Learning & Teaching -- Voyagers

Folders/Binders/Planners: Voyagers have had a demonstration of how to set up their binders. In this binder 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 fieldwork and adventure outings. In addition, each base camp teacher signs the planner every week and personally writes out missing work, if any. Mrs. Stevens signs planners on Tuesdays, Mr. Powell on Mondays, and Mrs. Dhillon on Fridays.

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. Returning homework on time is very important.

Learning Targets: Current Learning Targets will be posted in each classroom 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 a section in their binder devoted to literacy 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.

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 show writing traits. Math tests are used to test skills before and after a unit of study. These tests help the teachers decide skills and concepts that need more emphasis for particular groups of students.