The past few weeks have consisted of testing and weird class schedules. This week was filled with three days of student-led conferences, late days, and minimum days (for students). It was exhausting for both my students and myself. Talking about the geography of China took longer than planned and I switched today's lesson from philosophies of China to intro to Shang Dynasty because it allowed the students to work collaboratively. I decided to begin the lesson with a fun video introducing the topic. I was not familiar with this video til last night. It was created by a teacher, Mr. Nicky, and his students. It is sang to the tune of Blurred Lines by Pharell and Robin Thicke. As soon as previewed the video at home I knew that my 6th grade students would like it. I was wrong, they love it. They asked me to replay the video. So I said, "sure I will replay it if you can answer a few of my questions." They did. I replayed it and they were intrigued. I then assigned the first reader of the group. They were quick to begin their reading. Once they finished their reading as a group, each student was to write 3 questions and answers for each section. These questions and answers are going to later be used for a "quiz-quiz-trade" or "quiz-quiz" activity. They requested that I played the video as they worked on their individual question. I played the video without projecting it. It played over and over and over and over again. The only talking was them singing the lyrics and they got most of their questions done. Who would've thought that my last minute change in lesson would've been so effective.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTNyIJHcPd0
edited by malvarenga on 5/16/2015