[Nik]

What is your favorite way to introduce a new unit? We will be starting our study of Ancient Greece soon. I would appreciate any ideas.

[aliryan]

I always do a KWL.

Make a chart with three columns. What you Know (the K), what you want to know (the W) and what you have learned (the L)

You introduce the topic and ask students what they already know- write it all down in the column.

Then discuss what they want to know- write that down too

This helps you program your topic as you know what students' already know and you have found out a list of things they would like to know.

When you have taught the topic fill in the last column as a reflection activity.

[Mrs C]

Flood your classroom with interesting posters, pictures, artifacts, examples of past projects done by students. If doable, bring something to eat which reflects the culture of the unit's contents. Dressing up in an appropriate costume is always an attention-getter. Have an assortment of content area outline pictures for students (ie. the Greek Gods, Greek architecture, maps) to color & immediately make a display of them as they finish. Discuss what the pictures are about as they work.