We had a full class time for our first day of ACT Prep and College Essays class. We started the class with a cooperative game that I've played with other groups called group juggling (see this video). Not only is it a good way to work on names, it also gave us some analogies about working as a team, communication, and goal setting. I don't usually do cooperative games in class, but every now and then they serve a good purpose. At the beginning of every class I usually start with a Quick Write, which is a short writing activity intended to get students thinking and then putting their thoughts on paper. The prompts can range from deep philosophical ideas to current events to light-hearted topics. This week's prompt asked the students to write convincing arguments why they should be admitted to the exclusive "Awesome Problem Solving Club" and include specific contributions that they might make. Their responses showed a wonderful blend of the practical skills, interpersonal abilities, and creativity that are in this group of students.
Most of the first week of class is spent introducing the class and handing out a number of papers to get us started. I begin every year with a Class Policies document, which lays out some guidelines for positive interactions in the class, homework guidelines, and communication resources. I think that I forgot to mention to the students that they need to have you read and sign this and then bring it back to class next week. It's pretty straightforward but feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
The next document was the Syllabus that lists the discussion topics and assignments for the semester. The class is divided in half: preparing for the ACT and writing test and application essays. Some days we might spend more time on one topic than the other, but students should use this as a reference, especially if they miss a week.
We are using the Cracking the ACT book published by Princeton Review, and for each section of the book, I will discuss the main points and work some sample questions in class. This week I gave an overview of Chapters 1 - 4. Their homework then will be to read the portions of the book just discussed, work through the rest of the samples, and complete the drills at the end of the chapter. In class this week we talked about note-taking and about being active readers. (These are important study and learning skills that we will be working on throughout the semester.) Students will also take practice tests for each of the sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science). Because the students are reading the information AFTER it's been discussed in class, they should bring to class any questions about the reading or about troublesome topics that they need clarifying.
Assignments for Week 2 (Aug. 29)
-- Read Chapters 1 - 4
-- Be an active reader by highlighting and taking notes in your book
-- Complete the "Where Will I Go?" worksheet
-- Read and have parent sign the Class Policies document
Links for This Week
Class Notes
The New SAT
Top Tips for the SAT Essay
Google Drive Folder
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