Learning & Teaching -- Voyagers

Folders/Binders/Planners: Voyagers have had a demonstration of how to set up their binders. In it there are places to keep their work organized. The planners are expected to be used for organizing due dates of homework and projects, notating upcoming events, and for reminders to bring in important documents such as permission slips for field work and adventure outings. In addition, Mr. Powell signs the planner every week (on a Monday or Tuesday) and personally writes out missing work, if any.

Homework: Voyagers are asked to write assignments in their planners. Homework is very often assigned during the week, and many times it cannot be completed in class. They are asked to complete these thoroughly and thoughtfully at their ability levels.

Learning Targets: Current Learning Targets will be posted in each classrooms to help students meet those goals. In addition, during Expeditions the guiding question for the current expedition will be posted. Students will reflect on and write about that guiding question throughout the expedition.

Integration of Literacy:  When you look at the Voyager schedule you may ask, “Where’s language arts?” At Summit we’ve intentionally integrated reading and writing skill lessons into our expeditions so that students are learning skills inside of their science and social studies classes. Students still have sections in their binder devoted to reading and writing because some of their handouts will reach across both science and social studies. The reading comprehension strategies (Monitor for meaning, Make Connections, Sensory Images, Question, Inference, Determine Importance and Synthesize) along with the 6+1 Traits of Writing (Ideas, Organization, Voice, Sentence Fluency, Word Choice, Conventions and Presentation) will be some of the major skills taught throughout both classes and over the two years repeatedly.

Vocabulary: Voyager students are responsible for Expedition vocabulary throughout the course of the year. This includes both the definition and the correct spelling of the word. Different vocabulary learning methods will be modeled including Interactive Word Wall and vocabulary note cards.

In-Class Formative Assessments: During certain times of the year Voyager teachers administer tests to inform their instruction. Writing tests assess the student’s ability to use the writing process and write showing strengths in the writing traits. Reading tests assess the student’s ability to answer both literary and informational comprehension questions in a ‘WASL’-like way. Math tests pre and post-test skills that are need for a unit of study. These tests help the teachers decide skills and concepts that need more emphasis for particular groups of students.