Overview - During the first full week of classes we will be introducing the project based learning environment to our students. It will take time to get used to this major adjustment, but over time the students will value the system for its true merits.
In Writing, which starts Tuesday, we will focus on drafting a professional resume. This resume will be used through the year to apply for various careers that are offered. Students will be expected to revise and adjust their resumes accordingly, depending upon the career field chosen during project time. If time permits, we will also try and create a smaller version of a cover letter, so they get an understanding of how to write one.
Monday - 9/8/14 -
Today, as a whole group, the students attended an assembly with Mr. Miller in the LGI room. A large amount of information was covered, ranging from disciplinary issues down to proper attire for a school setting. Students also signed behavioral contracts as well.
The remainder of the morning was spent in small groups. The groups continued to work on their character trait charts. They were expected to finalize their draft, get teacher approval on spelling/grammar, capture a picture of the trait in action, and present orally to the entire class. Overall, the project turned out to be a huge success. As teachers, we were looking for key indicators from the students: collaboration, communication, cooperation, creativity, and problem solving. We were simply facilitators, and not teachers. We gave hints when needed, but just guided them along for the majority of the time.
Tuesday - 9/9/14 -
Today was the first official day for writing class. The students were introduced to resume writing. We first talked about what a resume was and how it is used to gain employment. We discussed the main elements that all resumes should contain: education, previous employment, achievements, activities and major strengths. The students were very receptive toward creating their very own.
The groups then went to www.resumebuilderforkids.com, and we began filling out a template that simply asked questions about their experiences. The shocking reality was that a large majority of our students don't know where they live, as in addresses, towns and zip codes. Parents, please review your child's address and their contact information with them. This will not only help with completing resumes, but it is also a safety issue if they were ever in a predicament where they needed this information.
By Friday, we hope to have a rough draft and final copy completed of their resumes that will be used to apply for careers when our Greek Fest begins. We will be using the resume templates from Microsoft Publisher if any of you would like to get started at home.
Wednesday - 9/10/14 -
Students returned to the computer lab to revise their resume drafts from the first day. They logged back into resumebuilder.com and proceeded to add to their work. Capitalization was a major issue the day before, so we took some time to remind them about the importance of capitalizing proper nouns.
They were also reminded to turn in their (2) references tomorrow. The references can not be immediate family members. They must contact the person and ask their permission to be used as a reference. A phone number is required in order for us to contact them when the time comes for job interviews.
We will be moving forward with the resume work tomorrow. Students will be introduced to Microsoft Publisher. They will get a chance to choose a professional resume template that best suit their style. Then their rough draft resume from the previous days will be used as a backbone in the completion of their professional copy. This is where we will use their references and phone numbers.
Thursday - 9/11/14 -
After having worked the two previous days on a resume workshop, we are now moving forward with our professional resumes. The students will be drafting a professional copy in paper/pencil form using a modeled example created by their teacher. Their basic resume information is now being transferred over into a professional model. We are guiding them through this process, and yes there will be minor issues, but by the time we finish, the groups will be capable of instructing seniors in the process.
The groups were educated on underlining, adding bullets, hyphenating, and indenting. These are key features of the resume process. They were also instructed on how to capitalize, bold, and change font sizes, in order to make certain headings clearly stand out. B tomorrow, we will actually be typing their finished work. The final results will be completed by early next week. I will post example of their work on my blogspot page early next week.
Friday - 9/12/14 -
Today was the final round of drafted resumes. Students were able to "polish up" or "revise" their drafts before we begin the final phase of their professional resumes on Monday. There are multiple Common Core Standards being met with this unit, along with the 21st Century critical thinking skills for career readiness. A deadline was set and the kids stepped up to the plate by finishing all of their drafts today. Some students may work with their parents this weekend on their final resumes, but are not required. Those that take the initiative will receive an additional +10 points on their final grade.
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