This We Believe . . . Advisory

This is one of the key aspect of Middle Level practices. 
http://www.amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/AdvisoryAdvocacy/AdvDet/TabId/179/ArtMID/694/ArticleID/427/Making-a-Difference-through-Student-Advocacy.aspx

Gearing Up . . .

As we prepare for the State assessments - here are some ideas . . .
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/checklist-test-taking-strategies

All About Relationships!

A nice video!
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=middle+school+advisory+lessons&FORM=VIRE3#view=detail&mid=0BCEA0AAB07FC30477140BCEA0AAB07FC3047714

5 Myths about Rigor

Found this article and while not directly related to Advisory, is certainly important to note and provides springboards for discussions.
http://www.middleweb.com/12318/five-myths-rigor-common-core/

When the Cold Wind Blows . . .

How to Play: Move chairs into a circle. The number of chairs in the circle should be one less than the number of players. One player stands in the middle of the circle and says, "When the cold wind blows, it blows for anyone who_________," filling in the blank with a category such as, has a dog. Everyone who fits that category, including the person in the middle, quickly finds a new place to sit. The one player who doesn't find a seat now stands in the center of the circle and continues the game by saying, "When the cold wind blows, it blows for anyone who __________," naming a new category. The activity continues for several rounds. You can limit categories to ones that relate to interests, hobbies, and family, or to a curriculum topic rather than allowing players to focus only on clothing or appearance.

This lively activity is a great way for children to learn about each other and what they have in common with classmates. You could brainstorm a list of categories before beginning the activity.

Variations: This game is also called A Warm Wind Blows, A Hot Wind Blows, and The River Rises. Some versions of Fruit Basket Upset are similar.

Where in the world . . . ?

 

Circle up and hand each student a sticky note. Ask them, “If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?” Students write down the specific location on their sticky note. Have a projector set and ready to go with a laptop or tablet connected and Google Earth available. Each student gets a turn at coming to the computer and punching in where they want to go. When students are done presenting, they receive another sticky note, and write down, “I want to go to this location because ______.” Following this activity, circle up and facilitate a discussion about having students plan a trip to their location. See if students are able to take their second sticky note and then develop a driving question for why they want to go where they want to go.

Here is a link to a where in the world quiz . . . good luck!
http://thinks.com/trivia/world1.htm

Who doesn't love . . .