Lesson
Overview
Summary: In these integrated lessons, students will evaluate their employment and volunteer experiences through writing exercises. These may include jobs they have held, hobbies, or volunteer work they have pursued.
Portfolio & English for High School Special Education Life Skills
By Terri Trepanier
(Adapted from "Portfolio & English" by B. Chae, 2017, OER Commons.)
Adapted with permission.
Summary: In these integrated lessons, students will evaluate their employment and volunteer experiences through writing exercises. These may include jobs they have held, hobbies, or volunteer work they have pursued.
Lesson Title: Where Have You Been? Where Are You Going?
Content Area: Language; Career; Technology
Grade/Level: High School Transition
Student Learning Objective:
Students will be able to identify one part of speech by making a selection.
Students will be able to identify one graduation requirement by making a selection.
Students will be able to participate in the discussion.
Students will be able to answer questions by making a selection.
Vocabulary: noun, pronoun, verb, modifier, adverb, adjective, conjunction, interjection, graduation, graduation requirement, computer, resume, goal, comma, email
Standard-Performance Indicator
9-10.RL.2.1 Analyze what a text says both explicitly and implicitly as well as inferences and interpretations through citing strong and thorough textual evidence.
9-10. RV.1 Acquire and accurately use academic and content-specific words and phrases at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
9-10.RN.2.1. Analyze what a text says explicitly as well as inferences and interpretations are drawn from the text by citing strong and thorough textual evidence
Relevant IEP Links Reading Comprehension
Expanded Core Skills Vocabulary Word Cards
Materials
Vocabulary Word Cards: noun, pronoun, verb, modifier, adverb, adjective, conjunction, interjection, graduation, graduation requirement, computer, resume, goal, comma, email
Instructional
Strategies Collaborative Grouping Book
Technology Peer Interaction
Projects/Products Peer Instruction/Modeling
Demonstrations Videos
Student Presentations Content Area Reading Strategies
Other:
Homework/ Closure
Practice using vocabulary in daily conversations.
I. LESSON
A. Songs –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3yJhw7R3fI
Eight Parts of Speech Review/Jack Hartmann
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdYwtTmTKTo
How to Write an Anecdote in 4 Easy Stages
B. Learning Activities- explore using vocabulary and taking turns by role-playing.
C. Differentiation/Accommodations- The Unique Learning System Curriculum is written for three different levels. Our class is primarily level 2, with two at level 1. The teaching guide is written to each level needed.
II. ASSESSMENTS (PRE/POST)
A. Informal
Observation
Anecdotal Record-description of student performance
B. Formal
Final observation at the end of the week
III. REFLECTION
Parts of Speech Pre-Test
This quiz will introduce you to the main concepts and new vocabulary for this module. Read the questions below and then select the correct response from the choices given.
1. Which of these words is a verb?
(33 Points)
______since
_____idea
______realized
2. Which of these words is a conjunction?
(33 Points)
_____she
_____or
_____just
33
3. Which of these words is an adverb?
(34 Points)
_____really
_____some
______welcoming
s of Speech #1 — Nouns and Verbs
Parts of Speech #1 - Nouns and Verbs
Parts of Speech #1 - Nouns and Verbs
The purpose of this assignment is to learn about the eight main parts of speech in English: noun, verb, pronoun, interjection, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction. This section will look at the first four.
Directions:
1. Read the introductory information on the parts of speech.
2. Answer the questions by clicking on the correct response.
Read:
A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. In addition, there are a few important ways to look at any noun. Here are some basic guidelines:
- Nouns can be singular (an engineer, a garden, one chair, peace) or plural (sisters, mice, the books). Plural nouns are often made by adding an s to a singular noun, but some are not. A dictionary is an excellent way to check if you are not sure.
- Nouns can be common (a man, the newspaper, a college) or proper (Mr. Lewis, the Seattle Times, Skagit Valley College). Common nouns are never capitalized, but proper nouns should always start with a capital letter. A person's name is capitalized when used as a title. For example, My aunt is a published author. Our family is proud of Aunt Teresa.
