My Teaching Blog: The Write Thing

Each day I have students start the class hour off by doing the "write thing," I know it's corny to call it that, but students find it at least a bit amusing. I like that it also serves as a reminder that they need to begin class each day in the proper way. Often the "write thing" prompt is based on a brief article or homework assignment from the previous night. Here are some examples of "write thing" prompts I've developed for some of my classes:

Unit #1 U.S. History "Write Thing" Examples

#1 - Why do we study American history? What can we learn from the past? What do you most want to learn from this class?

#2 – After reading the article “Indian Mascots are Offensive to Many Native Americans,” by Dr. Jessica Johnson, describe what you think about using Native Americans as sport/school mascots. Do you think it is disrespectful to Native American culture or is it meant to honor it? Is it acceptable in some cases and not in others? Explain your answer.

#3 – In the United States, we celebrate Columbus Day each year on October 12^th. After learning about the life of Columbus, do you believe he should be celebrated for “discovering” America? Why or why not?

#4 – Indentured servant/slave journal: Describe what conditions were like for the indentured servant or slave you read about. What were some challenges they faced? What is the difference between an indentured servant and a slave?

#5 – If you had to choose, which region of the Americas would you have preferred settling in during the early 18^th century? Why? What is most appealing about this location? Why are the other choices not as good as your choice? You should consider: Virginia, New England, the Middle Colonies, and Spain’s Empire.

#6 – Salem Witch Trial Cheating Simulation: Were you going to turn somebody in for cheating or not? Did you consider turning in someone you know did not cheat to save yourself? Would you admit to cheating even if you didn't? Would it be worth it to defend the truth even though doing so means your grade may have been hurt? How did the simulation make you feel? Was it fair?

Unit #2: Geography "Write Thing" Examples

Considering the U.S. is the wealthiest country in the world, were you surprised by the answers to the quiz on poverty? What surprised you the most? What can be done to reduce poverty in the U.S.? Do we have a responsibility to fight poverty around the world as well?

Do you agree with the statement that money can’t buy happiness? Do you think Americans work too much? What jobs/careers are you interested in pursuing? What education will you need? Will you have to work a lot? What will you do to be happy when you are not working?

Based on the criteria discussed and the article you read, how free is the United States? What positive things has the U.S. government done to promote political freedom? What can be done to promote more effective governance? How can individuals make a difference?

What are the similarities and differences between health care in the U.S. and health care in Canada?