Artifact # 10
Artifact Ten: This artifact is a Literature Circles Unit Plan, which is available via the Internet.
Context
I helped create this unit during my Elementary Block at ASU.
I used Netscape Composer to design the web pages, and a scanner to import
examples.
Impact
This unit was developed for use in a fifth grade class, and it
combines work in literature and social studies. The organization of this
unit puts students in different groups, depending on their reading level.
Each group has five “jobs”, and each child will be assigned to one job.
The groups will rejoin after the inquiry process, and share what they have
learned with the rest of the group. This manner of grouping will ensure
that all students are actively participating in the activity, regardless
of their reading level.
Alignment
Literature Circles are an effective strategy for teaching literature.
This particular Literature Circles unit can be accessed via the World Wide
Web. The concept of Literature Circles units is to maintain active student
involvement in the classroom. Lit. Circles require students to find information
and communicate that to their peers (NC Technology
Competency 12.5). Reading is one subject that some students struggle
with. Lit. Circles are a great way to break readings into parts, and to
focus on each part until a deep level of understanding has been achieved
(INTASC Principle 1). This unique
unit plan is a wonderful way to motivate students to become more active
learners in the classroom. It can also provide students with a more effective
means of collaborating and interacting with their classmates than
some more traditional language arts lessons (INTASC Principle 6).