Mid-Planning

Recently, I started an internship on Thursdays with Cindy Dobrez the middle school librarian. Since she works at Amy's school, she wants to be actively involved with the planning process. She has suggested that the collection for myth and legend books be increased with more current titles. I will be working with Cindy to make these selections and purchase the order, so we can use it for the unit. I am very excited to be working on a unit from several different avenues. It is also a wonderful opportunity to have three minds working for one goal.

Amy and I met over dinner one Sunday, so that we could start implementing data into the wiki and finalizing our goals for the unit. Amy is hesitate about using the wiki, so I am actually logging in and inputting the data. Amy had finalized the topics to be taught and the content standards. We decided on a unit goal and the project outcome. We also determined the prior knowledge a student should have, in order to successfully complete the project. We also outlined student responsibilities.

Amy will be responsible for introducing the students to various myths and legends, through literature. She will continue reinforcing the literary objectives. She still has to determine the parameters of the research she wishes the students to conduct. So far, the goal is for each student to research a Greek god, provide their superpower, story, order in the hierarchy, the rest to be determined. Amy will construct a rubric for this portion of the project. She will also introduce and begin reading The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. She will discuss the history of myths and legends and their importance for learning about a culture. She will distribute daily worksheets and quizzes when appropriate.

I will be aiding in purchasing print materials on myths and legends. Cindy and I will be choosing titles that will support this portion of the curriculum. The goal is to have the books purchased and processed, so the students can utilize them in the classroom and also for their research project. I will also be composing a list of Internet sites focusing on Greek gods, that the students will use for research.

I will be responsible for teaching students how to properly document both print and electronic resources based on the APA style. I will have a lesson on plagiarism and what not to do. I will also have a lesson on legitimate v. inaccurate content based websites. I will be teaching the students how to use the PowerPoint software and to add various video, audio and transition elements. I will also be teaching a lesson on good presentation skills. I will be creating the rubric for both the PowerPoint slide show and Student Presentations.

Cindy just purchased some very small video cameras, about the size of an IPod. We would like the students to utilize the cameras and implement the footage into their PowerPoint slides. We still have to determine if all students, or only early finishers will have this opportunity.

For all aspects of the unit, we will have three separate rubrics and assessment quizzes; General, ELL and Special.

We have worked extremely well together. I am very eager to be a part of this process and have no complaints. Amy and Cindy are both extremely professional and have phenomenal reputations, I am very lucky to be working with them on this project.