How to Come to Class Prepared
In order to maximize our time together in American Experience, we expect you to come to class prepared every day. Let's clarify what that means.
How to come to class prepared:
1. You have prepared your learning. You have completed all the homework to the best of your ability and skill and have it with you. Check the calendar and the class rubrics.
2. You have prepared your materials. You have your binder, your novel, a writing utensil, and any other class materials you need with you. You're welcome to carry it all in a backpack as long as it is accessible during classtime. And Ms. Ringelspaugh doesn't trip over it.
3. You have prepared your mind. You have done a quick review of previous learning, specifically yesterday's lesson or information from the current unit, so it is fresh in your mind.
4. You have prepared your attitude. You have a positive, ready-to-learn attitude.
5. You have prepared your body. You have gotten enough sleep, eaten enough food, and are dressed appropriately for class. (And when I say "appropriately," I'm not talking about rips in your jeans. I mean, it's super freezing cold in my classroom. Bring a sweatshirt. I have no control over the temperature. --Ms. R) In addition, you have not drank so much caffeine that you're jittery and can't focus.
What to do if you cannot come to class prepared:
1. Make a last minute scramble. What can you get done before class starts? Even a little bit is better than none. That may mean reading your novel at lunch time.
2. Ask to borrow someone else's stuff. Perhaps someone in the other section has a copy of the novel you can borrow. Perhaps someone will let you quick make a copy of their notes on the copy machine before class starts. Perhaps Ms. Kotlowski will let you borrow a quarter to buy a pencil.
3. Look over your notes quick just before class starts in the classroom. Come in, take a seat, and open your binder. Or, find a partner and quiz each other on stuff in the few minutes before the bell rings.
4. Stop at the end of the hall and take a deep breath. Take a few deep breaths. Then, come talk to Ms. Ringelspaugh and Mr. Palmer about it. Mr. Palmer and Ms. Ringelspaugh understand if something big is going on in your life and you're finding it hard to concentrate. Come talk to us before class starts so we know what's going on and we can work with it. We're always here to help you. We can make extensions, accommodations, and exceptions when you need them.
5. Ask a friend to borrow a sweatshirt. Ask Ms. Ringelspaugh for a snack. (She always has food.) Schedule some time to catch up on sleep tonight. Don't drink four energy drinks before class. Just don't.
*Pieces of this post inspired by Institue for Restorative Practices training at Adams-Friendship High School on Aug 29, 2012.
How to come to class prepared:
1. You have prepared your learning. You have completed all the homework to the best of your ability and skill and have it with you. Check the calendar and the class rubrics.
2. You have prepared your materials. You have your binder, your novel, a writing utensil, and any other class materials you need with you. You're welcome to carry it all in a backpack as long as it is accessible during classtime. And Ms. Ringelspaugh doesn't trip over it.
3. You have prepared your mind. You have done a quick review of previous learning, specifically yesterday's lesson or information from the current unit, so it is fresh in your mind.
4. You have prepared your attitude. You have a positive, ready-to-learn attitude.
5. You have prepared your body. You have gotten enough sleep, eaten enough food, and are dressed appropriately for class. (And when I say "appropriately," I'm not talking about rips in your jeans. I mean, it's super freezing cold in my classroom. Bring a sweatshirt. I have no control over the temperature. --Ms. R) In addition, you have not drank so much caffeine that you're jittery and can't focus.
What to do if you cannot come to class prepared:
1. Make a last minute scramble. What can you get done before class starts? Even a little bit is better than none. That may mean reading your novel at lunch time.
2. Ask to borrow someone else's stuff. Perhaps someone in the other section has a copy of the novel you can borrow. Perhaps someone will let you quick make a copy of their notes on the copy machine before class starts. Perhaps Ms. Kotlowski will let you borrow a quarter to buy a pencil.
3. Look over your notes quick just before class starts in the classroom. Come in, take a seat, and open your binder. Or, find a partner and quiz each other on stuff in the few minutes before the bell rings.
4. Stop at the end of the hall and take a deep breath. Take a few deep breaths. Then, come talk to Ms. Ringelspaugh and Mr. Palmer about it. Mr. Palmer and Ms. Ringelspaugh understand if something big is going on in your life and you're finding it hard to concentrate. Come talk to us before class starts so we know what's going on and we can work with it. We're always here to help you. We can make extensions, accommodations, and exceptions when you need them.
5. Ask a friend to borrow a sweatshirt. Ask Ms. Ringelspaugh for a snack. (She always has food.) Schedule some time to catch up on sleep tonight. Don't drink four energy drinks before class. Just don't.
*Pieces of this post inspired by Institue for Restorative Practices training at Adams-Friendship High School on Aug 29, 2012.