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Big6™ Graphic Organizers and Project Planners (eNews 9.4, 5)
Here are four organizers developed for four different classroom assignments:
• A research project on the Day of the Dead;
• A Persuasive Speech assignment;
• A research project on Romeo and Juliet; and
• A general Big6 Research Project Planner.
These organizers may be modified for a variety of grade levels and subject areas. The purpose of each organizer is to guide students successfully through a subject area project. When creating such organizers, work closely with classroom teachers to be sure that the final product will meet the teacher’s and the student’s needs.
First carefully review a teacher’s project requirements. Next meet with the teacher to discuss the lesson objectives and desired outcomes. This interview provides the background needed to create an effective Big6-based graphic organizer.
EXAMPLES
• Day of the Dead – This graphic organizer is divided into two columns. Big6 #1, Task Definition, requires students in groups to identify search terms. Narrowing the topic is a great time to introduce search strategies. The second column is for the student’s individual research that they need to complete for the project. The organizer is very useful for comparing how Big6 stages can be used to answer questions and manage in-depth research. Narrowing the topic provides a foundation for the rest of the research. Narrowing might mean writing a thesis statement, identifying search terms in questions, and so forth.
• Persuasive Speech – In Big6 #3, Location and Access, the students record the titles of resources that they would like to return to or use for their projects. This exercise provides the students the opportunity to read the information before they print it. They need to skim and scan the information and apply different reading strategies.
• All Graphic Organizers – In Big6 #6, Evaluation, it’s important to take the teacher’s project requirements into account. The Big6 Research Project Planner is a generic form that could be used with any assignment.
Each organizer combines all types of materials/resources used for research. Our students have access to so much information. Each exercise may be used to organize information overload, promote reading strategies, and establish organizational/research skills.
PowerPoint for Notetaking
“PowerPoint for Notetaking” presentation by Mike Eisenberg
Mike Eisenberg demonstrates how to use PowerPoint as a tool for notetaking.
There’s Still Time to Shop for Christmas!
Yikes! How will I get everything done before Christmas Day!
Here are some last minute Big6 tips to help you save your holiday mood and give you time to reflect on the beauty of the season! Let’s shop online and get ‘er done Big6 style!
For shopping, more and more people turn to online gift ordering - especially since free shipping is available. Delivery to the door is efficient use of your time, plus you stay warm and dry while you shop online. Will you fly or drive far from home to celebrate this year? If so, save time and have wrapped gifts shipped to the celebration destination instead! While the gifts are on the way - you’ll have more time to handle the food and decorating or travel!
You Can Make Decisions and Solve Problems!
Before you turn immediately to Amazon, or your favorite online shopping source, think briefly about your gift giving goals and prepare to make some considered decisions! Quick review….
Big6 #1 - Task Definition - Select a suitable and pleasing gift for friends and family, on time and within budget.
Big6 #2 - Information Seeking Strategies - Do you need gift advice? See online wish lists? Email a relative for ideas? Gather gift idea suggestions? Check what’s hot this year? Consult online sale flyers?
Big6 #3 - Location and Access - Do you know where to find the gift? Narrow the possible online locations, check who has the item in stock? Compare pricing?
Big6 #4 Use of Information - Read online reviews, check prices, colors, sizes, determine if items are available or on back order?
Big6 #5 Synthesis - Add items to your online shopping cart! Select quantities, colors, and sizes if necessary. Be prepared with your plastic cards and specific shipping address information for online shopping. Select delivery timelines to meet your goals.
Big6 #6 Evaluation - Whew! You did it! Now you have time to get those other things done before the unwrapping big day!
p.s. Happy Holidays from all of us at Big6!
p.p.s. For your shopping convenience, look to the top of our homepage column for a “familiar online shopping link” to get you started.
Rethinking Task Definition: Saving the World in Five Minutes (eNews 9.4, 3)
If you have spent any time working with K-12 students on information problem solving, you know that one of the most challenging and important steps to teach is Task Definition (Big6 #1). Students often get so excited about starting a project that they are ready to dive right into research without carefully considering what it is they need to do.
Big6 Workshops for your School
Do your students need better skills when it comes time to find and use information? Contact us about a Big6 or Super3 trainer-led workshop for your faculty and staff. We customize our Big6 and Super3 onsite programs for your members grade levels, disciplines and focus. This is our most popular choice to get everyone onboard with Big6 or Super3 information literacy programs from the “get go”!
Ask questions, get assistance with grant applications and get a free quotation upon request. Email subject “Big6 Workshops” to info@big6.com
or Call: 315-450-6406
Register in the Big6 and Super3 Directory
Hey Big6ers! Join the Big6 and Super3 Directory of Schools. More than 200 Big6 and Super3 users have already signed up. You’re invited to register in the directory today. You don’t have to be an expert at Big6 or Super3, just use it with at least one class to join the directory. Encourage other Big6 educators to register too. We want to show the strength of Big6 information literacy instruction in the US and worldwide.
http://www.big6.com/2008/08/28/big6-directory/
Big6 Workshops and Big6 Academy
Integrate your state’s Language Arts, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Art, and Math Standards with practical Big6 Information Literacy Strageties! Engage classroom teachers and teacher-librarians in meaningful, successful collaboration. Host a Big6 Workshop at your school or attend one of our seminars or webinars!
