February+Literacy+PLC+Minutes

** February 1, 2011 **

 * The IC for cooperative learning was marked as to where group members feel they were __prior__ to our Kagan inservice.
 * The Kagan book entitled "Higher Level Thinking Questions for Language Arts" was provided for members to use, if desired. Some PLC members already have used the book. Other Kagan books on cooperative learning activities in Reading and Writing have been routed to the respective grade levels.
 * Allison Emery visited with our group about the upcoming author visit to the Middle School on March 4. William Durbin will be spending the day in our building. The cost of his visit is shared with the public library. It was agreed that all language arts teachers will use his website to introduce the author and his books to their classes. Students will be encouraged to read one or more of his books, prior to his visit. Those that read his books will be candidates to have lunch and small group discussion with the author the day of his visit.

** Questions/Concerns ** ___
 * Allison will try to obtain more copies of the author's books. There is a rather short turn-around time between now and the actual date of his visit. Core reading teachers will attempt to read portions of one of his books to their classes to stimulate interest in his visit.

** February 17, 2011 **
when asking questions and how to engage students in developing their own questions. This article was a good review for all members. The Kagan folder on questioning we felt will help provide group members with a reference tool when planning for and teaching our lessons.
 * We participated in the Kagan Teambuilding activity "Find-the-Fiction". We thought this was a great activity to use for academics and as ice breakers.
 * ==== The IC for cooperative learning and questioning was marked as to where group members feel they are now. ====
 * The article on questioning and cues led to a discussion on the importance of allowing for "wait time"
 * We discussed William Durbin's visit. Grade levels reported out on if they have introduced author info. and shared books with their students. Many students have been reading his books. Several students are on a waiting list to read his books.
 * We revised assessments to include higher order questions.

** Questions/Concerns **
 * When are the pre-orders for William Durbin books due?