Discovery and Decoration
Posted by drpezz on February 5, 2008
Eureka! I created a way to keep my bulletin boards changing frequently without increasing my workload. I know it’s not rocket science or a monumental unearthing of educational knowledge, but I got the students to do the work.
I copied off a lengthy list of events, people, and items dealing with the 1920s in preparation for our unit on The Great Gatsby and gave the list to the kids. They crossed off all of the ones they could compose three detailed sentences about and then they chose two of the ones not crossed off to research. I passed around a master list, and they signed up for two items on the list.
They got two days to research the two topics and to create two 8-12 sentence summaries of their findings, which each contain at least one image and a proper MLA citation. While I am out of the building tomorrow, the students will decorate the three bulletin boards in my room.
I love it! The kids work on research skills, basic writing skills, citation skills, and decorate the room all at once. Plus, we’re surrounded by images and information of the era for the next two weeks!
I will have to decide which class will discover and decorate next.
mrschili said
BRILLIANT! Take pictures, please, and post!!
Trina said
That sounds like an awesome idea! Neat way to keep the students involved, learning, and immersed in the material you’re covering.
Here’s a link to some books with additional bulletin board ideas that might be helpful, as well. Although it sounds like you’ve got your bulletin boards taken care of for a while!
Clix said
You are a brave, faith-filled man. I’m going to be out of tbe building tomorrow and Friday, and I’m hoping – HOPING – my darling freshmen behave appropriately and get their work done.
drpezz said
Thanks, Trina. I’ll check it out.
Clix, sometimes I just close my eyes and think positive thoughts. At least I get a warm glow for a few seconds. Then I open my classroom door to document the damage.
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