week 4-1

I enjoyed working on the template for UBD for ELA reading and writing. My understanding of Desired results are that students will be able to answer questions phrased differently and transfer their knowledge to other aspects of learning. My essential questions are driven by what will guide my students to inquire and uncover new ideas. Questions that will promote thinking, not a correct answer. The understandings I would want my students to have are based on meaning, theory, figuring out the "why" and how to use their knowledge. The knowledge and skills refers to the techniques, approach and process to enable student to connect their skills to other disciplines and not in isolation. Some of my essential questions were: What prior information do we know? What can we tell about the characters emotions? what message did the author want to convey? These questions prod the students to think and make meaning instead of parroting facts. In the writing lesson plan, some of my questions and understandings were: How can I grab my readers attention? This gives the student the power to engage an audience. This can transfer to all areas of life; not only that one essay. Teaching students to be organized in conveying information is a lifelong skill that has long lasting effect on their ability to take part in a community. Teaching students to ask themselves what topic they find interesting and what they'd like to tell their audience is a powerful way to guide students to think about their values, interests and develop their own style in writing. These questions and and desired results allow for students who can transfer their learning to use it wisely and flexibly.