- Nouns are either count nouns or non-count nouns. Count nouns can be counted (one hat, five pies, seven dollars). Non-count nouns can't be separated into smaller groups, so they are never written with a plural form (happiness, money, milk).
Verbs are action words. The form you use for a verb will show whether the action described is in the past, the present, or the future.
Read the questions below and select the correct response from the choices given.
- A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. Select the noun from the choices below.
(25 Points)
_____Chicken
______Sing
______Yell
- A verb is an action word. It can describe the action as in the past, present, or future.
(25 Points)
______Chicken
_______Yell
______Beef
- A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. Select the noun from the choices below.
(25 Points)
______Mom
______Go
_____Type
- Question: A verb is an action word. It can describe an action as in the past, present, or future.
(25 Points)
______Mom
_____Go
______Dad
Where Have You Been? Where Are You Going?
Life is a journey. Part of that journey includes your time here at school. Please take a few minutes and reflect on your time here. Then write a brief essay about this and be sure to answer the following questions. What classes have you taken? What classes do you still have to take? Are there specific requirements you still must meet? Where would you like to be after you graduate?
Be sure to remember what you have learned about writing. Remember what you need to write a complete sentence, a noun, and a verb. Remember to include adjectives and adverbs to write more descriptive sentences. Have an introductory sentence, a minimum of 3 points to support the introductory sentence, and a conclusion.
Write your response below. (100 Points)
Parts of Speech #2 — Modifiers - Adjectives and Adverbs.
This section aims to learn about the last two parts of speech in English: adjectives and adverbs.
Directions:
1. Read the introductory information on the parts of speech.
2. Reach the questions below, and then select the correct response from the choices given.
- She wore blue velvet.
Identify the adjective in the sentence above from the choices below.
(25 Points)
_____she
_____wore
_____blue
- She ran quickly.
Identify the adverb in the sentence above from the choices below.
(25 Points)
_____she
_____ran
_____quickly
- He ate slowly.
Identify the adverb in the sentence above from the choices below.
(25 Points)
_____He
_____ate
_____slowly
- He is tall.
Identify the adjective in the sentence above from the choices below.
(25 Points)
_____He
_____is
____tall
Reflect and Write: Your Educational History
Your experience as a student influences how you approach your education. Some past events, experiences, thoughts, and attitudes – both positive and negative – may still affect you as a student.
This assignment will help you explore your educational history and think about your strengths
and weaknesses, and how you learn best.
1. Write your answers to the six questions below. The answer to each question should be complete sentences.
2. When you have answered your questions.
- What was school like for you? Was it mostly positive, mostly negative, or something in between (17 Points)
- How do you learn best? Fill in the blank: "I learn best when..." (17 Points)
- Were you good about turning in homework? Why or why not? (17 Points)
- How do you communicate best? Fill in the blank: "I communicate best when..." (17 Points)
- What do you do well? Fill in the blank: "I am very good at..." (17 Points)
- What do you struggle with? Fill in the blank, "I struggle with..." (17 Points)
Your Transcript Evaluation
The purpose of this assignment is to help you understand what you need to do to fulfill the requirements for your certificate of completion.
Read
For a certificate of completion, you will need to have a minimum of 40 credits/applied units.
The new CoC framework emphasizes employability skills and job experience, and activities.
Overview
For this assignment, you will look at the gaps in your transcript and begin to plan what you would like to do to complete your requirements.
Directions
1. Review your transcript.
2. Answer the questions below.
Read and Do
You will need a copy of your transcript. For each subject, fill in the credits you have received and the number of credits remaining. At the bottom of each column, write the total number of credits you have received and the total number remaining.
- How many years have you taken English? Subtract that number from 4.
(17 Points)
- How many years have you taken math? Subtract that number from 4.
(17 Points)
- How many years have you taken Unique? Subtract that number from 4.
