Did one of my favourite lessons from Teacher's College today: "The Grebigol" is a lesson I learned many, many years ago from the great Larry Swartz, who was our Literacy and Drama instructor at OISE.
A versatile lesson both in scope and grade application, The Grebigol -- I just realised this afternoon -- works really well as an application of the new Ontario Learning Skills that have to be reported on three times a year. "Collaboration", in particular, can be demonstrated:
· chooses to work with a variety of peers
· accepts various roles (leader, member)
· does equitable share of work in a group
· responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others
· works with others to resolve conflicts and build consensus to achieve group goals
· shares information, resources, materials
· contributes ideas & expertise
· helps group make decisions
· solves problems using polite language and a calm voice
The lesson begins with the lights out, and a little "spooky" music (a slection from the "Meet Joe Black" or "Edward Scissorhands" soundtracks works well...)
As the music began, I read aloud the fictional piece in my best suspence-enducing voice, as students imagined what the "Grebigol" might look like. Afterwards, students worked in groups of 3 to create their own Grebigol, using an assortment of materials I had provided in a large envelope to each group. Only three rules applied:
1. The Grebigol had to be free-standing (to tie into our "structures" unit in Science)
2. All materials in the envelope had to be used
3. Students were not allowed to talk to one another! :-)
They rose to the challenge, although at first, things didn't look too promising...
A versatile lesson both in scope and grade application, The Grebigol -- I just realised this afternoon -- works really well as an application of the new Ontario Learning Skills that have to be reported on three times a year. "Collaboration", in particular, can be demonstrated:
· chooses to work with a variety of peers
· accepts various roles (leader, member)
· does equitable share of work in a group
· responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others
· works with others to resolve conflicts and build consensus to achieve group goals
· shares information, resources, materials
· contributes ideas & expertise
· helps group make decisions
· solves problems using polite language and a calm voice
The lesson begins with the lights out, and a little "spooky" music (a slection from the "Meet Joe Black" or "Edward Scissorhands" soundtracks works well...)
As the music began, I read aloud the fictional piece in my best suspence-enducing voice, as students imagined what the "Grebigol" might look like. Afterwards, students worked in groups of 3 to create their own Grebigol, using an assortment of materials I had provided in a large envelope to each group. Only three rules applied:
1. The Grebigol had to be free-standing (to tie into our "structures" unit in Science)
2. All materials in the envelope had to be used
3. Students were not allowed to talk to one another! :-)
They rose to the challenge, although at first, things didn't look too promising...
Things soon began to take shape, however, and by the end of the 35-minute period, most of the groups had built some pretty interesting creatures:
Afterwards, students took home one of three group work reflection sheets to self-assess their collaborative skills and to debrief the activity.
If I were a good teacher, I could have them do some descriptive writing tomorrow, or discuss equity and such (i.e. was it fair that each group had different materials in their envelope, how did the need for silence impact the group's ability to work together, etc. etc.)
If I were a good teacher, I could have them do some descriptive writing tomorrow, or discuss equity and such (i.e. was it fair that each group had different materials in their envelope, how did the need for silence impact the group's ability to work together, etc. etc.)
RSS Feed