Milestone Document Essays

I handed back the Milestone Document Essays that students wrote for the first week of school. In grading the essays, I read them very carefully and provided feedback for students. Overall, I was very pleased with the completed essays. Students shared a lot of personal information. They took their time and put a lot of effort into this first project. Some of the most vocal students expressed disappointment with the grade they received. I know that sometimes it is disappointing when you work really hard and still fall short of earning that "A". However, if we consider the fact that the graded essay is still only a draft, there is an opportunity to improve. Students who would like to earn more points for their product grade can take the feedback I have provided into account and write another draft. There's always room for improvement!

First Day of School Reflection

The first day of school is always exciting. It is a time to reaquaint ourselves with students and teachers, new and old. I began class today by asking students to examine an aerial photograph of missiles in Cuba from 1962. This document is one of the National Archives 100 Milestone Documents in American History. Students interacted with the Promethean board for the first time as we tried to pull evidence from the photograph, make interpretations, and draw a conclusion. Overall, I think the activity was beneficial because it allowed students to practice analytical skills. It was a little chaotic as some students shouted out answers and others held side conversations. To improve the activity, I think I would have students work in pairs / groups to analyze the documents. Then I would ask each group to report out one thing they discovered. This would give everyone an opportunity to participate in the activity.

The most profound moment in class occured when I shared my personal milestone document. Students listened attentively and this made me feel really great. Tomorrow students will work on writing their milestone document essay and Wednesday they will present them. I look forward to learning more about my students as they grapple with forming their own identities.

The question of the day: Who are you?

- Mr. Ackerman