Over the past two weeks we have been engaged in learning about The Civil Rights Movement. Through read aloud, short video clips, specialized vocabulary instruction and interactive lessons, students have become very knowledgeable. We have also been learning some important research skills such as: understanding what plagiarism is, how to avoid plagiarism by paraphrasing, quoting, and citing your sources, and dictionary skills to help us understand the big words that we encounter. All of this work has prepared us for our research project.
Your child has selected a topic from the Civil Rights Movement that they are interested in. Then, I have organized students into research groups according to their topic. Now students are meeting with their research groups to ask important questions about their topic, and collaborate to find the answers. At the conclusion of next week students will begin to think about how they want to present their research findings.
How can I help support my child?
During our SBAC/MEA testing window we are unable to use the computers for research. I have been able to secure some articles and books to help us work through this glitch but, I am sure that my inquisitive students will want to know more. It would be very helpful, if you have access to the internet, for your child to search for information on their topic. If they are able to print off the article to bring in to share, that would be great, or they can simply take notes about their findings. Additionally, I have bookmarked several sites on my portaportal to assist in the research process. Please encourage your child to check it out. Here's how:
- Go to: portaportal.com
- Guest Access: meghanschall
- Go to the folder titled: Civil Rights Movement
Another great way to help with this project is to have your child explain what they have been learning about The Civil Rights Movement. This casual, informative, conversation helps your child to paraphrase what they have been learning about.
Thank you for your continued support.
Research Project Requirements:
3 to 4 different sources
3 to 4 important vocabulary words that are defined.
correct use of paraphrasing, quoting, and citing sources