Info Search
Students often remember better the interesting and little known information that we present in our lessons, so I employ what I call an 'info.search' to introduce a unit. In the days prior to beginning a unit on an author, each student is required to bring to class unique, interesting, classroom-appropriate trivia about the author. They must cite the sources used. I encourage them to do research on the computer and post several reliable Internet sources on the board to get them started. Students take turns reading the info that they found aloud. Once this is done, I compile an Author Trivia File for students to peruse when they have time. This information, along with basic bio that I present, gives learners a much clearer picture of the author and generates excitement about reading his/her works.