(17 Points)
- How many years have you taken PE? Subtract that number from 4.
(17 Points)
- How many years have you taken ECC? Subtract that number from 4.
(16 Points)
- How many years have you taken electives? Subtract that number from 4.
(16 Points)
- Now add your answers in questions numbered 1 through 6 together and enter the total number below.
Thinking About Program Planning
For this assignment, you will think through various issues and situations that may affect how you fulfill your graduation requirements. Reflecting on these issues and scenarios will help you create a plan for completing your high school certificate.
Write:
1. Would you complete school as quickly as possible, or would you prefer to move slowly and feel better prepared?
2. Think about different situations where you have learned something new. Did you prefer learning by yourself, or in a group with other people? Describe the situation.
3. If given the option, would you prefer to complete your certificate requirements online or through a face-to-face class?
Respond to the questions in the space provided below.
Writing Your Life
Overview
This section of the course will look at your prior learning experiences to identify what you have learned.
Learner Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Identify prior learning experiences.
- Explain what you learned.
-Write a structured paragraph.
Why This Is Important
In identifying previous life, work, and learning experiences, you will understand the skills you gained.
Guidelines:
- Be as thorough as possible when you write down your duties and accomplishments. Later in the course, you will be using this information as evidence when you produce your competency write-ups to go into your ePortfolio.
- Remember that "Things You Learned" should include skills that apply to the world at large and that you might use in your life outside of that particular job. Ask for more clarification on this issue if you need it.
Example Work History
Company: Denny's
Job title: Hostess
Length of employment: 2 years
The training you received:
- OSHA Safety Training
- Denny's Policies and Procedures
- Sexual Harassment
What you did:
- Greeted customers and escorted them to the tables
- Rang up checks and processed credit card payments.
- Trained new greeters.
- Assisted wait staff, as necessary.
What you learned: I learned a lot about time management and multitasking. I also learned how to negotiate with unhappy customers. I learned to watch body language to see whether they would be happy with the solution I offered.
Skills you acquired:
- Time Management
- Cash register and credit card operations (counting back change, running and balancing reports)
Significant accomplishments: Supervised a team of 5 employees
Certificates you earned: Certified Hostess Trainer
Awards/recognition:
Classes
- Name of class: Zumba for Life
- Length of class: 10 weeks, 1 hour per class
- Organization offering the class: Riverside Health Club
Subjects covered:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Stretching
- Latino Dance Rhythms
What you learned:
- Zumba dance steps
- How to monitor my pulse
- Importance of cardiovascular exercise
- History of Zumba
Skills you acquired:
- Salsa
- Mambo
- Merengue
Significant accomplishments: I attended every class!
Respond to the writing prompt in the space provided. (100 Points)
Paragraph Structure - Where Are You Now? (100 Points)
Overview
The purpose of this lesson is to explain the structure of an introductory paragraph.
Read
Three-Part Paragraph Structure
A good paragraph should always include all three of the following elements:
Topic sentence. Usually, the first sentence states the paragraph's topics. The topic sentence is broad enough to cover all the information included in the section and helps to give unity and structure to the paragraph. In other words, it helps the reader to understand the paragraph.
Supporting details. After the topic sentence comes the supporting information. The supporting information in a paragraph help to explain or prove the topic sentence. They provide specific information about the paragraph's topic and sometimes give examples to illustrate the claim made in the topic sentence. A section needs to include at least three supporting details, and these supporting details need to be linked to the topic sentence.
Concluding sentence. Finally, a paragraph ends with a concluding sentence. This sentence should paraphrase the information in the topic sentence and should not include any supporting details.
For this assignment, you will begin planning your "Where Are You Now?" paragraph.
Directions
- Read the passage below about your goal statement.
- Think about your answers to the following: "Are you where you want to be in your life right now? Why or why not?"
- Complete the section, writing a topic sentence, supporting statements, and a concluding comment.
Read
Your Goal Statement
Over the next week, you will write and revise the first part of a personal goal statement. Write it in the last space below.
