Objective The students will demonstrate what they already know about the English curriculum on a Pre-Test The students will learn collaborative learning procedures for this class.

English 9a Pre-Test DO NOT WRITE ON THE ACTUAL PRE-TEST. Only write on your answer sheet. Turn in your pre-test and scantrons in to the piles on the front table.

Collaborative Learning Form Desks Assemble Groups Pack and Stack Move to Groups Have the “collaborative spirit” (i.e. respectful, take turns, no TRASH TALKING! Stay on task.

Broken Squares Activity Directions: Each group member will be given a set of shapes, either with an A, B, C, D, or E. If you have less than 5 members in your group, distribute the remaining cards to all members. Goal: Create 5 squares using all shapes given. The letter does not mean anything. Rules - No talking, pointing, or any other kind of communicating among the five people in your group. Participants may give pieces to other participants but may not take pieces from other members. Participants may not simply throw their pieces into the center for others to take; they have to give the pieces directly to one individual.

Think About It Who was willing to give away pieces of the puzzle? Did anyone finish his/her puzzle then somewhat divorce himself/herself from the struggles of the rest of the group? Was there anyone who continually struggled with his or her pieces, but yet was unwilling to give any or all of them away? How many people were actively engaged in mentally putting the pieces together? Did anyone seem especially frustrated? Was there any critical turning point at which time the group began to cooperate? Did anyone try to violate the rules by talking or pointing as a means of helping fellow members solve their puzzle?

Exit Card Broken Squares Activity - We will talk about this activity later in the year, and I want you to remember it! What made the activity difficult? What made the activity easy? What did you learn about working in a group? What did you learn about yourself? (your strengths/weaknesses)