We've finished our debates in English class, and now we're transitioning from argument to narrative. We are learning a new set of vocabulary and our first quiz is Monday. In our drama classes, we're using monologues we've written in order to practice being true. We want to create characters who are honest and real. Our guest artists, Carolyn and Jared, and working with the high school class to create performance pieces we will be proud to share schoolwide come December. Advisory is busy creating public service announcements to put on video and our website. Busy busy.
Well, it's been a month since I blogged and we're at the end of our first marking period. Grade time always brings good news and some bad, but right now things are going pretty well. Our English classes are finally getting an opportunity to put the tools of argument to use as we prepare for our upcoming debate. Our drama classes have performed a few times and look very promising. We have the added excitement of visiting artists joining our high school classes beginning next week. Feeling lucky.
Well, we had an excellent first week. We spent time getting to know one another, and I was especially gratified to see students reach out to new friends and begin to form working relationships that will become the foundation of a successful semester.
This week, my English 9 students will begin our unit on Argument/Persuasion. After a grammar diagnostic on Monday, we'll start our vocabulary practice and get going on crafting arguments supported with evidence. My drama classes will begin storytelling which will incorporate character work. Advisory will explore the Habits of Heart and Mind. It should be lots of fun. Success! Excellent first day with excellent classes. Lots of familiar faces and new ones ready to work. We went over the syllabus, assuaged a few misgivings, particularly in drama class, and generally began to learn about the people we'll be spending the next ten months working with. Tomorrow (same schedule as today) we'll turn in each signed syllabus and find out a little more via the Student Information Form, .
Well, it's almost here. There has been a lot to do in order to get ready, and the school has been full of teachers planning together, setting up rooms, makin' copies. Tomorrow we start. It's often a day of reconnecting as friends find each other and catch up. There will also be many new faces--teachers and students--to be welcomed into the NOW Academy family. We'll begin to learn one another's names and go over the expectations in each class. And the homework! Very exciting. I don't know for sure what shape this blog will take. I understand the purposes of the other pages of the website, but the nature of this discussion/conversation/reflection will develop over time.
I suppose it begins with my conviction that our work should be transparent--that students and parents should have a window into the process by which the class is developed. I think we need a space not only for the business of the class, but also for discussing the business of the class, and I hope this blog becomes at least partly that. As for the rest, time will tell. It's only the beginning. |
Jeffrey Waid I came to Los Angeles more than twenty years ago, and I've been teaching school ever since. I worked at Los Angeles Senior High School for years before coming to the NOW Academy five years ago, and I'm proud to be a member of this remarkable team.
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