The goal statement is one (1) of two (2) formal writing assignments you will complete and add to your Portfolio. The Portfolio will demonstrate that you have achieved high school-level competency in several areas.
The goal statement serves two purposes. First, it indicates where you are headed after you graduate. Second, it provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate competency in writing. Because of this second purpose, your goal statement should be completely free of errors and adhere to formal writing standards. All the writing you produce this quarter will go through planning, revising, and proofreading stages to accomplish both objectives.
Part of the revising phase involves peer reviews, in which you and a partner exchange your papers and provide feedback on ways to improve or refine your writing.
Respond to the writing prompt in the space provided.
1. Please write your draft in the space below.
(50 Points)
2. Write your final version in the space below.
(50 Points)
Email Etiquette
Read Email Etiquette. Consider the following questions as you read:
- What are the essential elements to include in an email?
- Are there things you should not do when writing an email?
Email Etiquette - Abbreviated
Adapted from: Email Etiquette by Ali Hale
Today, one of the most popular ways for people to communicate is email, especially at work. So, being able to write an email is very important.
1.) Start with a greeting like "Dear Mr. Jones, or Dear Professor Smith." It is also ok to say, "Hi Joe," or "Hello Joe."
2.) Write short paragraphs. Get to the point. Have 2 or 4 short sections and only one idea. Consider using bullet points.
3.) Stick to one topic.
4.) Use capital appropriately. Never write a whole sentence in all caps.
5.) Sign off the email.
6.) Use a sensible email signature, nothing corny. Make it easy for your correspondents to find your contact details.
Directions: Read the questions below and then select the correct response from the choices given.
- What should you include in an email? (33 Points)
_____a greeting, 2-3 short paragraphs and a sign off.
______as much as you can
______humor
2. What should you not do in an email? (33 Points)
_____Make sure your contact information is easy to find.
_____Use all capital letters to emphasize your point.
_____Stick to one topic.
3. Where is a good place to put your contact information? (34 Points)
_____inside the paragraph with all the other information
_____at the bottom of your email after your signature
_____at the bottom of your email before your signature
Writing an Email
Overview
For this assignment, you will practice writing a professional email to me.
1. Review the Email Etiquette you just read.
2. Then, write an email to me following the guidelines below.
Read
Although email is becoming an increasingly common way to communicate, many people still are unsure of the proper way to write a professional email. Should it be as formal as a handwritten letter, or can it be as casual as a text message?
The answer is that it depends on the recipient and the content of the email. When writing to a person you do not know, it is best to err on being too formal. A job application, a note to a teacher, or a request for information from a stranger should all be proper. On the other hand, a message to your best friend or sibling can be very casual.
Here is an example of how you should write an email:
Dear Professor Smith,
This is Melissa Tan from your portfolio class. I am sorry, but I will not be able to come to class tonight. My car broke down, and the bus is not running due to the strike. Would you be able to send me the homework assignments?
Thank you,
Melissa Tan
Notice that Melissa's email includes her full name and which class she's taking. That lets the professor know who she is. She also has a greeting and a sign-off that are appropriate for their relationship.
Consider the following guidelines when writing an email:
- Instead of "Hey," use "Dear…,"
- Instead of no greeting, use "To whom it may concern" (very formal) or "Hello," (more casual).
- Instead of "Love," use "Yours truly," or "Best regards,"
Do
The assignment is to write a professional email to me. Complete the following:
1. Write an email to use Outlook.
2. The email should be about a question you have about the class. (For this assignment, you may make up a question. It does not need to be an actual concern.)
3. Be sure to include a relevant subject line, a greeting, a sign-off, and your name and course information.
4. Check your email for correct spelling and capitalization.
5. Send the mail through Outlook.
Please write a draft of your email in the space provided below. Then open Outlook and send one to me. (100 Points)
Prior Learning Planning Sheet
Overview:
For this assignment, you will write about your "Prior Learning."
