Backward Design 2007-2008


Introducting  PS 108's  Backward Design.
Welcome to the corridors of  PS 108. 

A journey begun in the fall of 2004 by the teachers, administration, students and parents of PS 108.  This evidence of student work represented our attempt to deepen students understanding of themes in Social Studies and Literacy.  Through Mc Thighe's Backward Design method of intstrucional planning, essential questions and focus questions were explored  with our students.

Students were actively engaged in accountable talk that stemmed from meaningful tasks.  Through independent and cooperative learning management styles, they were held accountable for their own learning and level of performance

Non-fiction reading strategies utilized in the project included Visualizing, Asking Questions, Determing Importance, Making Inferences, Making Connections, and Synthesizing.

Non-fiction writing strategies included personal narratives, compare/contrast essays, interviews, maps, explanations, descriptions, informational articles, letters, biographical sketches, feature stories, editorials and persuasive essays.

Come view our students journey this year 2008.


Also click on Backward Design tab to view some of our students work.

Kindergarten
Our mission for Kindergarten was for our students to come away with the understanding that families have needs and wants and to be ablet o distinguish between both. Than to be able to express themselves in writing.  Kindergarten's essential question was what are needs and wants?


         
  
         
 
         

                               

 1st Grade
 1st grade mission was to recognize and appreciate all of the cultures that make up family traditions in our communities. 1st grade essential question was, What is a family?


          
  
                       

                    
                     
                    
                    
2nd Grade
Our students will be able to define community.  Describe the characteristics of an urban, rural, and suburban community. 2nd grade's essential question was what is a community?       

                 
           
             
             
             
            

3rd Grade
Students in 3rd grade will understand that, people in world communities exchange elements of their culture through holidays, festivals, legends, folktales, oral lhistories, biographies, autobiographies and historical narratives.  Historic events can be viewed through the eyes of those who were there, as shown in their art, writings, music and artifacts.  Families in world communities differ from place to place. 3rd grade essential question was What is a world community?