SMN Picasso Project: Language Arts Lesson 1

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lesson1.gif (1287 bytes) If I Was Principal for a Day

Objective:
Students will be able to put themselves in the place of the principal and write about how they would conduct themselves in the school.

Time frame:
3 - 40 minute time periods

Procedure:
Students meet on the classroom carpet. They are asked what a principal does in the school. 10 to 15 minutes are spent discussing What are principals' and key words are written on the board. (ie. office, rules, students, teachers, meetings, parents, etc.) Students are asked to write their ideas on the topic, If I Were Principal For a Day.

For the next class time students are invited to share some of their writing with their peers. Students respond to the writing by saying what they like about what was written and offering suggestions to those who have run out of ideas. Students spend the rest of the class time completing and editing their written work.

For the final class time students are working in the computer lab. They are introduced to the publishing program Student Writing Center and shown how to make a sign. After choosing the border they like and the font they want to work with, they are asked to type their written work to make a sign.

Evaluation:
Analyze the finished product. Was the student able to put himself in the principal's shoes? Were the ideas realistic?

If I Was A Principal For A Day
Written by Christopher

I will help all the children. I will give out bandaids and treats and watermelon. I'd have a big office. I would have a big gym. I would give kids donuts. I will have two structures on the playground. And I will be a good principal and every single student will use their manners. I will go to the staff room and talk to the teachers about their class and children would be good. People will come to me with problems. And I would be the best principal. I would go on all field trips.

If I Was The Principal For A Day
Written by Randy

I would make rules, make a bigger school and visit classrooms. I would help the kids and help the teachers. I would help blind teachers and kids. I would help kids in wheel chairs and buy books for the teachers. I would get books for the library and get helpers for the teachers. I would test fire drills and tell kids not to do bad things. I would get more kids and get more teachers. I would watch the kids play and help kids from different countries. I would help kids with work and help kids with no muscles. I would help kids with broken legs and arms and make rules for the playground and make a bigger playground.