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- Optional: Paragraphs (if you need more structure than a whole article)
Purpose
Have students discover the importance of passing Algebra 1 and what it means for their chances of graduating high school on time. Especially good for remedial math students.
Outline
1. Explain the “Say, Mean, Matter” graphic organizer to them.
If you’re not familiar with SMM, that’s fine! Students will select 4 quotes from the article that are interesting to them.
- In the SAY column, they write the quote.
- In the MEAN column, they summarize the quote in their own words.
- In the MATTER column, they write why that quote matters to them (why it was interesting to them).
2. Read and annotate text.
3. Fill out say, mean, and matter columns.
4. Reflect and Connect
DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. It is by far the most powerful! I asked my students to think-write-pair-share 3 things at the end (one at a time):
- Summarize the entire article. Why do you think I am having us read this?
- Do you agree or disagree with the what the article is saying
- What is one question that came up for you while reading this?
I was blown away with my student’s takeaways! They tuned right into what I was hoping they would. They left class more encouraged and passionate about passing this class!
Time Estimate
Reading: 6 minutes
Writing: 8 minutes
Reflecting: 10 minutes
Total time: ~ 25 minutes
