Need great lesson ideas

Hi everyone,
I have never posted on this board before, but I hope you can help me!

I am student teaching, 9th grade remedial social studies. I am being observed on Friday, ninth period, the day before break (don't ask me... my college picked it, I didn't.) Anyway, the class I have in that time period is a TOUGH group, very chatty and disrespectful at times, and often downright obnoxious. This is definitely a less than ideal situation to be observed in!

I am trying to come up with some ideas to do a fun lesson & activity, which must include some primary sources. We are doing the Protestant Reformation, and I'd like to start the English Reformation on Friday, but I can stick with Martin Luther for one more day if necessary. Any ideas??? The best thing I can come up with so far is a mock debate between "Martin Luther" and "the Pope" that they will come up with the material for in groups.

Please help!! I appreciate any & all ideas. Thanks SO much in advance!!!

--Meaghan

Re: Need great lesson ideas

sorryI dont have any specific lesson ideas, but some great advice I got from teachers when I was being observed:
obviously tell the students that they will be getting observed, but also emphasize that it's THEM that the observer is there to see.
and tell them what the observer will be looking for: participation, knowledge of material, interaction, etc.
and give them a "make me proud, I KNOWWW You can do it. Show them that what they heard about you is TRUE! youre GREAT" speech. (depending on the grade level, you word this differently, LOL)

and it puts a whole new spin on the class dynamic (at least for that day), takes some of the pressure off you (I hope!) and makes them feel more obligated and on the spot...

hope that helps.

teachers-would you agree with this? IM no expert, but this worked for me when I was student teaching.

ETA: so then you'll have this whole "our little secret discussion" relationship wth the class throughout the lesson.
and of course only say realistic things, that if they should be repeated all are true, professional, etc. kwim?
no bribery

Message edited 3/28/2007 10:23:12 PM.

Re: Need great lesson ideas

I don't have any lesson ideas for you, but I am taking this class with the Library of Congress and we are learning all about primary sources and how to use them. On the website the there is a tab for teaching materials, and there are some great multimedia/visual lessons there. I would check it out for ideas.

primary source learning

Good luck!!

Re: Need great lesson ideas

LOL I'm not above bribery- I told my tough class that THEY were being observed and all that stuff as well- AND I told them that if all went well and they participated and behaved that I would bring them a special treat- one time I brought in a breakfast-bagels and such and another time /another class- cookies and brownies and stuff...

Middle Schoolers respond well to food!

good luck

Message edited 3/29/2007 2:29:28 PM.

Re: Need great lesson ideas

I JUST saw ths, too late to help Good luck If you even need SS help, feel free to FM, I teach middle school SS but I can help you

Re: Need great lesson ideas

Thank you, everyone, for your advice and support. I had my observation yesterday, and against all odds it went well!
Thanks again for your help.
--Meaghan
PS- I love this board!!!!