Activity Table

Standards Learning Expectations	This activity will help students acquire competencies which relate to the following standards: 1. Skills for Academic self-confidence, Learning and Success The student will: 1.2 Demonstrate pride in work and achievement. 1.4 Practice taking responsibility for schoolwork.
General Approach	The general approach for this activity is students will meet in small and large groups and discuss their "best" schoolwork and the responsibility they have in producing good schoolwork. They will also discuss the consequences (positive and negative) of taking responsibility and working hard. Students will pick out their "best" schoolwork and place it on a bulletin board in the classroom.
Activity Steps	1. Lead a group discussion on what "good school work" is (neat handwriting, receiving a good grade, good artwork, creativity, positive feedback from the teacher, etc.). Discuss the many different ways schoolwork can be good and how different students have different strengths . For example, some students are good at math, others have good handwriting, others are artistic, etc. 2. Have each student go through his or her work to find the "best" schoolwork for that week or grading period. Have students split up into small groups of 3-5 and share with other group members what makes their schoolwork their "best." 3. In a large group, lead a discussion about the steps it took to have their "best" schoolwork be their best. For example, writing the assignment in daily planner, following directions, listening, thinking hard, taking their time, putting forth effort, asking for help, working hard, etc. Discuss how all of these things are ways to take responsibility for their schoolwork and how important this is for academic success. Talk with students about how it is up to each student to get their schoolwork done and the best it can be, but part of this responsibility may include getting help. Discuss positive and negative consequences of taking responsibility and not taking responsibility for their schoolwork and how this affects them. Have students volunteer how they are going to continue taking responsibility for their schoolwork in the future. 4. With classroom teacher, plan a bulletin board for students to hang their "best" schoolwork. Allow students to go up and put the schoolwork s/he chose on the bulletin board.
Time Required	One 1 hour session.
Resources Needed	Access to students schoolwork for past week or grading period. Supplies to make a bulletin board for "best" schoolwork.
Performance Indicators	Students will show pride in the schoolwork they have chosen and be able to identify the many ways in which schoolwork can be "good" in large and small group activities Students will listen to others discuss what they think makes good schoolwork. Students in large group will identify the steps taken in getting their schoolwork to be good and the responsibility they had in this. Students will identify the consequences of the amount of effort and responsibility put into schoolwork and ways they can continue to take responsibility in the future.