Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Red Ribbon Week: October 27-31

Red Ribbon Week is scheduled for October 27-31 at Castleberry High School. Red Ribbon Week is a nation-wide drug prevention campaign and serves as a vehicle for communities, schools and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children/students through a commitment to drug prevention and education. In addition, Red Ribbon Week gives students at CHS an opportunity to make a personal commitment to live drug free lives.
Red Ribbon Week commemorates the sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena, who died in Mexico while fighting the battle against drugs to keep our country and children safe. In honor of Camarena's memory, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. For more about the story behind the symbol and Enrique Camarena, please access the link below.

http://www.defense.gov/specials/drugawareness/rrstory.html

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Strategies to Extend Student Thinking in the Classroom

Teachers informally check for understanding throughout the class period by asking questions of students. Below are strategies to add to your teacher "toolkit" to extend student thinking in the classroom.

Utilize "think-pair-share" - 30 seconds of think time; one minute of discussion with partner; open up the class to discussion

Remember "wait time" - 10 to 20 seconds following a higher-level question

Ask "follow-ups" - Why do you think...? Do you agree? Can you elaborate ...? What evidence supports...?

Survey the class - How many people agree...? Thumbs up; thumbs down.

Ask for a summary - Could you please summarize ____'s point/answer? (promote active listening).