Standard 6 - Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication

Rationale- 

This artifact is a literacy lesson plan for second grade that I created for a course assignment. This course assignment was a small group assignment that I created with another student in the class. This lesson requires the the students to summarize short stories and describe how characters respond to challenges using a story map. 

This lesson plan requires students to read short stories carefully and think critically about the main ideas and important details. This aligns with the reading component of Standard 6, which emphasizes the importance of developing critical reading skills, such as analyzing and evaluating texts, and using evidence to support claims. The lesson plan requires students to write summaries of the short stories they read which aligns with the writing component of Standard 6. It also promotes reading comprehension by helping students to identify and summarize key ideas and important details in short stories. This aligns with the content knowledge component of Standard 6, which emphasizes the importance of developing deep knowledge of subject matter, including comprehension strategies.

In summary, the literacy lesson plan about summarizing short stories aligns with Standard 6 of reading, writing, and oral communication by promoting critical reading skills, strong writing skills, and deep knowledge of subject matter. By engaging with this lesson plan, students can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the short stories they read, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary for success in reading and writing. 

Rationale- 

The artifacts below are responses to challenge questions that I would implement into lesson plans when the sixth grade direct instruction class was reading the Blood on the River book. The first challenge question I asked was, "How does the narrator make you feel?" and "What is an example of what the narrator says to make you feel that way?" The second challenge question that I asked was, "What do you think the theme of the story is so far?" These artifacts align with the Standard 6-Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication. 

The challenge questions require students to read the book carefully and think deeply about the author's writing style and the emotions the book elicits. This aligns with the reading component of Standard 6, which emphasizes the importance of developing critical reading skills, such as analyzing and evaluating texts, and using evidence to support claims. The challenge questions also require students to write about their thoughts and feelings related to the book which aligns with the writing component of Standard 6, which emphasizes the importance of developing strong writing skills, such as using evidence to support claims, using effective organizational structures, and using language effectively to convey meaning. Sometimes I would also require students to discuss the book in a whole group discussion which aligns with the oral communication component of Standard 6, which emphasizes the importance of developing effective communication skills, such as listening actively, speaking clearly and persuasively, and participating in meaningful discussions. The challenge questions also relate to the theme of the book which aligns with the content knowledge component of Standard 6, which emphasizes the importance of developing deep knowledge of subject matter, including literary elements such as theme. By exploring the theme of the book, students can develop a deeper understanding of the story and the messages it conveys.

In conclusion, challenge questions about the Blood on the River book related to how the author makes you feel and the theme of the story align with Standard 6 of reading, writing, and oral communication by promoting critical reading skills, strong writing skills, effective oral communication skills, and deep knowledge of subject matter. By engaging with these challenge questions, the students can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the book, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary for success in reading, writing, and oral communication.