AP Seminar: Nov. 6-24

Looking ahead at my packed calendar for the next few weeks leads me to believe this blog won’t get written on the weekends! Instead, I’m going to give an overview of the next three weeks and then I’ll check back in after Thanksgiving.

What We’re Working On

Students have started their second practice performance task. This one is independent, and they’ve all chosen research questions and begun their work! One thing we worked on Friday was seeking out information from trusted experts. They all drafted and sent emails to a teacher in the building and shared their blog entries explaining their research questions. I encouraged them to email you, as well! Hopefully you will get a chance to look at their blogs and chat about their questions with them. I want them to get in the habit of talking about their questions with lots of people because that is the best way to make sure you’re considering lots of perspectives.

Balancing the Workload

Since this is a big, independent project, I fear it will be tempting for some to procrastinate. Please help your students avoid this!! They have a calendar for the month, and we’ve talked about ways to manage deadlines, but some reminders from home will help, too.  

• This week: We will have research and individual research report conferences. Students may use their conference to talk to me about their research and/or the draft of their written report. Wise students will have drafts done so they can ask questions!
  
• Next week: Individual research reports will be due Monday and we will begin writing their individual written arguments. It will be tempting this week to ease up take a break, but the more writing they do next week, the better their Thanksgiving break will be.
  
• The week of Thanksgiving: We will have writing conferences about their individual written arguments. Wise students will have drafts done so that all they have to do over break is minor edits.
  

We have LOTS of work time built into class; the more students can stay organized and work steadily, the happier they’ll be!!

I’ll check back in after Thanksgiving; in the meantime, feel free to email or call with any questions.