Protocol Overview and Instructions: 
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We consistently talk about Personal Accountability and Critical Thinking/Problem Solving as they apply to our daily math curriculum and activities.  We do not spend as much time teaching or practicing good communication skills.

We went through the previous slides discussing in person interactions and talking on the phone.  Students had a lot of personal experiences to add to the discussion.  I was pleased to see them discuss that listening was a major part of communication.  Another positive addition to the discussion was a student who commented that you should ask questions while you speak and not only talk about yourself.  I thought this was quite introspective of a sixth grader, who is developmentally still at a very self-centered stage of adolescence. 

Next, we discussed the intricacies of an email. Why might a teacher use “BCC Blind Carbon Copy” when sending out a newsletter to all students and parents? Why is a subject line important?
After showing an example email of thanking a parent volunteer, I asked students to compose their own email to convey gratefulness. This fit well into our day,  smoothly transitioning us into the Thanksgiving Break.  Students were able to show gratefulness to another person while practicing proper email communication skills they likely have never been taught before.


Skills for Success Protocol ​

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Educator Thoughts:
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I saw entire sentences in the subject line, introductions on the same line as sentences, incomplete sentences, and texting shorthand.  Before sending students needed my approval.   I am hoping that seeing the editing and corrections applied to their emails will impact their understanding of the format.  
I plan to repeat this lesson and have students practice sending more emails this year to prepare for ever increasing communication over technology.

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Student Quote:
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Meet the Educator:

Malory Postma 
Sixth Grade Math and Social Studies at Hamilton Middle School
     
​“Incorporating Skills for Success within classroom activities by applying our curriculum to real world scenarios makes all the difference.  I want my students to be confident and prepared in whatever they set out to do.”