:  Learning how to build a community in the classroom. You will know the names of people in this class and be more comfortable being here.

Seating Chart Activity: At your table, take turns to introduce yourself and name a pet you have or have had. Brainstorm a list of good and bad things about seating charts.  Tallest person in the group takes notes, using a T-chart. After time is up, prepare a four-part presentation (with introduction) highlighting your best points.  Cold call 3 groups.

Seating Chart Writing Activity
In ten minutes, create a 5 part essay that explains why you should or should not have seating charts with on paragraph explaining the opposing viewpoint.

Pictures!!!!!!!!!!

Introduce Circle:  What is a circle?  Why do we do it?

Circle Activity: Picnic Name Game -- (In circle) Each of you will come up with an item that you will bring to the "picnic" -- the name of the item will begin with the same letter that begins your first name.  When it is your turn, you must name the previous 4 people and what they are bringing.

Activity: Go to the library for a choice reading book. When we return to the class, we'll be reading for 20 minutes, then writing for 5 minutes.

Activity: Tower Building -- Build a tower that is the tallest and most beautiful.  After the tower is built, design a presentation that explain the method the group used to create the tower. The score you receive will be based EQUALLY on height, beauty and your process presentation.

Cell Phone Policy Activity: What should the policy in the class be?  What is it based on?  How should it be enforced?
1) Set up a notes packet.
2) Identify purpose and put it in your notes.
3) Model note taking: Mr. Toohey will read the first two paragraphs, Mr. Burns will take notes. Share, explain, questions?
4) 10-minute independent reading with notes;
5) At your table identify best notes; gallery walk, standing by your favorite notes.
6) Final 10-minute of note-taking
7) Share most important information at your table.
8) Develop your policy.
9) TBA
Policies must:
1) Explain when or if cell phone use is allowed;
2) Explain consequences;
3) Explain teacher and student role in enforcement;

Activity: Group Biography -- Your group will be submitting and essay entitled "Our Group with Mad Skills." You will interview the person to your right, asking them questions about something that they do particularly well. You will then compose a paragraph that will describe in detail the skill and what it is that they do well.

Activity: Helium Loop -- in groups of 8 you'll be placing one finger under a hula hoop and trying to lower a it to the ground without loosing contact with it.