Final answer:
Patty should ask the students to brainstorm ideas that interest them and discuss their favorite hobbies as the first step. This approach will help them develop engaging business ideas and provide a foundation for further assignment steps like creating a business plan or choosing a business name.
Step-by-step explanation:
As the first step of the learning activity, Patty should ask the students to brainstorm ideas that already interest them or with which they have experience. According to the provided information, students should also be encouraged to discuss their favorite hobbies as a means to generate initial ideas that are relevant and engaging to them. This initial step is crucial in developing a business plan or choosing a business name because it ensures a sense of personal interest and investment in the topic, which can lead to more enthusiastic and sustained effort in subsequent stages of the project.
The students can begin by listing all potential ideas on paper, then discuss these ideas with peers to receive feedback and input. This approach not only helps to refine and narrow down ideas but also takes into account the students' own perspectives and experiences, which is vital for tailoring their projects to their interests and audience.
Subsequently, Patty can guide the students through the steps of defining the situation, purpose, and developing a thesis or line of inquiry for their project. Understanding their audience's perspective, including social, cultural, or linguistic factors, will help the students shape their narrative and ensure their communication is effective and engaging.