Thing 3: RPC and Dribbling Lessons

I remember being very overwhelmed with the RPC and Dribbling Lessons last year. This year when planning my first research project of the year I focused in on what was most important in achieving my objectives. I decided to focus on the gathering step. I wish I would have remembered the Condensed Version because it had some really great suggestions for speeding up the research process. I ended up condensing things on my own, but it would have been nice to have the guidance of the Condensed Version.

I am always looking for new resources that can be used both by me and my students in studying a unit or in doing research. factmonster.com has some potential in teachig about world religion. I was thinking it might provide some good introductory/anicipatory set material and/or it might also be good for providing closure at the end of the unit. Factmonster has a GREAT area about famous people. I will definitely show students this site when it is time to chose history day topics since the theme this year is The Individual in History. I especially like the "women of influence" subcategory. Looks promising...

Teaching research has always been a bit of a challenge for me. I know where I want the kids to go, but I don't always know how to get them there. Tools like the Big 6 and the RPC have helped give the structure that I need to guide my students in their research. I always struggle in finding powerful resources for my students, especially when looking for sources about Ancient History. Jeanne has always been great about helping me track down what I am looking for. I often go to Language Arts teachers for their help in planning research, too. I think one of my strengths in planning research projects is that I know I can't plan it all myself. I use collaboration to fill in some of the areas where I am weak.

Collaboration was KEY to me this week as I was out from school on Mon and Tues. Jeanne was able to pick up where I left off because we actually planned this unit together! What a relief for me. Of course, now I owe her bags and bags of chocolate!