The Literacy program plan
Literacy is so important. I like having silent reading time but I feel that should be done when reading books of their choice and making sure they have chances to read such as when work is done they can read until the rest of the class is done and having silent reading in the mornings or late afternoons when the work for the day is done. During class instruction I prefer group, pair, and especially popcorn reading. Students need to work on reading skills as much as possible and reading aloud is the best ways to listen help them in self and teacher correction. I prefer to join the class and take my own turn with popcorn reading. Discussing what is being read before, during, and after is important in making connections and making sure the kids understand the text. These discussions also help build background establish prior knowledge which is a part of making connections.
Using the whiteboard, blackboard, or a smart board to write down vocabulary words and key points in the reading can help in discussions and when working on writing assignments. The book I chose for my lesson plan is about the revolutionary war to help the kids learn and build background having books set out in the library area about the war and war surrounding that time period will be beneficial to the class. Having a well stocked library area in the classroom is great for the teacher as well as the students the main thing is to make sure there are a wide variety of books in all genres. Magazines, encyclopedias, and dictionaries are great resources to keep in the room. The teacher also has to provide and prepare the classroom in a variety of ways because not all students learn in the same way. Having a tape recorder with books on tape, shoe movies based off books to build background knowledge, computer are also a valuable resource for books and games as well as using websites resources.
Using the students writing for assessment and evaluation as well as for meetings with the students, co-workers, and parents are useful.
The Lesson Plan for the Week
Prepared by: Mrs. Lisa Hunsicker
No. of Students: 25
Lesson Date: 4/19 to 4/23
Time frame: 1 to 2 hrs a day
Grade Level: 6
Subject area: Literacy
Lesson Title: History based Novel
What is the Lesson objective?
The students are going to be learning about the revolutionary war from a different perspective in this book titled; “My Brother Sam is Dead”. This is being told from the perspective of a teenager or in other words someone who has supposedly lived through this experience. We are talking about loyalty to family and country. What is honor and glory to the characters and to themselves. We are learning about true moral character.
Standards addressed and expectations of the students:
I am using Indiana standards 2 and 3 as my main guides for this lesson.
Anticipatory Set:
The students are learning about a historical war and some of the people involved in it.
Teaching Instruction and Process:
Monday: look over book being introduced and cover and make predictions. (Popcorn) Read a couple chapters and discuss what we are thinking about the book so far. Write thoughts in a reading log. Plus introduce vocabulary words.
Tuesday: go over what has been read previously, then popcorn read 2-3 chapters. Discuss the gun called Brown Bess and the symbolism of it and why it was so important to Sam and his father. Then have the kids write about this in their reading log.
Wednesday: go over previously read chapters to refresh memories. Then (small group) read the next 2 -3 chapters. Is Tim loyal to his brother Sam? Is he loyal to his family or country? Put your final thoughts in reading log. Essay question/writing prompt if you were Tim what would you do differently? Would you of been able to choose a side?
*For an impromptu activity and grade the kids are going to work in small groups and take on the role of a character from the book while one person in the group gets to be a reporter interviewing them and asking questions related to the story.
Thursday: Start lesson be reviewing previously read chapters, next begin (small group) the next 2-3 chapters of book. Explain the relationship between Tim and Sam and how does it change through the course of this book/story? Put your final answer in reading log. Essay question for today; what happens when Tim’s father disappears in the story? How does this affect Tim and his role in the family?
*Divide the students into small groups and they will chose to write a poem or draw a picture with a caption to do from the book. This will be for a grade.
Friday: By now the class should be ready to discuss previously read chapters and share their thoughts and feelings on the characters and their situations. Finish (popcorn) reading the book. Then have them write their final thoughts on the book in their reading logs. Final writing assessment: Does this story “My Brother Sam is Dead” still have relevance or meaning today? Please explain you r answer in detail and give at least to examples.
Guided Practice and Monitoring:
During class discussion write down on the board some of the key points mentioned during the discussion as well as vocabulary as it was mentioned in class.
Closure:
Every day after reading and discussion make sure everyone in class is on the same page thought wise and make sure everyone understands the writing assignment for the day and then let the class know if they have any questions or need help to ask one of the teachers.
Independent Practice:
After the daily reading and writing logs on done independently as well as the writing (writing prompt/essay) assignment.
Materials and Resources:
Tablet for writing log/journal, pencil, paper for essays/writing prompts, and book “My Brother Sam is Dead”.
Check for Understanding/ Assessment:
I will be checking reading logs daily and giving a grade for their work.
Daily writing assignments will be graded.
The final paper will be the test/ assessment and the biggest part of the grade.
References:
(n.d.). Retrieved from lessonplans4teachers.com
Collier, J. a. My Brother Sam is Dead.
Gunning, T. G. (2000). Creating Literacy Instruction for all students in grades 4 to 8 2nd edition. Pearson Education, Inc.
History of redding. (n.d.). Retrieved from History of redding: http://www.historyofredding.com
Indiana’s Academic Standards and resources. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.indianastandards.org
Kids Zone/ books and reading. (n.d.). Retrieved from Elpaso Texas Library: http://www.elpasoteaxs.gov/library/kidszone
