Settling In

We are working to get our expectations and procedures established; however, the first couple of weeks can be overwhelming and there are constantly questions about what we are expected to do and when.

Today in class, we had a quick informal assessment about our reading from yesterday's class. Since we spent so much time focused on this selection, I thought it was fair to see how was really paying attention and to assess what we needed to do to make sure everyone understands.

Students established the notebooks using the following sections: Resources, Writing Literature, Journal, and Grammar. This correlates to our syllabus.

I also discussed how I handle late or unfinished work. Every two weeks, I will offer "help" sessions. I do this then because the skills and content are fresh and I believe that the work that has not been finished in necessary to take students to the next level of understanding and build a solid foundation.

Students completed guided reading questions on "Fish Cheeks" and re-read the text using the lens of "contrast and contradiction"--one of our Notice & Note strategies. The ticket out the door was being able to write a statement that demonstrates why Tan uses this technique. What is she attempting to get her reader to understand?