Lesson+Ideas

=​​Ideas for Lessons=

Class Wiki
A class wiki could be useful for a number of tasks. Some of the most useful purposes I can anticipate are:
 * In history, working on a **//cumulative timeline of events//**. For example, as students learn about the Vietnam War, they contribute dates to the timeline
 * A **//glossary of unfamiliar terms//**- students add any words they come across which they don't understand, and they or someone else looks up the meaning and adds its definition to the wiki
 * **//Sharing creative work//**, for example, creative writing

Hands-on History
When studying Medieval Europe, invite representatives from the local SCA to come to the school and perform a demonstration for the students. You could discuss things such as life for the general peasants, knights, kings and queens, archery, sword fighting, etc.

This also allows students the chance to understand a facet of enjoying history for its own sake. Investigate whether students may try on some of the SCA garb, or touch weapons etc.

Historical Mystery / Treasure Hunt
Students solve a historical mystery or treasure hunt by way of solving clues to find their solution.

In order to find the solution to clues, they need to interpret primary sources such as posters and postcards.

Other ways they receive clues/investigate the mystery may include:
 * Listening to podcasts (on an iPod, MP3 player or computer)
 * Having to read, interpret, research or explore a wiki or website
 * Receiving an SMS
 * Receiving information via email
 * Completing tasks on an interactive whiteboard or computer

To take this further, once students are familiar with the format, they can be given the task of creating their own mystery/ treasure hunt for junior students (e.g. Year 7). This could be used to cover ICT outcomes.

Macbeth for Reluctant Readers
Ideas taken from Linda Carter, UNE > > Loved this bit; "This castle also provides enough room to hold soldiers in a war. For good defence we have spiral stairs which can handle great winds...you can get this large home for the price of $1.5million or the owners are very willing to negotiate!" > And this..."All the bedrooms are big enough to fit five cars in." >
 * Using "Macbeth-the Graphic Shakespeare Series" for visual learners and interpreting picture skill development.
 * Showing battle scenes from "Macbeth" film versions and creating information sheets of pictures of weapons-boys had to analyse literal and interpretive questions.
 * Cooperative groups working on "Ghosts and Living in a Castle" completing a jigsaw of a castle glued onto butcher's paper.
 * Grammar skills developed by students researching local newspaper advertisements "For Sale" market properties-highlighting adjectives, using Thesaurus and creating their own 'ad' for selling a castle in good or poor condition.