Getting Off to a Great Start in AP Psych

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Greetings, AP Psychology Students and Parents!

We are now just a couple of weeks away from the start of the school year, and I hope you are all getting ready for a fantastic experience in AP Psychology! I know I am.

We will have many exciting adventures together in psych class starting September 4, but there are a few things students can take care of before classes begin in order to get off to a smooth start in AP Psychology.

Students should:

1.) Plan to stop by the classroom (rm 136) and pick up your textbook during one of the times listed below. You will get directions on your first reading assignment (in preparation for your first quiz, which comes up quickly). Many students, whether they have taken an AP course before or not, need time to adjust to the pace and density of the reading load in AP Psych, so getting started before classes begin will help you ease into the process. And, you get to meet me, which is reward in and of itself.

Monday, August 20: 8AM – Noon & 1–3PM

Tuesday, August 21: 8AM – Noon & 1–3PM

Wednesday, August 22: 3-5 PM

Thursday, August 23: 8AM – Noon & 1–3PM

Please note that I will generally not be available to check out textbooks during the “Staff Work Days” August 28-31, as I will likely be in planning and training meetings most of those days, so don’t put this off assuming I will be around. If you absolutely cannot make it during any of the times listed above, email me at wellevk@chipfalls.k12.wi.us to set up a time so you don’t arrive to find a dark room & locked door.

2.) As you complete your back-to-school shopping, be sure to obtain a 3-ring binder for use during this class. You’ll need this because exams are cumulative and you will need to save most materials for studying for the AP exam in May. All former AP Psych students can attest to the necessity of the 3-ring binder! I’d recommend looking for one that is sturdy and at least 1½ -2 inches wide. (Three inches is excessive, though, and just takes up space in your backpack.)You will likely fill it up by May, which is the point. This may seem obvious, but I’ll mention it anyway: you’ll also need a notebook or loose-leaf paper (your choice) to go in the binder. This is where you’ll keep your notes.

3.)You've now accomplished #3, visiting the course website. Be sure to sign up for email updates (via the box on the top left of the page), if desired. If you regularly access your email, this will be a great way to stay on top of what is happening in class, as you will receive email notifications each time the blog is updated with links, assignments, or class news. Many parents have found this a helpful resource in the past.

4.)“Like” us on Facebook if you are a regular Facebook user, or “Follow” us on Twitter if you Tweet. Links are available on the left side of this page. I post reminders about upcoming quizzes, deadlines, course links, and fun video links through these mechanisms. However, I will not have access to your personal FB page (nor will you have access to mine) so we both preserve our privacy.*

5.) Consider ordering the textbook companion study guide. This is an OPTIONAL, paperback study guide that helps students focus their text readings, so the school does not provide copies. You can purchase them for ULTRA CHEAP on used book sites like half.com. Many students have found these very helpful; others develop their own reading strategies and do just fine without one. I’ll be happy to answer questions about the study guide (and have copies for display) when you pick up your textbook. The reason I mention it now is that it generally takes a while to ship, and the wait can be frustrating if you’re counting on using it to prepare for an important test.

Welcome to AP Psychology! I’m sure reading through this has got you thinking about what this class will be like, so please, bring any questions you have when you come to pick up your book. I hope to meet each of you soon and am looking forward to it!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Welle
AP Psychology Teacher
Chippewa Falls Senior HS

*FYI: Please don’t take it personally, but as a general rule I don’t accept personal friend requests on FB from current Chi-Hi students or parents. Once you graduate, if you want to stay in contact, you are more than welcome to send a request to Mrs. Welle. Before then, it’s probably best to maintain some teacher-student (or teacher-parent) boundaries.

Fun with Video

Today I took a course on how to use screen capture and video tools to create quick presentations for viewing outside of class. I'll be incorporating some of these into lessons in the coming year. The one you see below is an overview of how to use Quizlet flashcards for vocabulary review, a study resource that many AP Psych students use extensively.

Sorry for the background noise...a bunch of us were working in the same lab at the same time.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Well, friends, it is August. That means it's time to start thinking about the upcoming school year. Although I still have some meetings that need to be scheduled in to the next few weeks, I have a firm enough idea of the month's busy agenda to issue a couple of announcements about upcoming AP Psych-related events at Chi-Hi.

You'll need one of these for class.

First, textbook pick-up will take place August 20th-24th. I'll be able to provide specific details about hours in the near future. I was hoping to be able to schedule this event during registration this year, but I'll be at a conference much of that week, so I apologize.

Second, as you begin your back-to-school shopping, be sure to pick up a 3-Ring Binder for use in AP Psych this year. You'll need it to keep all of your notes and handouts--from September to May--organized (if you don't believe me, ask a former student). 1.5 to 2 inch width is sufficient for most students. 3 inches is overkill; don't hurt yourself. 

More details to come in the next couple of weeks! Enjoy the remaining days of summer. :)