This past week the middle school used the 3 parent teacher conference days to begin cooperative learning activities. The activities are designed to increase students critical thinking skills and group work skills. Each grade was mixed together and worked on an interactive, detailed lesson. The students with Mrs. Manning reviewed integers and created board games to increase ease of use with integer problems. There was much discussion among the students about the level of difficulty  for each game! The board games can be used by each class during the year.

The students with Mrs. Gaither researched the essential question, “How to overcome challenges?”. They examined real life situations with challenges, practiced role-playing with a challenge, and finished with a writing activity. Many students were amazed at the challenges everyday people face and overcome.

The students with Mrs. Clemmensen examined the world of advertising and business. The three day lesson focused on the techniques and vocabulary of advertising. Next they worked in groups and designed a new product. After the product idea was conceived they created print advertisements to support the product.  The last day the students researched companies on the internet that would be interested in the product and wrote a business letter.

The lessons were well received by the students and the middle school plans to implement cooperative learning lessons each month.