Interactive Syllabus Challenge
6August 12, 2012 by Kara
It is important that students know the expectations of the class; however, it does not make the most interesting lesson plan. Here’s an explanation of what I do to make this as fun as possible.
The first page of my syllabus is what they will be able to do at the end of the year. This is based on our JCPS Student Profiles. They have already seen most of this information from the “proficiency level” explanation, so I ask them to highlight some main ideas.
The back includes rules and procedures that are set in stone. The “TAPP” procedures are stolen from Megan’s “PRP” one. These are based our school’s Initials, are positive, and easy to reference if a student is not following them.
I put signs around the room to explain procedures, like going to the bathroom. I know that they are not going to get out their syllabus to look up how to do these tasks. We also do a few lesson plans that directly teach procedures using the target language (this will be my next post). This also allows me to change them if needed. Some years I have classes that need a little more “structure” than others.
Taken in Kim W.’s classroom
Generally I put the syllabus on my wikispaces (or I’m thinking a blog for this year). I show them how to access the site, create their own password, and then we have a little fun with the syllabus. I give them a syllabus challenge! I pair them up and they complete the following (I took out the extra white space to fit better on the post). I want them up out of their seats to answer some of these.
What do you do with the syllabus?
Megan
rachel573
Kara
This gives the syllabus a fresh perspective. Also involves the students a productive and proactive manner.
I love this. Great idea.
This is a great idea. After 33 years in the classroom, I am always looking for something new, fresh, different…..better than what I have been doing. I have gone back through many of your previous posts and found some great ideas that I am hoping to adapt and use. Thanks so much for sharing.
Awesome! So glad to hear. I think freshening up old lessons is what keeps it fun for us too.
Would you share with me a copy of the stamp sheet you use for your preparation grade? I have used a stamp sheet too but yours sounds more in depth than mine and I am very curious about it and your unit goals.
Sure! Look at the tabs at the top of the site. Click on “Class Routines” and then on “Stamp sheets”. There is a link to all of them.