Directions:
1. Choose one work or volunteer experience to use for the assignment.
2. Then respond to the following questions with this experience in mind.
Read:
For this assignment, you will choose one work experience or volunteer experience.
Do
Complete the following:
1. Write about your work experience or volunteer opportunity, being sure to include two types of information: (1) What you did and (2) what you learned.
2. When you are done, click submit.
Whether it was paid work or volunteer experience, you will answer the questions.
Directions: Please respond to the writing prompt in the space provided below.
- Topic Sentence:
Simply put, your topic sentence should answer the main question (using a complete sentence).
Example: I worked as a sales assistant at Johnson Jewelers for two years.
Type your answer to the question, "Where did you work?" here:
My answer:
(15 Points)
- Supporting Sentences:
To answer the following question (Why?), you need to develop at least three (3) specific tasks you did at this job. You might have more if your job was more involved.
Example:
- I helped customers decide on jewelry purchases.
- I was responsible for taking the annual inventory of all stock in the store and tracking it in a spreadsheet.
- Part of my responsibilities included answering phones, entering data on the computer, and doing paperwork.
My reasons:
Reason 1: (17 Points)
- Supporting Sentences:
To answer the following question (Why?), you need to develop at least three (3) specific tasks you did at this job. You might have more if your job was more involved.
Example:
- I helped customers decide on jewelry purchases.
- I was responsible for taking the annual inventory of all stock in the store and tracking it in a spreadsheet.
- Part of my responsibilities included answering phones, entering data on the computer, and doing paperwork.
My reasons:
Reason 2: (17 Points)
4. Supporting Sentences:
To answer the following question (Why?), you need to develop at least three (3) specific tasks you did at this job. You might have more if your job was more involved.
Example:
- I helped customers decide on jewelry purchases.
- I was responsible for taking the annual inventory of all stock in the store and tracking it in a spreadsheet.
- Part of my responsibilities included answering phones, entering data on the computer, and doing paperwork.
My reasons:
Reason 3: (17 Points)
5. Concluding Sentence:
Finally, you need to paraphrase your first sentence to give your audience a sense of closure.
Example: My work at Johnson Jewelers taught me many skills that will be helpful in any job I take in the future.
My concluding sentence: (17 Points)
6. Now, pull it all together and write your paragraph below.
(17 Points)
Making Decisions
Overview:
In this module, you will learn more about options to help you reach your career goals. You will also learn about the subject-verb agreement and other elements of sentence logic to help you write more grammatical sentences.
Learner Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Describe how much it will cost you to get the training you need for your career choice.
- Evaluate various options to help you reach your career goals.
- Edit your sentences to make them logical.
Why This is Important
Having correct sentences is one way you show that you are a well-educated writer. The sentence logic activities will give you the ability to present yourself well in your writing.
You are choosing the right program to move forward in your career goals. Once you know which programs you'll be taking, you will need to figure out how much it costs and how you will pay for it. This module will give you the tools you need to make informed decisions about paying for your education.
First, decide on a career that interests you. Visit Career One Stop by clicking on the link below and completing their interest inventory.
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/interest-assessment.aspx
and complete the interest inventory. Select a job that interests you and explore the training you will need. Write your results below. (100 Points)
Commas, Part 1
Overview:
The purpose of this lesson is to explain comma rules.
Read:
A comma is used to separate sentence parts like items in a list and dates. It can also connect clauses in sentences. We use commas with coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) to connect independent clauses. The comma's job is to mark the dividing line between two (or more) complete ideas so that the reader does not get confused. They are usually in the middle of the sentence.
Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items.
- We need to buy eggs, milk, and juice.
Rule 2. Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the order of the adjectives is interchangeable.
- The milk is a sweet, healthy drink.
Rule 3. The comma is placed before the conjunction and shows where one clause ends, and another begins.
F = For
A = And
N = Nor
B = But
O = Or
Y = Yet
S = So
-She may be small, yet she is mighty.
Rule 4.
The comma is used to set off a clause.
