This class is designed to not only teach students how to use grammar to improve their writing and how to craft an organized piece of writing, but it is also designed to allow them the opportunity to explore the topics and ideas that are interesting and important to them.
I also promise to give students a chance to do something more active than worksheets or writing the whole time because I understand what it's like - I can't pay attention after sitting for 45 minutes in a teacher training, so I know it's an ineffective method of teaching. Here is a list and explanations of the strategies that I use.
- Class survey - The students only have two choices, so I will ask them to either stand or sit, hold up a yes or no, etc. If a student is incorrect, I explain the answer individually.
- White boards - Students answer grammar questions one at a time and I check for correct answers. If a student is incorrect, I explain the correct answer individually.
- Rally coach /table- Students use colored pencils to complete a grammar worksheet. After each question, they pass their papers and check their group member's work. Then they answer the next question on that worksheet with their colored pencil.
- Inside/outside circle - Class is divided into two circles (one around the other). The students face and quiz each other with index cards. Then they trade and rotate to new partners.
- Sentence creation - Students use or create sentence manipulatives so they can physically see the parts of a sentence.
- Numbered heads together - Students stand up to "put their heads together" to check answers on a worksheet.
- Fan and Pick - Students quiz each other with index cards.
Finally, I want to give the students a chance to write for a valid audience with publishing opportunities.
- Introduction/conclusion contest - To encourage interesting introductions and conclusions to the essays, students can compete in these contests and win prizes from the prize drawer.
- Reading party - At the end of each of the three essays, students sign up to bring in food, we decorate the room, and volunteers read their essays while sitting in the author's chair.
- Newspaper publication - Students will be encouraged to work diligently so they can have the opportunity to be published in the newspaper. |