Beginning a new unit of study is always difficult. Trying to determine how much your students already know, and where you need to start teaching the fundamental foundations that will be integral for everything that follow can be a make or break decision. And, it's not an easy decision. You don't want students who are … Continue reading 4.01 – Introducing the Elements of a Story (English Lesson)
Now that the literature circles are at an end, there are no more roundtables to be had, and all novels are completed read (or as completely read as they are likely to be) it's time for students to step back and think "was all that worth my time, anyway?". Don't worry - don't be afraid … Continue reading 3.07 – Evaluating the Selected Text (English Lesson)
Roundtables are formal discussions where students discuss a variety of topics, relating them to their text. Connections should be made using extremely specific examples, as well as direct quotations from their readings. During Roundtable Discussions students should take out their previously provided Roundtable Discussion Sheet. They will have used this sheet to collect a variety … Continue reading 3.06 – The Roundtable Discussion (English Lesson)
Today is the day where everything comes together. All the work you have put in, since beginning Literature Circles culminates in today's class: The actual Literature Circle! Now, throughout this unit, you will likely have at least four literature circles, though you can have as many, or as few as suit the needs of your … Continue reading 3.05 – Hosting a Literature Circle (English Lesson)
This class will focus on preparation for the literature circle. There is a school of thought that states students should be prepared to complete these tasks for homework, and come to class ready to participate. And, while there is merit to that, it also fails to address the reality that a number of our students … Continue reading 3.04 – Lit Circles: Preparing for a Literature Circle (English Lesson)
When running a literature circle, one of the most important parts is the circle. The other important part, of course, is the literature. To fully engage with the literature students need the most valuable resource of all: time. Sure, you could expect your students to read a chapter or three at home, and you could … Continue reading 3.03 – Lit Circles: Sustained Reading & The Lines that Stand Out (English Lesson)
One of the most important parts of a literature circle is the text selection. Students will be engaged with the text for a number of weeks, and in order to feel a sense of ownership over their learning, their lessons, and their expressions, they need to feel as if they were active participants in selecting … Continue reading 3.02 – Literature Circle Book Choices (English Lesson)
Allowing students to self-select their text is at the very heart of literature circles. Lit circles encourage small groups students to read a text, working through its messages, meanings, and connections together. Whereas traditional class novels force students to engage with texts that might not be relevant to their experiences, literature circles offer choice and … Continue reading 3.01 – Introducing Literature Circles (English Lesson)
Honouring the creative process by leading students to create an artifact they can keep with them for years to come is a perfect way to bring the poetry unit to a close. By now, your students have engaged in writing poetry, and reading poetry, and making poetry that is meaningful to them and their experiences. … Continue reading 2.07 – Creating a Poetry Chapbook (English Lesson)
Writing poetry is a personal experience. Each author approaches a subject through their own lens. Even when trying to craft a narrative from an alternate perspective, the author's voice comes through as they craft each line, each stanza, each idea. Building from their knowledge of poetic devices, and different poem types students will step forward … Continue reading 2.06 – A Poem Only You can Write (English Lesson)
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