Case Book Two

Mr. Truk is talking to his class. It is one of the rare times that he is doing a whole-group activity that is more teacher-directed!

MR. TRUK: Children. As you all know, in a few weeks we have to change our schedule and do some testing. We have to show the people who care about us, the people at the senior center, our friends at the recycling center, and the whole rest of the world that we are really good learners! We have had a lot to learn, and so far it has all gone really great. However, there are some things that we might see on the test that require that we memorize information, and then put it on the test. Today I want to go over some things we need to memorize for the test, and work on memorizing them! Everyone has to do this, so we will work in the whole group, and later you can practice this in your work groups. Everyone up. We are going to use our hands and arms to act out the rules as we say them.

We have to review some spelling, grammar and punctuation rules. I before E except after C. Come on now, point to yourself for "I", make an "E" with your fingers, and then a big "C" with your arms. Everyone say and do this a few times (class does, repeats and starts giggling).

Good, next rule: Usually follow a Q with a U. Look, we are going to make a "Q" with a circle on one hand and our index finger of the other hand making the slash in the "Q". Then, put up the index and middle finger and get the "U," which is now below the U, coming after Q.(class laughs, does and repeats)

Good, next rule: To make a plural add S or ES. Let's use the sign language "S" and "ES" here. All of you know those signs.(class does and repeats)

Good, next rule: To make a past tense, add ED. Again, let's sign.(class repeats)

Next rule: Start a sentence with a capital. Let's put our hands over our heads and make a peak. (class does and repeats)

Next rule: End a sentence with a period. Let's gently step once with one of our feet. (class does and repeats)

Next rule: End a question with a question mark. Let's make a question mark with one of our arms. Okay, that seems hard. Let's try that again. (class does and repeats)

Next rule: People, places, and things get a capital. Let's put our arms up over our heads again into a peak. (class does and repeats)

Good, next rule: Three vowels are not usually together. Let's shake our head three times. (class does and repeats)

Next rule: In a sentence, me, myself and I follow everyone else. Let's stand, turn to the right, and back front again. (class does and repeats)

Great work class, now, let's see if we can somehow really make sure they are in our memories. Let's softly clap a beat and run through these rules a few times. (This happens.) Now, let's see what you remember. What do I end a sentence with? (class answers) What do I capitalize? (class answers). Superb. Tomorrow we will review these, and work on learning some more. Thanks for your hard work on this. In your groups each of you has a worksheet about the rules to do. Later today we will share what we learned in doing the worksheets, as each group will have something to share. When you are done with the worksheet, I want you to take out your work contracts and work on the next item that is due for your group.

Teacher Notes:

• Finding many different ways to help students process information is vital. As you think about the information and make choices about what is important keep in mind that there are multiple ways to go about memorizing.
• Focusing on the testing aspect is important, students should know if they are going to need information on a test. However, there needs to be a balance so that students do not "overload" on anxiety when it comes to trying to memorize things for a test.