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All grades  Project 1 week

Manners Matter: Field Trip Etiquette Expedition!

Trey M
TH:Pr6.4.a
TH:Cr2.7.b
TH:Pr6.3.a
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to cultivate social-emotional skills in middle school special education students through real-world experiences. By engaging in a field trip to a restaurant and movie theatre, students will practice etiquette, manners, and appropriate public behavior in authentic settings. The project encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, allowing students to reflect on their experiences and share their insights with the school community. Through collaborative activities and reflections, students will develop a sense of identity and belonging, enhancing their self-efficacy and communication skills.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this experience are to develop social etiquette skills and effective communication in public settings, fostering mutual respect and self-awareness. Students will create a 'Guide to Social Etiquette' booklet, reflecting on their field trip experiences, and share insights through a collaborative slideshow. Additionally, they will enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging in real-world scenarios, documenting their socio-emotional growth in reflective journals, and participating in peer and teacher feedback sessions.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Pr6.4.a - Share small-group drama/theatre work, with peers as audience.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr2.7.b - Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Pr6.3.a - Practice drama/theatre work and share reflections individually and in small groups.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a 'Guide to Social Etiquette' booklet, incorporating insights and reflections from their field trip experiences. Each student will complete a scavenger hunt-style checklist during the trip, documenting their engagement with social etiquette opportunities. At the conclusion of the project, students will produce a short answer card summarizing their personal learning and experiences. Additionally, a collaborative slideshow will be developed, showcasing the students' work and reflections, to be presented to special education administrators and central office staff.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive role-playing session where students practice ordering food and interacting with staff in a simulated restaurant setting in the classroom. Use this opportunity to introduce and discuss the key elements of respectful communication and public behavior. Encourage students to share their thoughts on what makes these interactions successful, setting the stage for the real-world application during the upcoming field trip.

Exhibition

Students will collaboratively create a dynamic slideshow that highlights their experiences and insights gained from the field trip. This presentation will include excerpts from their 'Guide to Social Etiquette' booklet, reflective journal entries, and personal short answer cards. The exhibition will be shared with special education administrators and central office staff, serving both as a showcase of their learning journey and an expression of gratitude for the opportunity. This event will provide a platform for students to articulate their growth in communication skills and socio-emotional understanding in a public setting.