1. Once-A-Week Homework
My once-a-week homework assignments are assigned by using a Google Form. My students find this convenient and easier to accomplish. Once students have read the passage and filled in the Google Form they then hit SUBMIT, the answers go to my RESPONSE form. I have installed a script called FLUBAROO, which then grades every student’s paper for me. I still need to enter them into my grade book, but I don’t have a bunch of papers to carry home to grade. I can print the EXCEL form or save it for my records. I don’t really have to do either of these two things because it is always available in my GOOGLE DRIVE account.
Check one out...
Here is a link to the passage: The Mighty Oak
Now, the link to the Google Form for your answers: ASSESSMENT
I purchased 60 StudySync seats for my two 10th grade classes this year. This program includes reading, writing, and critical thinking. Common Core is built into StudySync. StudySync’s nonfiction passages are super and would be a good supplement for all content areas. Once assignments are completed, students are required to use the rubric for the passage to evaluate and reflect on two of their peers’ responses. What students don’t learn on their assignment, they may pick up when they are reading their peers’ responses.
Due to adding small group rotations three days a week, we haven’t been able to utilize StudySync to its full potential, but include it into instruction when time is available.
I am attaching a short video showing how Bishop Moore High School in Orlando uses StudySync just so you know a little more about what I am trying to do with it in my classroom.
Source: ME and StudySync
I firmly believe that when you talk about what you are learning you learn more. I have always used buddy groups and small groups because of my belief in collaboration. My classes on rotation days are broken down into three groups (8 or 9 in each group). Rotation #1 is always a computer activity on vocabulary terms from the passage we are about to read that week. While on the computer, students work with a buddy due to having only 4 student computers. Rotation #2 varies. It could be another type of vocabulary activity, or an activity to help provide background knowledge for the new passage. If it is a vocabulary activity students work on their own. If it isn’t a vocabulary activity, then they form their conference table and work as a group. Rotation #3 is with me. This rotation could be a workbook activity, data chat on a test they have just completed, or reviewing an assignment that was difficult for them. There is collaboration going on in all group rotations.