English Language Arts (ELA)
This is the second year that we will be implementing the Common Core ELA (English Language Arts) standards in District 204.
Reading and Writing will be integrated more smoothly and will resemble more of a single subject as opposed to two different subjects. However, there will still be separate grades assigned for reading and writing.
The Four Units of ELA are:
Unit 1- Identify: Who am I and What is My Place in the World?
Identity: Who am I and what is my place in the world? Explores the multiple dimensions that combine where we are from, our culture and our experiences. Throughout history the meeting of different cultures provides an opportunity to shape the identity of the individual and/or the group.
Anchor Text:
Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan
This is a story that explores outward as well as inward changes of identity for the main character, Naomi Soledad Leon Outlaw. She is living happily with her grandmother and brother when her mother reappears in her life after seven years of being absent. She discovers who her father is and becomes more familiar with her family's Mexican heritage. But, more importantly, Naomi experiences an internal identity change as well, from a shy girl unable to speak up for herself, to a more confident "lion" of a girl who learns to speak up when it is important.
Poetry
“Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyons
“My Identity” by Yisel Chong
“True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper and by Phil Collins
Informational Texts
For Good Measure by Ken Robbins
This informational text, including fabulous visuals, explains the origin of different units of measurement. This text connects to the theme of identity by its use of the multiple ways to measure and describe physical objects. Identity is "measured" by looking at various components of an individual. It is multidimensional. We measure ourselves when we define our identity.
The World in Your Lunchbox by Claire Eamer
Discover the tasty stories behind the foods we love. This informational text takes the reader on an amazing journey through the rich history and astonishing science of food. Who we are and the values we have can often be seen by what we eat. Food is a part of culture, which is a part of identity. This can also be connected to the Columbian Exchange of food and other materials during the exploration period.
Unit 2- Dimensions of Courage
Dimensions of Courage explores courage that can be seen in everyday life and throughout history. The birth of this nation came through events of courage by people venturing to new lands.
Anchor Text:
The Liberation of Gabriel King by K. L. Going
A novel about a boy, Gabriel, who is afraid of moving on to fifth grade. His best friend, Frita, devises a plan to help Gabriel conquer his fears. During the summer between fourth and fifth grade, Gabriel and Frita work to “liberate” Gabriel of his fears from his list. His list includes spiders, corpses, Frita’s big brother, and bullies. However, Gabriel isn’t the only one who has fears to face. Frita has to find courage and face her own fears as well. This novel shows courage, friendship, and historical perspective on different times.
Informational Text:
Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh
Chronicles the Apollo 11 mission, the space flight that landed the first man on Earth's moon on July 20, 1969, emphasizing the contributions and reactions of the thousands of people who made the mission successful. The text includes NASA transcripts, national archives, and stunning NASA photos from Apollo 11. The book captures not only the sheer magnitude of this feat but also the dedication, ingenuity, and perseverance of the greatest team ever--the team that worked to first put man on that great gray rock in the sky.
Fort Mose by Glennette Tilley Turner
This picture book follows the story of Francisco Menendez and what is was like to be a black man in the time of slavery. The story includes information about Fort Mose, founded in St. Augustine as the first free black settlement to legally exist in what would become the United States. The book includes more than forty archival images, an afterward about uncovering Fort Mose (which is now part of a National Park) a glossary, an author’s note, a bibliography, and an index.
Unit 3- At the Crossroads: Challenges, Choices, Consequences
At a Crossroads: Challenges, Choices, Consequences examines decisions that must be made on an individual, group, or global level. The choices people make shape their paths and journeys.
Anchor Text:
Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings
Brady loves his life on the Chesapeake Bay, crabbing and oyster fishing with friends J.T. and Digger. But developers and rich summer families are moving into the area, and while Brady befriends some of them, others are bitter about the new construction. Tragedy strikes when a kayak sinks in the bay, and Brady discovers what happened was something other than an accident. A story of loyalty, choices and courage. This text connects to the theme because Brady has to make choices about what to do when he knows the truth.
Novel Studies:
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. Set during Revolutionary War where Isabel has to make choices throughout her enslavement.
Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen
Samuel, 13, spends his days in the forest, hunting for food for his family. He has grown up on the frontier of a British colony, America. Far from any town, or news of the war against the King that American patriots have begun near Boston. But the war comes to them. British soldiers and Iroquois attack. Samuel's parents are taken away, prisoners. Samuel follows, hiding, moving silently, determined to find a way to rescue them. Our country at a crossroads is personalized in Samuel's American Revolution story.
