Activity 1A
C & I 335
Summer, 1998

Patty Chiles
Douglas School
Springfield, Illinois

Proposal of Project
Posted on Webboard

Let's try this for the third time! Over the next few weeks I would like to

further develop a ten lesson unit combining aggression replacement

training (ART) with a unit on basic computer skills.

The time limitation of two weeks would not work for this unit due to a

number of variables. The amount of computers available and the basic

computer skills of next year's class would be cause for time flexibility.

The ART that I teach every morning at Douglas has several components.

I teach listening skills, empathy skills, mediation skills, anger reduction

skills, and so on. I think it would be exciting to combine the units and

useful as an added assessment tool

For example a computer skills lesson could be giving on searching for

clip art. Then a lesson could be given in ART focusing on empathy

skills. Students could then work with partners to search for clip art that

reflected the emotions of others. The clip art could be used to make a

collage.

Another example could be to give instruction on basic word processing

using Clarisworks. It would be followed by a lesson on "I" messages.

After both lessons students would use Clarisworks to list ten "I"

I think the possibilities would be endless with the combination of the

two units. I have already discussed some of the ideas with the building

principal and she is excited about the idea of putting our technology to

better use.

Our building doesn't even have a home page yet. Maybe with a lesson on

positive self-esteem the students could create a home page reflecting what

they are proud about. Douglas isn't just a school for "bad kids". Our

students have a lot to offer.

If the units come together well I am sure the other two middle school

teachers I work with would be happy to tie in their subject areas with my

units. Since I also teach literature I can already think of tie ins to make

this project even better.

We are not required to give a letter grade for behavior intervention (ART),

but I feel the computer projects would be a concrete method of presenting

to parents what we believe to a positive use of time in their chills school

day. It would also be something each student could put his/her hands on

to gauge his/her progress.

You asked for something "brief". If you need me to elaborate further just

let me know. This is my third attempt at typing this and trying to get it

posted. Cross your fingers.

Patty

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