[LIT] Lessons to share...

[Kelly Baker]

Tena Linsbeck-Perron wrote:
> Come on guys, I want to hear more. Just think we can have a collection of
> "Best Ever" lessons and activities. What did you and your students "do" that
> stands out to you. Is there anything that you look forward to doing with the
> kids? Are there lessons that you love so much you make sure to visit them
> every school year?
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>   
I did a series of lessons using the voter's guide. 
    1.  what is a voter's guide and what does it contain
    2.  reading what the propositions are ( I just focused on 1)
    3.  reading the arguments on either side
    4.  figuring out who the supporters of each side are and what they 
represent
   
Then I did some direct instruction on proposition and support patterns 
and use of persuasion and looked at the websites for both pro and con on 
the prop I was covering.  Each had video so it was very interesting.  We 
looked at things like target audience, color scheme, pundits, racial 
stereotyping on each site. 

Finally we held a debate where the class chose which side of the issue 
they were on and had to present their own arguments to support it based 
on their experiences/beliefs.  I gave points to the team that could 
persuade a member of the other team to join them.

I teach in a 100% title 1, 90% hispanic community in Los Angeles and 
chose Prop 185 (parental notification of abortion) as my prop.  The kids 
found it  SUPER engaging.