Current Events Format

 - Current Events Format -

Step 1- Write the specific source of the information that you have found. For example, 69 News (not just TV) or www.readingeagle.com (not just Internet)


Step 2- Write the name or names of the person or people involved in the story.

Step 3- Write the place where the story occurred.

Step 4- Write the date when the story occurred. (Date should be within the last 7 days)

Step 5- Write a summary of the news item.

Step 6- Write what your reaction was when you read/heard the story.

Current Event Review

Today we discussed the current event format which will be used for each Friday.  We discussed where to find news story, how to decide if it is appropriate, how to write the report, and how they will be graded.  I will be uploading the format to my blog as well.  If there are any questions, please ask them as soon as possible. 

Assignment:  Starting next Friday, and every Friday thereafter (unless noted), students should have a current event report written in their composition books.

Thank You

I would like to thank all of the parents who came out tonight to meet me in my classroom.  I hope that I will have more opportunities to speak with you this school year.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Thanks again,
John Winand

Text and News

Today we took some time to talk about text organization.  Our textbook is full of resources that are often over-looked simply because students don't know that they are there!  Hopefully, they will all have a better understanding after today.

We also spoke about sources of the news (via our Question of the Day).  In some classes bias in the news was discussed as well as the selection of appropriate topics.  We also discussed the way modern technology could be used to find articles of interest.  I have asked all students to bring in an article for tomorrow so that we can talk about the format of our weekly current event assignment.

Question of the Day

Today we discussed the procedure for entering class as well as that of the Question of the Day.  All students are expected to come to class with a composition book in which to record the date, question, and answer.  This will help us get started in class and set us up for discussions of class concepts.

The Question of the Day for today was:  What is one topic that you want to learn about this year in social studies? Tell me why...

We also began to look at our text and how it is organized (in some classes this will be done tomorrow).

Assignment:  All students will be asked to come to class with a news story this Friday.  They do not have to write anything about it before class.  It can be an article of any kind (print and/or internet source).  Please keep it school appropriate.

Technology!

Today we discussed procedures for accessing course information on-line.  My 'Teacher Page,' which can be accessed from the MSD website, is the source for most information.  Some information requires clicking on a link which will direct students to wikispaces and/or blogger.  Both of these resources contain valuable information and can be used for the purpose of studying at home.  We also discussed how to create a user name and password for the online textbook. 

All students (who are permitted by their parents) are encouraged to locate these sites and set up user names and passwords.  It is best to do this as soon as possible so that I can help if needed.

Upcoming Test: 11/02/2011

On Wednesday of next week (11/02/2011) students in periods 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 will be given a test regarding the content of Unit 1 (Prehistory).  An interactive study guide can be found on my wiki and should be accessed in preperation for the test.  Please contact me immediately if you have any questions or concerns.