Philosophy:
The most exciting part of the literacy program is instilling or continuing to encourage the love for reading and writing. We feel we are embedding reading and writing throughout the day in so many ways and it is intertwined with other curriculums. We use numerous resources because we see value in each.
The most exciting part of the literacy program is instilling or continuing to encourage the love for reading and writing. We feel we are embedding reading and writing throughout the day in so many ways and it is intertwined with other curriculums. We use numerous resources because we see value in each.
Resources:
One resource we will use is Donalyn Miller's book, Reading in the Wild. The main takeaway from the book is that students can be wild readers. They can develop their own reading plans, set goals and monitor their own progress. She also shared how students can read for their own purpose, stay motivated and build their own reading lives.
Another resource is Teachers College Reading & Writing Project (Columbia University). The units of study offer high-level thinking where students synthesize, analyze, and critique. Students are given opportunities to view and use model texts to develop and refine strategies.
In addition to the other resources, SPS has developed new units of study. We are excited that the units match up with our PBL units quite closely.
Units of Study:
Units of Study:
- Unit 1
- Part A, Character Study Through Literary Essay
- Part B, Understanding the Early People of Washington (writing about our reading)
- Unit 2
- Part A1, A Close Reading of Historical Fiction
- Part A2, Early Immigration and Settlement
- Part B, Bias and Perspective in History (compare and contrast essay)
- Part C1, Notable People Influence Growth (informational essay)
- Part C2, Opinion Writing About Historical Events (persuasive essay)
- Unit 3
- Part A, How and Why Do People Become Influential? (Notetaking)
- Part B, Traditional Literature (themes)
- Part C Journalism
More on Reading:
All students are participating in the Wild Reader Book Challenge this year. Part of the challenge is to read a variety of genres. Students will record the books they have read in their Reader's notebook. They are encouraged to take notebooks home and bring back to school each day but it is not required. They are allowed to record books that have been read aloud to them as well. We will be celebrating the number of books read at the end of the year.
In addition, students will also record their thinking related to books in their notebooks. Sometimes it will be structured and at other times it will be free to their choice.
While we are not testing for reading levels this year, we are testing for fluency, accuracy and comprehension. This testing will allow us to help students determine how to find a perfect- fit book. We will do this 3 times a year.
More on Writing:
Students will be keeping a Writer's notebook. You are welcome to view this notebook at any time. Please remember this is a place for students to draft. Published pieces will be handwritten or typed. We also see value in journaling, which students have a tab in the back of their notebook.
Word Work:
One more facet of our literacy program will be word work. This will include phonograms, spelling rules, parts of speech, grammar, cursive and Greek and Latin roots. We will be using the bones of Logic of English, interpreting the lessons to fit our students needs. We will use Learning Works as a guide for Greek and Latin roots.