 We had A WEEK. One day was shortened periods after an administrative lock down. The next day was shortened periods for a two hour late start (#NorthDakotaLife). Friday was shortened periods for a pep rally. Needless to say, we were crunched for time! In response, we didn’t even start their campaign speech assignment. We did read and look at Harvey Milk, but that’s the extent of what we did. We’ll jump start those speeches this week. :) Week 21That said, we are continuing on our rhetorical analysis review this week. Tomorrow, we’ll watch Obama’s nomination acceptance speech and live tweet strategies! (I’d like to take credit, but someone mentioned doing this on my fave Facebook AP Lang group). Then it’s on to reviewing rhetorical analyze and tacking Chavez! Lesson Plans
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 Ok. New semester and that means a new type of unit! I have dabbled with the idea of themed or topical units for a couple years. However, I usually keep my skills focus. For instance, last year my students did a documentary unit which was really about analyzing and creating visual arguments. Not this year! Our topic is… ACTIVISM! I am fairly opinionated - insert smirk - so if I walk away from a year of AP with nothing else, I want them to embrace their own opinions and express them! (You can imagine my face when, at the beginning of the year, they couldn’t think of ideas for their “My Dream for America” speeches). In our current climate, activism is everywhere, so I’m going to jump on it. Week 20The first section of our activism unit is to analyze the rhetoric of known activists (leading up to the Chavez rhetorical analysis prompt next week). So, this week we are studying “How to Fight” by Clint Smith III as an introduction to the unit. Then, we’re tackling Harvey Milk’s Hope speech as a mentor text for their own campaign speeches. I won’t lie. I am actually really excited for this week. Lesson PlansI swear I didn't forget you guys. We just have finals this week, so not much to post.
The kiddos did their debates Monday and Tuesday, and that was the last I've seen of them. :) Back with a new unit on Monday! UPDATE: The world placed an awesome activity in my hands so plans changed a bit for our lesson on refutation. Tuesday night, President Trump addressed Americans during prime time and then Speaker Pelosi had responding remarks. What an awesome example of constructive and rebuttal!?! So we did the flowing the debate activity today using Trumps address as an example of a constructive and Pelosi's response as a rebuttal. We also picked out some of her refutation techniques. Here is how I showed kids that a rebuttal responds to each aspect of a constructive:  So tomorrow, before we practice refutation of opposing claims, I am going to give students the handout below. It covers how to use develop persuasive prose and employ refutation tactics. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming... Full Disclosure: I am so buried with grading that I have to keep my post simple this week, or I'll never get through this stack of papers. (#relatable, I bet). So...just lesson plans this week. Forgive me! Lesson Plans |
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February 2024
AuthorSteph Cwikla has been a teacher since 2012, focusing on ELA curriculum. Now, she also works as an instructional coach, helping other teachers improve engagement and instruction. |
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