Thursday, February 17, 2011

Leaving Independence, Missouri

Student's play Riley's "Ninja" game at the end of this morning's meeting.

Click here from a couple more picture from this morning's game.

Today "families" wheeled away from Independence, Missouri.  Their first scenario was to decide whether to leave right away or to stay a little longer and top off their water.  The families (two of four) that decided to fill up lost a health point because they got cholera.  After each simulation students spend ten minutes writing in their journal about the day's activities.  Below is an example journal entry.

Sample journal entry from Independence, Missouri.  Students create stories based on their "families" and surroundings.
Reading groups went well again today.  In addition to student-assigned jobs, the entire group needs to respond to comprehension questions such as this one from chapter two and these from chapter 1.  Students feel most successful when after spending extra time reading (and re-reading) the chapter (I've been encouraging students to re-read chapters at home)--they are more able to answer comprehension questions, make textual connections and fully participate in the discussion.   Students will be responsible for reading up to chapter 4 due by  Wednesday after break.  It's always helpful to re-read earlier chapters during the break.  Also, practicing math facts (either by flashcards or via computer on multiplication.com) is a nice filler activity.

Have a wonderful President's Week break!