Artifact #1: Literature Circle Unit This artifact contains a literature circle unit based on two novels, Bridge to Terabithia and The Sign of the Chrysanthemum, written by Katherine Paterson. The unit was developed for use in 4th grade and was developed in direct correlation with North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Technology and science was integrated into the unit.
Context: This literature circle unit was created in RE 5730, Reading and Writing Instruction for Intermediate and Advanced Learners. This unit supports learning in a small group setting. Each group member has a role for which they will prepare and share during group discussion. The roles assigned give children an opportunity to process information in a variety of ways, such as sketching characters, creating discussion questions and choosing passages that demonstrate knowledge of various elements of literature, building vocabulary, making connections to personal experiences and summarizing. Children can express their thoughts through art, speaking and writing. Students will have the opportunity to participate in each role.
Alignment:
Standard A: Instructional Expertise
The candidate demonstrates instructional expertise by applying the theoretical, philosophical, and research bases for educational practice in P-12 settings to improve student learning.
The creation and implementation of this literature circle unit is an example of my ability and willingness as a teacher to develop materials and utilize strategies that best meet the needs of the diverse learners in my class. In developing this unit, trends from current research were taken into consideration in order to design instruction and a learning environment that reflects the learning styles of the children in my class.
Standard B: Knowledge of Learners
The candidate incorporates knowledge of the nature of the learner, learning processes, variations in learning abilities and learning styles, and strategies for evaluating learning into the planning, delivery, and evaluation of instruction.
This literature circle unit exhibits instruction that is based on best practice. The roles presented to the students as part of the small group work require them to refer back to the text to build vocabulary and comprehension, as well as apply background knowledge. Using a variety of roles attends to the different learning styles that result from diverse backgrounds and language experiences the children bring to the classroom. Using a wide range of instructional practices, approaches and methods support reading and writing instruction for all learners in the classroom.