Search-A-Word

__**Pre-activity:**__ Lesson One: Library introduction Lesson Two: Computer resources introduction Lesson Three: Blog entry Lesson Four: Debate "The most dynamic word on the blog"
 * __Goals:__**
 * 1) To link vocabulary instruction in freshman English classes with orientation of freshman to the library resources available at the high school.
 * 2) To familiarize students with the vocabulary found in the text they will be reading for English class.
 * 3) To introduce students to the use of a blog for a class writing assignment.
 * __Essential Questions__**:
 * 1) What resources are available in the school library media center (LMC)?
 * 2) How can a student access those resources?
 * 3) What information can be obtained about a single word in the English language using the LMC?
 * __Content__**:
 * 1) Tier 2 Vocabulary words from the current book to be read in English class.
 * __Skills__**:
 * 1) Location of information within the LMC and in computer resources.
 * 2) Understanding of basic library organization.
 * 3) Knowledge of the existence of proprietary online resources available through the LMC and public library.
 * 4) Use of a blog for a writing assignment.
 * __Assessments__**:
 * 1) Completion of worksheets 1 and 2 (see links in lesson one and two). 25% each
 * 2) Classroom blog entry for assigned word [[file:Scoring for Blog entry.doc]] 26%
 * 3) Participation in classroom discussion "The most dynamic word from the blog." [[file:Rubrics for group discussion and debates.doc]] 24% of grade
 * 1) In classroom, in groups, students identify and build a list of words in the text that are unfamiliar.
 * 2) Teacher assigns, or has students pick, individual words from the list to research.
 * __Lessons__**:
 * The library media specialist (LMS) presents the rules, procedures, and lay-out of the LMC.
 * Classroom teacher models the search for resources about the book the class is reading using the LMC catalog with help from the LMS.
 * Together the two teachers model finding answers for [[file:Word Search Worksheet 1.doc]].
 * Students find answers for their own word among the LMC print resources.
 * LMS presents school rules about computer use.
 * LMS and classroom teacher model use of online resources for [[file:Word Search Worksheet 2.doc]].
 * Students find answers for their own word on LMC computers.
 * Teachers present and discuss with class: nature of blogs, use of blogs in education, classroom assignment using blog.
 * LMS demonstrates class blog (prototype: http://searchaword.pbwiki.com/FrontPage, password = ghs ) while classroom teacher asks students for possible reasons why a word could be interesting or dull. Those suggestions will be logged onto the designated blog page to model blog entry procedures.
 * Once students have completed their text entry, they may take time to finish their worksheets, or, if done, add images or otherwise embellish their blog entry. Students will be urged to "lock" their entry once they are finished.
 * Groups of 3-5 students read through the blog for homework.
 * Groups decide which word the group will sponsor and elects a spokesperson who will convey the groups' arguments.
 * Each group registers their word with the teacher.
 * Each spokesman gets 2 min. to present. Class votes.
 * __Essential understandings__**
 * 1) Each word in the English language has an origin and history
 * 2) The library has resources for information beyond Google.


 * __Extensions:__**
 * 1) Students will go on to read the assigned book with some knowledge of unfamiliar words and tools for finding the meaning of other unfamiliar words in the LMC.
 * 2) The tools students used in this assignment will be used again in other visits to the LMC with and without their classes.
 * __Adaptations & differentiated instruction:__**
 * 1) To be provided in response to the IEP of any special education or handicapped students in the class.
 * 2) Library computers are equipped with text reading software and text enlargement software.
 * 3) Classroom teacher, LMC, and library aide will all be available to assist individual students.
 * 4) Visual learners will be encouraged to work with the images feature of the blog.


 * __Standards__**:
 * 1) 9-10C.24.05 ~ Research ~ Formulate open-ended research questions and apply steps for obtaining and evaluating information from a variety of sources, organizing information, documenting sources in a consistent and standard format, and presenting research.
 * 2) 9-10L.03.14 ~ Oral Presentation ~ Give formal and informal talks to various audiences and for various purposes using appropriate level of formality and rhetorical devices.
 * 3) 9-10L.04.24 ~ Vocabulary and Concept Development ~ Use knowledge of Greek, Latin, and Norse mythology, the Bible, and other works often alluded to in British and American literature to understand the meanings of new words.
 * 4) 9-10L.04.25 ~ Vocabulary and Concept Development ~ Use general dictionaries, specialized dictionaries, thesauruses, or related references as needed to increase learning.
 * 5) 9-10L.05.29 ~ Structure and Origins of Modern English ~ Describe the origins and meanings of common words and foreign words or phrases used frequently in written English, and show their relationship to historical events or developments (glasnost, coup d’état).