Medea E. Lamberti-Sanchez
The reading and writing objectives for this unit will align with the Common Core State Standards and will consist of students being able to draw information from multiple and digital resources to develop and organize their writing in a concise manner. According to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts students are expected to “draw evidence from literary or informational text to support analysis, reflection, and research as well as use their knowledge to engage in a range of collaborative discussions about the topic.” Students will be offered a variety of ways to engage in meaningful discussions, work both cooperatively and independently, while still being able to express shared ideas. The students will also learn how to effectively take notes and write descriptively about their experiences using graphic organizers like the Venn diagram that serves to compare and contrast information, the classic KWL chart (know, what to know, and learn chart), and Cornell notes that force the students to make meaning out of the questions that they are asking, so that the students can think more critically about the topic at hand. The unit will also address CCSS Reading for Information Essential Questions that focus on key ideas, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas surrounding the books. Students will have multiple opportunities to think creatively and share ideas both cooperatively and independently either through writings, readings, or art-integrated pieces. Throughout the unit, the objectives for reading and writing will remain the same. Students will determine the central idea of the text through its particular details and identify key ideas through specific strategies, note taking, and questioning that will anticipate questions when writing.
The writing objectives focus on the concept of being able to understand what was read and discussed in class in order to build writing fluidity, structure, and cohesiveness. Graphic organizers will serve as visual aids for the students to build strong research skills about the topics. The writing is focused, structured writing on a particular topic that the students will be able to type, or hand-write later on as the unit progresses. There will be lessons on grammar and punctuation that will assist the students with the revision process through the writing workshop component.