Sophia’s War: A Tale of Revolution by Avi
In 1776, young Sophia Calderwood witnesses the execution of Nathan Hale in New York City, which is newly occupied by the British army. Sophia is horrified by the event and resolves to do all she can to help the American cause. Recruited as a spy, she becomes a maid in the home of General Clinton, the supreme commander of the British forces in America. The consequence for spying against the British during the American Revolution was death by hanging. Sophia knows this all too well as she witnessed the death of patriot, Nathan Hale. After the death of her brother, Sophia chooses to help the patriot cause when she discovers that Benedict Arnold plans to switch his loyalty to the British side. Sophia faces daunting challenges to learn the truth.
“Potatoes, Eggs and Coffee” by an unknown author
http://www.citehr.com/236271-you-egg-potato-coffee-bean-must-read.html
A short story about a girl who is given a lesson about what happens when different items are put under stress or pressure. This story is a metaphor for how people respond to challenge - do they get mushy, hard or make something new?
Poetry
“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
“If” by Rudyard Kipling
Songs
“Revolutionary Tea”
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
“If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out” by Cat Stevens
“Who am I Living For” by Katy Perry
Informational Texts:
Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolutionby Laurie Halse Anderson
A colorfully illustrated picture book that has well researched information about the women that contributed to this country’s efforts to become independent. This text provides students with multiple examples of women and their choices in this historical period.
George vs. George: The American Revolution As Seen from Both Side by Rosalyn Schanzer
This narrative reintroduces the two enemies, both named George: George Washington and George III, the British king. Two leaders on different sides of the Atlantic. We are lead through their story, and the story of their times, and see both sides of the arguments that divided the colonies from the Kingdom.
Declaration of Independence
Speech
“Give me Liberty or Give me Death” by Patrick Henry
Unit 4- Moving Forward- What Next?
Moving Forward: Now What? In this unit students will synthesize the idea that the nation and its people have had to discover its identity, find and sustain courage, make choices, and then move forward and grow with this knowledge.
Anchor Text:
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (Lexile level 820)
Jeffery Lionel “Maniac” McGee might have lived a normal life if a trolley accident hadn’t made him an orphan. After living with his aunt and uncle for eight years, he decides to run – and not just run away, but run. As the myth of Maniac McGee begins, he changes the lives of a racially divided small town with his amazing and legendary feats. Maniac is desperately trying to move forward in his own life and find a place where he fits in and can be a member of a real family.
Literary Texts
Inside Out and Back Again by Thannha Lai- After her father has been missing in action for nine years during the Vietnam War, 10-year-old Hà flees with her mother and three older brothers. Traveling first by boat, the family reaches a tent city in Guam, moves on to Florida, and is finally connected with sponsors in Alabama, where Hà finds refuge but also cruel rejection, especially from mean classmates. She wants to fit in, learn, make friends, and understand life in the Southern U.S., but obstacles are in her path, such as bullies and language barriers. Learning to move on with her life in a drastically new setting is the focus of this book, as is the closure she seeks regarding her missing father.
Black Elk's Vision by S.D. Nelson- Told from the Native American point of view, Black Elk’s Vision provides a unique perspective on American history. From recounting the visions Black Elk had as a young boy, to his involvement in the battles of Little Big Horn and Wounded Knee, as well as his journeys to New York City and Europe with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, this biographical account of Black Elk—an Oglala-Lakota medicine man (1863–1950)—follows him from childhood through adulthood. S. D. Nelson tells the story of Black Elk through the medicine man’s voice, bringing to life what it was like to be Native American in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and early twentieth century.
Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson- A mother passes on the tradition of making quilts, or "Show ways", that serve as secret maps for freedom seeking slaves. The story tells of African American women across generations, from slavery and the civil rights movement to the present This picture book shows the progression of Jacqueline Woodson's family through the generations. Each generation has encountered major life changes, both good and bad. The family line has continued to move forward.
Poetry
“New Beginnings” by Gertrude McClain
“Dreams” by Langston Hughes
“The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus
Songs
“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi
“Blackbird” by The Beatles
“Right Now” by Van Halen
“Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac
Informational Texts
“We are America” by Walter Dean and Christopher Meyers- Examines the events and people that have shaped America, providing portraits of figures such as Chief Tecumseh, President Abraham Lincoln, and musician Jimi Hendrix, and featuring lyrical, free-verse poetic text. Poems that celebrate the history of the United States. The authors share the unique struggles and contributions of various groups of people in America's past.
Speeches
“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr
“Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln
“Challenger” speech by President Ronald Reagan
“Farewell to Baseball” speech by Lou Gehrig