Writing Circles

Start out writing together as a class. As I do with literature circles, encourage independence through roles that reflect the 6 traits.

First Few Days

Establish "Class Conversation" rules as works for everyone in class.

Perhaps a bit of scope 'in construction'?

Minilessons

• Model a citation
• Unity – Practice writing the thesis and topic sentences out as a paragraph. Read it aloud to see if it works as a cohesive piece.
• Parallel structure
• Sentence Beginnings
• Ask the Language Expert
• How do I convert video files to other forms as well as compress them for use on websites and wikis?

New Writing Topics

• Problem-solving
• Client/customer relations
• Research Idea: Detailed proposal to purchase new, cutting edge equipment.
• Research Idea – Understanding different cultures and customer service

New Project Ideas

• Management of complicated and complex situations using a system of checklists, revision of checklists for clarity, member empowered teamwork and ‘pause points’ (a concept derived from The Checklist Manifesto – Construction Ch3, Culinary – Ch4). Product could include reading and scenarios and assessing existing systems, designing systems for complicated and complex tasks, narrating their use in hypothetically complicated and complex situations, essay reflections, etc…)
• Portfolio Checklists
• Three C’s “Story with a hole” Whole class and pairs. Use digital recorders to document
• Jigsaw in Pairs
• Smart Board – Diagram instruction (very ‘practical’)
o Culinary – plate presentation
o Construction – plans
o Criminal Justice – a siege?
o Auto – some diagram of an intended repair
o COS – A finished product (hair-cut, make-up, etc), breakdown of technique

Grade 11 Literacy Help
• Nancy – COS Research paper help on Jan. 3, 2011
• Nancy – COS Practical Outlining – Creating a cohesive and unified paragraph from the thesis statement and topic sentences – January 24, 2011

Any advice on my lesson plans?

Thoughts on a Reading Program

In addition to book (like selections) clubs,

Institute individualized, independent reading of high interest materials

AND

then have students jigsaw in pairs (focus on content, format and organization, opinions...).

In conclusions, either facilitate a class debrief or have students write a reflection on what he/she learned about his or her friend's selection.