ELA

Unit 1: Looking Beyond Yourself

Unit Description: Looking Beyond Yourself challenges students to make thoughtful decisions when challenged with conflict, understanding that it is not always easy to know the right thing to do.

Anchor Texts:

  • Ruby the Copycat by Peggy Rathmann
  • The Mixed-Up Chameleon by Eric Carle
  • Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Keena Ford and the Second Grade Mix-Up by Melissa Thomson
  • The One and Only Stuey Lewis by Jane Schoenberg and Cambria Evans
  • Chameleons by Lyn A. Sirota

Unit 2: Interdependence

Unit Description: Interdependence calls upon students to understand that as we build relationships, we begin to change and grow.

Anchor Texts:

  • Meow Means Mischief by Ann Whitehead Nagda
  • Hurricane Katrina by Peter Benoit
  • Two Bobbies by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery
  • Owen & Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kahumbu
  • Winter’s Tale by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kahumbu
  • Animal Heroes by Sandra Markle
  • Nubs by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson & Mary Nethery
  • Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogs by Michaela Muntean
  • You Can Write a Terrific Opinion Piece by Jennifer Fandel

Unit 3: Perspective

Unit Description: Perspective allows students to realize that everyone has their own point of view. Students will begin to understand and empathize with others.

Anchor Texts:

  • Ant and Grasshopper by Luli Gray and Giuliano Ferri
  • Nadia’s Hands by Karen English and Jonathan Weiner
  • Marvin Redpost: A Flying Birthday Cake? by Louis Sachar
  • The World According to Humphrey by Betty B. Birney
  • The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
  • The Worst of Friends by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain and Larry Day
  • You Can Write a Terrific Opinion Piece by Jennifer Fandel
  • Animals Nobody Loves by Seymour Simon

Unit 4: Comparing Tales from Around the World

Unit Description: Comparing Tales from Around the World allows students to explore a variety of different cultures through stories from around the world. Recognizing that although cultures are different we can notice similarities and use those as a lens to deepen our understanding and appreciation of texts, people, and cultures.

Anchor Texts:

  • Princess Grace by Mary Hoffman
  • Cinderella by Susan Jeffers
  • Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella by Tomie DePoala
  • Cinder-Elly by Frances Minters
  • The Magician’s Boy by Susan Cooper
  • Wonderful Houses Around the World by Yoshio Komatsu