9. DEAR ABSENT STUDENT (Writing, Feedback, Collaboration)
Description: This activity serves as a way for students to scaffold information learned using the format of an informal letter to an absent student.
Application: Use this activity as a review of information learned in a class period.
Process: At the end of a class period, ask students to “write a letter to __________” (name a student who is not in class), explaining the main idea of the day’s lesson. Guide students to use specific vocabulary and content when explaining. Ask students to read their letter to a partner and then to select the better of the two. From that selection, ask students to read the letter to another person, again, selecting the better of the two. (If the class is large, one more elimination round is possible.) From that set of students, ask students to share their letters with the entire class. Elicit responses from the group.
Description: This activity serves as a way for students to scaffold information learned using the format of an informal letter to an absent student.
Application: Use this activity as a review of information learned in a class period.
Process: At the end of a class period, ask students to “write a letter to __________” (name a student who is not in class), explaining the main idea of the day’s lesson. Guide students to use specific vocabulary and content when explaining. Ask students to read their letter to a partner and then to select the better of the two. From that selection, ask students to read the letter to another person, again, selecting the better of the two. (If the class is large, one more elimination round is possible.) From that set of students, ask students to share their letters with the entire class. Elicit responses from the group.
Reference and/or for more information:
9. Dear Absent Student
http://www.citrussocialstudies.wikispaces.com/file/view/Dear+Absent+Student.doc
9. Dear Absent Student
http://www.citrussocialstudies.wikispaces.com/file/view/Dear+Absent+Student.doc