Knowledge is Freedom
Mx. Spruiells, MA, MS, BCS
Writer ~ Teacher
Student Humanities Resource Site
Welcome
Greetings, students; you've made it this far and should be congratulated. Learning is a challenge, and it is no small feat to be standing here on the shores of a new adventure, peering across unknown waters, wondering how you will swim, boat, or get to the other side. As you can see, there are various means to make it to your destination— it is your choice. This virtual space includes the tools and resources you need to ensure your safe passage to new lands. I cannot guarantee a smooth journey. There may be storms, sharks, and strange events some have never witnessed, but this page is your compass, and if you use it, you will achieve your goal.
It is my responsibility to provide you with academic support to help you succeed. Therefore, I am committed to learning more each day to enhance my craft as an educator and relentlessly support you to ensure your success. We are on this journey together. Jump in; let's go, and we won't quit cause' we've got guts and grit.
Guides
The guides below will help you with the basics— reading, writing, and speaking. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
How to Read for Success
Reading is a new phenomenon for the masses. Believe me, it is not "normal" to sit and read for hours. For this reason, anytime you do something superhuman, you have to practice. This guide provides you with the tools you need to become a mutant. Oh, yes and by the way, in this class you will have a great deal of practice.
How to Write for Success
Not only do teachers want you to read stuff, but they want you to write about it too? Yes. Students fail to embrace the process and seek to put out a product. No way (insert random student name here)! Read this guide to help you understand the steps for writing success.
How to Speak for Success
Have you ever seen the person you who knows absolutely nothing about something, take the lead and leave the others in the dust? Well, more times than I can recall, those people have the gift of gab and understand communication. That can be you! Seriously, I want you to be able to share what's on your mind, and this guide helps.
Graphic Organizers
Graphic organizers support your thought process when organizing your writing. They will provide you with structure and should not be limiting. If you would like to try something new to take writing liberty and push your craft forward, try it. During revision workshop, we can discuss your intent and examine the writing for its impact.
Reading Links
Most of the articles we will read will come from these websites. However, for practice, I encourage you to review topics of interest and get to reading!
Rubrics
Use the class general rubrics below to assess your work. When you submit, you should be roughly aware of the quality of work you've provided.
Presenter Media
Connect with your audience through visual media by using the digital design platforms below.
Writing Generators
Do you need a few inspirational sparks to get started? Check out these writing generators to set your fingers on fire!
Quick Links
Be sure to bookmark the following links as we will use these regularly for the course.
Formative
Kahoot
Quizlet
Plickers
Socrative
Wordwall
Mindfulness Support
Never forget to take care of yourself. I've provided a few of my favorite mindful websites below.
Check out these cool instrumentals to calm your nerves and prepare your mind to work.
Meditation improves self-regulation and the way we engage with the world around us. Use the free version of Headspace to get started with your transformation today. Get extra points for maintaining a streak (1 day=1 point).
Control your environment while studying or working with cafe noise, an Irish coast, and other settings that will take you to another place, even if your little sibling is screaming at the top of their lungs!
Crisis Help Lines
Sometimes we need a little extra help and that's ok. Remember you can always speak with your teacher, counselor, or a trusted adult in the building.
Resources:
Boys Town National Hotline (1.800.448.3000)
Crisis and support line for children, youth and their parents, 24/7 and Spanish available. Multi-topic and issue assistance.
Provides 24/7 assistance in 170 languages to adults, children and youth with information and questions regarding child abuse. All calls are anonymous and confidential.
National Runaway Safeline (1.800.RUNAWAY)
Crisis line for youth thinking about running away, for youth already on the run and for adults worried about a runaway. 24/7 help available.
Loveisrespect.org (1.800.331.9474)
Peer advocates available 24/7 to support teens with concerns about dating violence. Chat available thru their website, or text loveis to 22522.
Trevor Project Lifeline (1.866.488.7386)
Provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.TALK)
Support and assistance 24/7 for anyone feeling depressed, overwhelmed or suicidal.
Retrieved from stopitnow.com