1. DEVELOPING AN ENRICHMENT CLUSTER: WORK SESSION
Barrow Elementary

2. Student Interest Take a look at the student interest sheets
One side is grades K-2
One side is grades 3-5
Divided up by General Interest Areas
Miscellaneous section for topics that were hard to categorize
Bolded topics are ones that were said over and over
Any topics seem of interest to you?

3. Choosing Your Cluster Topic
Think of things you have an interest in
You do not have to be an expert in the topic. Instead, pick something that you would like to spend time learning more about.
Complete Inspiration survey if you are having a harder time (ask Katie for copies).
Refer to the student interest topic sheet for ideas (all facilitators should make sure there is a good amount of student interest in his/her potential cluster)

4. Choosing Your Cluster Topic
As a faculty, we will want to collaborate on potential topics to make sure we are covering the areas that students are interested in.
Look outside of the classroom for nonschool-related ideas.

5. Wall Charts Language Arts, Literature, and the Humanities
Physical and Life Sciences
The Arts
Social Sciences
Mathematics
Technology
Physical Education
Industrial Arts/Home Economics
Once you have an idea for your cluster, write the topic on a post-it note and stick it on the corresponding wall chart. Remember to pick only one topic!
This is a way for us to make sure we are selecting a variety of clusters that students might be interested in.

6. Developing Your Cluster
Think about the 6 Key Questions:
What do people with an interest in this topic or area of study do?
What products do they create and/or what services do they provide?
What methods do they use to carry out their work?
What resources and materials are needed to produce high- quality products and services?
How and with whom do they communicate the results of their work?
What steps need to be taken to have an impact on intended audiences?
You do not have to try to answer these questions completely. You just want to keep them in mind as you develop your cluster.

7. Effective Clusters Elements of Effective Clusters
Advanced Content
Authentic Methods
Product, Service, or Performance
Student Driven
Authentic Audience
Something to think about: to make a cluster a successful cluster, what advanced content, resources, and methods will the cluster require?

8. Writing Your Cluster Description
Shouldn’t specify exactly what students will do
Can provide ideas of roles students may take on
Avoid using “learn, class, and club”
Use verbs that convey action (think about the tasks specifically associated to your topic).
Pose questions about potential student interest and involvement
Do you like…? Have you ever wondered why…?
Do you have an interest in…?

9. Verbs to Think About Build Transform Make Shape Compose Dispose
Describe
Draft
Paint
Display
Act Out
Assess
Develop
Direct
Evaluate
Perform

10. Writing Your Cluster Description
Mention opportunities or possibilities for exploration, while avoiding language that implies too much pre- planning.
We may explore…; You might design…
Brainstorm catchy cluster names
Share your description with others to get feedback; tweak as needed.

11. Naming Your Cluster
Avoid using the word “class” or “club” when naming your cluster
Try:
Guild
Society
Organization
Institute
Task Force
A Business Name
You want students to know that enrichment clusters are not like traditional classroom experiences. The cluster name can have a lot of impact on the student’s perceptions.

12. Making Your Cluster Advertisement
1 page power point slide, advertising your cluster.
Things to include: cluster title, cluster description, related image or picture
Things NOT to include: your name, specific plans for the cluster
All slides will be put together into one slideshow to be shown to students.

13. Making Your Cluster Advertisement
Tips and things to think about:
Try to make the slide appealing to our Barrow students.
This is the only information students will have about the cluster before they select their top choices.
Think about colors that look nice together and show up well.
Avoid transitions within the slide (make it all show up at once).
Try not to make the slides “too busy” with extras.

14. Hot off the Press!
Have you ever wanted to work on a newspaper? Do you like to write, draw, take pictures, or tell stories about real events? Then, come be a reporter, photographer, editor, or layout artist as we spread the news of the school!
Investigate a story, write a comic strip, report on a school issue, interview a teacher, create advertisements, the possibilities are endless!

15. Dates to Remember
Cluster Power Point with Course Title and Descriptions due to Katie by the end of the day ( ad and turn in description worksheet)
Show Power Point the week of September 13th. Students complete preference forms and teachers turn student choices into Katie by September 17th.
Meet with Katie during common planning times on September 24th to go over “getting started” and any last minute concerns.
Teachers will receive rosters for their cluster and homeroom by September 27th.
Fall Clusters- Starting September 29th
Every week for 8 weeks
9-10 AM on Wednesdays
One extra cluster after Thanksgiving to get ready for the EC Fair on December 7th

16. Dates to Remember September 29th- 1st meeting! October 6th October13th
November 3rd
November 10th
November 17th
December 1st- To get ready for EC Fair

17. Cluster Database I Drive, Staff, Enrichment Clusters Folder
Everyone’s cluster will be listed. Please add any resources you think you might need for your cluster.
Please take a look at the resources that other people need to see if you can help them out.
I will add everyone’s cluster as soon as I get them turned in, and then you can go in and add your resources.

18. Work Time Begin by Exploring the 6 Key Questions.
Next, move to the Developing Your Cluster form.
Feel free to brainstorm ideas with others.
Tweak your cluster description and title.
Begin designing your PowerPoint slide.
Research possible resources to have on hand.