Literacy - September 15, 2016

Today was my first opportunity for guest teaching!  I was able to spend time in Anah Austin's Literacy class 6th period.  Anah and I met the day before to review the lesson.  She explained to me that her classes read an "Article of the Week" each week.  It usually is about a hot topic or something relevant to current events.  After reading the article, students are expected to write an opinion paragraph about the topic using evidence from the article or other research.  Ms. Austin confessed that her students struggle with using evidence to support their opinions and then  finding reasons why that evidence backs up their opinion.  I was able to share that in my government classes, we had similar struggles.  I used to have students write an opinion paper based on a document based question.  Students would often be able to find evidence, but really had a hard time connecting the evidence to their thesis statement by using reasoning.

Ms. Austin created a lesson based around the topic of school uniforms - for or against.  She then provided evidence and reasons for both sides.  Students were to work in groups to sort the evidence and reasons by side (for or against) and then match the supporting reasons.  This activity would help them learn the difference between evidence and reasons and how they support a thesis statement.  She also informed me that she reads to her students every Thursday.  I was really excited to get in the classroom and thought this was a great lesson.  It gave me some freedom to introduce the topic, but was a fun, cooperative learning lesson.

I began the class by introducing myself and talking about why I wanted to embark on this guest teaching adventure.  Students thought it was a little strange, or maybe just surprising.  After taking attendance, I told them I would read for just a bit.  I asked them to tell me about the book they have been reading.  It is called Stuck in Neutral.  They did a wonderful job explaining it to me and I was able to finish a chapter.

Next I started to explain the day's activity.  I was met with a lot of resistance because on one of the classroom boards it said "SSR" and the students were determined to have a free reading day!  I convinced them that we were going to at least start this activity.  I introduced the topic of school uniforms and asked for some opinions.  Most students were against school uniforms, but there were a few who were in favor.  Those students in favor talked about how it would make their lives less stressful because they wouldn't have to worry about what to wear!  They also said that there wouldn't be conflict between those people with the "stylish", expensive clothes and those without.  The students against uniforms talked about losing their freedoms, uniforms are not usually nice looking, and religious beliefs should allow them to choose.  I thought both side presented really thoughtful arguments.  It was a great discussion with several different students participating.

Then I explained that if they were to write a paper about this topic, they would start with a thesis statement.  I asked if they knew what that was and they looked at me with blank faces!  I thought for sure Ms. Austin had talked about thesis statements since she discussed using evidence to support one.  (I later found out she just hadn't used that terminology.)  Students took some good guesses and some not as good - "you mean, like poop?!" (That student had thought I had said feces!)  I explained that a thesis statement is like your main idea statement and then they finally got it.  I explained the activity and they got to work.  The students were on task and working hard.  The time flew by and soon it was the end of the period.

I learned a lot this first week.  Students were very receptive to having me in class.  I enjoyed listening and having thoughtful conversations with the students.  I learned that I need to be specific in my language and directions.  I also learned I need to monitor the clock because we ran out of time to clean up.  I learned that there are many different facets to the Literacy class.  It isn't just reading books and talking about them.  There is a nonfiction piece to the curriculum, as well as a writing portion.

I really appreciate Ms. Austin and her class for being the guinea pigs!  It was a great way to kick off my adventure.  Next up - Mr. Ahern's PreAlgebra 8 class!

Here are a couple of photos from Ms. Austin's class.  They were working so hard!