Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.

Dig!

Objective: The student will experience the need for organization.

Activity: Dig! Ask the students to bring all of their school materials to class without telling them what they need them for. Once they are ready, commence with the following search. Explain that they have been asked to have certain materials with them at all times. In the following activity, materials will be named and every student who can come up with the item will earn a point. Points will be recorded and tallied at the end, with the student receiving the most points winning the game. Suggested items: pencil, pen, eraser, blank lined paper, a math book, Language Arts homework from last night, notes from Social Studies on . . ., Language Arts journal, compass, colored pencils, Colonial America packet, etc. Talley the points to determine the winner.

Assessment: Student understanding of the importance for organization is measured in the following discussion.