We are a relatively small suburban K-8 school district in Northern California where the students are representative of many different cultures and socioeconomic levels. My 6th grade core students have a daily opportunity to incorporate language arts and social studies skills. Because of the diversity of the student population, the children in my classes are able to contribute a wide range of experiences in support of our curriculum.
We are historians.
We travel to many countries in our quest for knowledge of ancient world civilizations. We search for evidence, analyze, argue, and explain how the ancient world contributes to our modern world. We are poets, critical thinkers, and admirers of literature. We are collaborative learners.
My Project
All students need exposure to quality literature and this is most effectively achieved through the use of literature circles. My students will have the choice of several high interest novels that will reignite their love of reading by instilling a real life connection to the main characters and their everyday trials and tribulations. They may even see a glimpse of themselves in these characters; how they respond to conflict, how they interact with others in the world and ultimately, how their decisions can change their life and the lives of others for the better. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt, A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, and The Crossover by Kwame Alexander are excellent examples of grade level complex literature that strive to achieve such a goal.
In our fast paced and technology filled world, students are often lacking a key component of learning; analytical discussion, connection and collaboration which is the foundation of the literature circle format, as it prepares students as contributing members in the classroom and career.
In addition, students will analyze text to text, text to world and text to self connections in the small group format that literature circles entail, while being responsible for their own learning goals at a pace that is manageable for the individual learner. These main objectives can be applied across all disciplines and interests, but more importantly, encourages students to become life long readers!
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