Let's Get Started!
With Starter Assignments.

Starter Assignments

Dear Student,
Welcome to Laurel Springs School. We realize you're eager to get started with independent study. The assignment options below will allow you to get going on your school work right away, without waiting for any books or online passwords. To complete these assignments, simply complete the following steps:

Review the following assignment options and pick the one(s) that appeal to you.

When you find out who your teacher is for a particular subject, contact him or her to discuss what "Getting Started" Assignments you have completed.

Your teacher will tell you whether the "Getting Started" assignment counts for extra credit or whether it can be substituted for a lesson or group of lessons for your text or online course(s).

Your teacher will also tell you what lessons for a particular course can be replaced by a Getting Started Assignment.
Whatever "Getting Started" Assignment you select, the important thing is to have fun!

You can choose one or two assignments from this page. You will earn extra credit and may be able to replace lessons in the same subject with teacher approval.

Learning Styles

Assignments are followed by abbreviations to identify the learning dispositions that correspond to each assignment. You may want to choose an assignment that fits your two highest scoring dispositions. Please refer to the abbreviations below:

Producer	Pr
Relator	R
Thinker/Creator	Th
Inventor	I
Performer	Pe

One Lesson Credit for English Courses

Write (or tape-record) a biography of someone you research. Include dates and details about things they have done. Explain why you have taken an interest in them.	Pr, R
Tape-record (or write) a news story about an actual current event or a fantasy event. A good example of a fantasy event would be your parent winning the lottery.	Th, I
Write a script for a play or a movie. Describe the set and the characters. Include dialogue and actions. This should be at least three pages long if written. You may also act it out and tape-record the performance.	Pe, R, Th
Create a memoir detailing an interesting period in you life. Example: write about your fist experiences with school, moving to a new neighborhood, going on vacation, or the birth of a new brother or sister. This can be done in writing, drawing or collage.	Th
Create a poster that illustrates a passage from a book you have read.	Th, I
Orally (or in writing) present a Eulogy for an author who is no longer living. You can do this on the phone with your teacher. Be sure to include dates of important events and interesting details about their career. You can tape-record the eulogy.	Pe, R
Tape-record the reading of a story, several poems or a play. Use different voices for different characters!	Pe, R

One Lesson Credit for Social Studies Courses

Write or tape-record a two page journal entry pretending that you are an historical figure. Describe the place where you live and events that you have witnessed.	R, Th
Try a recipe from a culture that interests you. This could even be one of your family's recipes. Be sure to include the country of origin.	Pe, R, I
Draw a map of your neighborhood showing the places you visit.	Pr, Pe
Invent a totem for your family. Draw or build a totem pole. Look up "totem" and "totem pole" in the dictionary.	Th, I, R
Relate an important story that you have heard to your teacher. The story could be about a friend, family member or historical figure and can be presented on the phone or on audio tape.	Pe, R
Do you know about your city's history? Draw a map of important historical events or create a timeline.	Pr, R
Go to a restaurant that serves a type of ethnic food you haven't tried. Find the country on the map. Send your teacher a review of the dishes you ordered. What were some of the unusual ingredients that were used in those dishes?	Pe, Pr, I
Perform a play or dance from another culture. Document the performance by video/audio taping or writing a report.	Th, Pe
Play or listen to music from another culture. Record a "radio show." Announce each song and give some information about it.	Pe, I

One Lesson Credit for Math Courses

Try a recipe and write the measurements for each ingredient. Extra Challenge: Double the recipe!	Pe, R
Build a playhouse, birdhouse or cardboard fort. Include a drawing of the plan or step-by-step instructions with all measurements.	Pr, I
Write a detailed budget for your dream vacation or shopping spree. Include how long you would have to work and what your hourly wage would have to be in order to pay for your fantasy. If you're going on a road trip, include mileage and gas costs.	Pr, R
Play three counting games and explain them to your teacher. Examples: hopscotch, jump rope rhymes, or any game with a score-keeping system. This is for grades k-4.	Pe, R
Write detailed instructions for your favorite paddy cake. Example: Right hands 1 clap, both hands 2 claps, both hands crossed 1 clap, etc·This is for grades k-4.	Pr, I
Write a formal poem such as a sonnet, numbering the syllables, lines and stanzas for your teacher. Look up "poetry" or "poetic forms" in an encyclopedia for instructions.	Th
Measure and list everything in your room. Once you have a complete list, change all the measurements to metric.	Pe, Pr
Count the blades of grass in 1 square inch, then estimate how many blades are in your yard.	Pr, I
How much water does your bathtub hold?	Pe, Pr, I
Using a protractor measure 20 angles around the house and yard.	Pr

One Lesson Credit for Science Courses

Watch a nature video or T.V. show. Tell your teacher about it orally or in writing.	R
Draw a table illustrating various stages of the water or rock cycle.	I
Build a sundial. Look up sundial in an encyclopedia.	Pe, I
Ask your parents to help you write a list of poisonous substances that are found around the house and why they are hazardous. This list will probably include cleaning products, paints and plants. You could also make a poster showing the dangerous substances.	Pr
Create a terrarium or cage for a pet, such as a lizard, bird, or rodent. Explain what you have done to make the right living environment for your animal. How is it like the natural habitat of your animal?	R, Th
Tell the story of an animal you know or knew in the past. How long did the animal live? Or, how old is he/she? Where does the animal sleep? What kind of care and medical attention does the animal require? This could be done as an audio/video tape or poster.	Pe, Pr, R
Plant seeds and create a timeline documenting the growth and development of multiple plants. Try putting plants in different locations with various amounts of light and water. Find the ideal location and amount of water for a healthy plant. Look up "scientific process" in a science textbook or encyclopediaand follow the process.	Pr
Make a "Nature Notebook." Go out ad observe nature. Draw pictures, identify the animals, insects and plants, and make notes to go along with the drawings.	Th, I
Collect 10 plants. Give scientific and common names, characteristics of where it lives, and whether it is a monocot or dicot. Present the information in a written report or poster.	Pr, I

Let's Get Started! With Starter Assignments.