This is one of my favorite pieces of art that has been on display in a local gallery in downtown Portland. I love it, but not enough to spend $5,000 on buying it! Photo taken in March 2017.
Dear class,
Most of today was devoted to a discussion about the American Dream and if it is a possible reality for everyone. Here's what happened in class today:
Most of today was devoted to a discussion about the American Dream and if it is a possible reality for everyone. Here's what happened in class today:
Learning Targets Addressed:
Communication LT 1: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Critical Thinking LT 5: I can justify and support arguments or interpretation with appropriate evidence.
AGENDA 2/4/19:
News Brief - Julian
Black History Month
Socratic Seminar
Debrief
Homework: Read the blog! If you missed class and/or did not participate in the discussion today, I would like you to write a page summary about your thoughts on if the American Dream is attainable for everyone. Be good for the guest teacher next class! Next news brief: Joseph.
News Brief: Julian had the news brief today and selected an article about this story to talk about: NPR.org - 5 Die As Plane Breaks Apart, Crashes Into Neighborhood In Southern California. After discussing the story, we also checked in to see if anyone was up to anything interesting or fun outside of class.
Joseph was assigned to do the next news brief.
As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):
Joseph was assigned to do the next news brief.
As part of the news brief, we also watched the one minute BBC World News update. Here's the link to see the latest one minute update, at any time of day (it will probably be different from what we watched in class):
BBCNews.com - One-minute World News
Black History Month: Because the month of February is designated as Black History Month, I will be seeking to incorporate some ways of recognizing it in class. The soundtrack will be one aspect, and another will be to share a fact or two relating to Black history surrounding the day our class meets. Since today is February 4, the fact is that Rosa Parks (born Rosa Louise McCauley) was born on this day in 1913. In the past, I have had students volunteer to share in class about important figures in Black history - let me know if you would be up for doing this!
Socratic Seminar: Next, we had a Socratic Seminar discussion on the question: "Is the American Dream attainable by everyone?" We prepared for this last week, by going through this packet with readings with opinions about the status of the American Dream:
The packet was be turned in and assessed for a Critical Thinking grade, in combination with the Communication grade from the Seminar.
The second page of the packet asks students for their thoughts on if the American Dream is attainable by everyone, and for some higher level questions. This formed the basis of the conversation today in class, as we circled up and had two different groups have a conversation.
Debrief: After the discussion, I asked students to complete this self-assessment form:
The packet was be turned in and assessed for a Critical Thinking grade, in combination with the Communication grade from the Seminar.
The second page of the packet asks students for their thoughts on if the American Dream is attainable by everyone, and for some higher level questions. This formed the basis of the conversation today in class, as we circled up and had two different groups have a conversation.
Debrief: After the discussion, I asked students to complete this self-assessment form:
Thank you for your participation and the interesting conversation today, everyone! I enjoyed hearing your thoughts!
Next class, on Wednesday, it will be a short day with a guest teacher (you might see me back to teach Community, but I will not be in class), as I am at another all day 9th Grade Success meeting. Students will likely be wrapping up this mini-unit on the American Dream revisited by watching a video and composing some final thoughts.
Zach, Hw done
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