Fernando M. Reimers et a1.

Overview

In this unit students are given an overview of the year so that they will be
aware of the focus of the units as well as of the big picture that emerges
when studying these various pieces. Students partake in a voting process to
understand the nuances behind it and to understand that voting is a way to
elect leaders and to organize themselves toward a common goal. Students
specifically organize themselves with little direction from the teacher and
in the process are asked to reflect on the team dynamics and the differences
that play out.

Activity 7.1.1

Road Map of the Year

The first activity serves as an introduction to and an overview of the year
and its key ideas and activities. This is a teacher~led activity, and it provides
students with a road map of what to expect during the year so that they can
be aware of the big—picture theme of the year.

ACtiVity 7.1.2

Who Am I?

Students will introduce themselves by composing and then reading aloud
short “I am” poems based on the resource given below. This link contains
a sample of a typical “I am” poem and will help students articulate their
own identity and help the class identify common themes in their collective
identity.

Resources
The I Am Poem that relates to students’ identities (http://score.rims.k12.
ca. us/score_lessons/symbols__freedom/pages/i__am_poem.html)

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