After attendance was taken and name-checks accomplished, I shared a short slideshow about myself and had students complete a survey about themselves (to some Haitian Kompa tunes on the SMARTboard). ; ) We talked through together the curriculum packet (the cover page is a photographic outline of the World History units of study...pg 2 is the U.S. History timeline, etc.). The last page -- "History's Habits of Mind" -- be sure to read through it for comprehension and mark terms, phrases, and concepts for which you'd like some extra clarity, explanation, and help. In this class I also assured the students that while the reading and writing level will be college expectations, I am prepared to help them in reaching those requirements. It is, indeed, a college course, but as I recognize that they are younger than the typical college student and are on a full-day, busy high school schedule, I am going to provide extra supports and assistance in how to speed-read, how to write well, and other college-ready skills as we move through the first semester (and beyond as needed on an individual basis). Plan on an average of 30 minutes of homework a night -- more some nights, and less on others.