In the morning, we will make waffles.
Read the questions below and select the correct answer.
Choose the correct placement for the comma in this sentence.
- At night we listened to the coyotes. (25 Points)
_____At night, we listened to the coyotes.
______At night we listened, to the coyotes.
_____At night we listened to, the coyotes.
- If we hurry we can catch the bus! (25 Points)
______If we hurry we can catch, the bus!
______If we hurry, we can catch the bus!
______If, we hurry we can catch the bus!
3. Raoul made a beautiful blue quilt. (25 Points)
______Raoul made a beautiful blue, quilt.
_______Raoul made a beautiful, blue quilt.
______Raoul, made a beautiful blue quilt.
4. If I stand at this corner long enough maybe something exciting will happen.
(25 Points)
______If I stand at this corner, long enough maybe something exciting will happen.
______If I stand at this corner long enough maybe something, exciting will happen.
_____If I stand at this corner long enough, maybe something exciting will happen.
Life Costs and Goals
For this activity, you will consider the costs and benefits of various aspects of life and use this information to decide what you would like to do.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a career path is making sure it will pay you enough to support the family you have now and the one you want to have in the future. The size of your family can significantly impact your ability to become and remain self-sufficient.
The cost of raising a single child in the United States today has gone up significantly in the last 50 years. Here is a description of the critical information provided in "The Cost of Raising a Child:"
Think about whether it would be better for you and your family to rent or own a home. IF you choose to rent, select an apartment, and find out how much the rent will be
.
- Families are projected to spend an average of $233,610 raising a child born in 2015 from birth to 18.
Think about how much money you spend on bills every month. For this section, you do not need to record exact amounts, but if you would like to, you might want to spend some time looking over your bank statements online for the past few months to find out exactly where your money goes. Once you have determined your expenditures, you can estimate what salary will be required to support you and your family. Knowing how much money you need to make each year is essential before choosing a career path.
Add this information to the questions below.
- How much do you spend each month on food? Write the amount below.
(10 Points)
- How much do you spend on rent or mortgage? Write that amount below.
(10 Points)
- How much will you need for transportation? Write that amount below.
(10 Points)
- How much do you spend on medical? Write that amount below.
(10 Points)
- How much do you spend on clothing? Write that amount below.
(10 Points)
- How much do you spend on entertainment? Write that amount below.
(10 Points)
- How much do you spend on children? One child is about $9,000 per year. Add $5,000 for each additional. Write that amount below.
(10 Points)
- How much do you spend on pets? Write that amount below.
(10 Points)
- How much do you spend on taxes? Write that amount below.
(10 Points)
- Add it all together and write that amount below. This amount is the minimum you will need to make each month. Multiply that number by 12 to get your annual salary. Also, write that number down, too.
(10 Points)
Resume Writing
The purpose of this page is to learn about resumes.
Read:
A resume is a document that gives your work history, education history, and a small amount of background information on your abilities and interests.
A resume will contain your name, address, phone number, and email at the top in bold letters. Then it will have a summary of your work experience or your career objective. Next, you will list your skills, work or volunteer experience, education, and then your references.
Review a friend's resume or one online. Pay close attention to the way the writer has laid out the information. As you look, think about how your resume will look, and then create yours below. (100 Points)
Resources
CareerOneStop. (2016, December 01). Retrieved November 09, 2021, from https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/interest-assessment.aspx.
Chae, B. (2017, June 09). Portfolio & English. OER Commons. Retrieved November 07, 2021, from https://www.oercommons.org/authoring/22407-portfolio-english.
Radhl, F. (2020, February 22). Learn How To Write An Anecdote Easily/4 Stages. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdYwtTmTKTo
Hartmann, J (2021). Eight Parts of Speech. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3yJhw7R3fI
Kahn Academy (2021). Meet the Comma. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/grammar/punctuation-the-comma-and-the-apostrophe/introduction-to-commas/v/meet-the-comma-the-comma-punctuation-khan-academy