ELA 

Unit 1  Learning Targets

• I can discuss and record what I notice and wonder about resources.

• I can infer the topic of this module from the resources

• I can determine the gist of what I read.

• I can describe what happens in the text and how the character feels about it.

• I can determine the theme of a poem from details in the text and summarize it.

• I can identify the characteristics of poetry.

• I can revise my summary based on peer feedback.

• I can use the characteristics of poetry to explain how poetry and prose are similar and different.

• I can find evidence of the poems that inspired Jack in his poetry.

• I can follow discussion norms to have an effective text-based discussion.

• I can describe how a character's feelings about peotry change using evidence form the text.

Ms. Marcus's Class

What to Expect (October 7 - October 11):

10/7 Analyze a model informational paragraph, work on developing a focus statement, practice for the test; (note: Ms. Marcus will be out)

10/8 Mid-Unit 2 Assessment (writing an informational paragraph about what inspired Jack to write poetry)

10/9 Introducing biographies and reading the text A River of Words

10/3 Deep dive into A River of Words and the elements of biographies

10/4 Launching expert biography groups for research and poet biography writing

Resources for the Mid-Unit Assessment (TENTATIVELY 10/8):

The upcoming assessments (mid- and end of unit) are all about writing and the informative writing genre. I have put together a packet with resources that may be helpful. It includes a Khan Academy module (and unit focus suggestions), videos, and practice activity suggestions. You can find it here: packet link.

Past Resources (Revisit as needed or based on interest):

For the poetry vs. prose practice, you may want to check out these two videos:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=yz691APhHgc (quick description)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsTcpTOx8w8 (more in-depth; HIGHLY recommend watching)

For characteristics of poetry, please see the Elements of Poetry poster chart linked here in this attachment.

For a resource on poetry vs prose, check out this guided note sheet that students completed in class.

For a summary paragraph frame to help students understand how to structure their summary, please check the resource linked here in this attachment.

For the requirements for an effective summary, please look at the checklist linked here in this attachment.

For summarizing, students will need to be able to identify the theme of a poem or piece of writing. Here is a video to help: https://www.youtubeeducation.com/watch?v=IaipS229HOY. Other resources for summarizing include:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmnR4AZ-XM8 (2-minute crash-course)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgPoH5L-S8U (more in-depth)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e3DK9kPx4Q (summarizing a poem)

Homework Challenges:

Students can work to become better readers by completing an optional homework challenge each month. These challenges are designed to help your student become a better reader, and the idea behind it being optional is to push them to make the decision for themselves to do the challenge with the goal to to become a better reader for them, not for a grade. As discussed in class, putting in the effort to do these challenges is rewarded with in-school reward (Dojo) points, but there is no penalty for not doing it.

September Challenge (9/3-9/30):

This month, the homework challenge is to read AT LEAST 5 poems by a variety of poets and record their reading on the homework log sheet (handed out in class). This challenge ties into the topic we will be learning in this quarter. For an optional bonus (additional Dojo points subject to how above and beyond they go), students can read and log additional poems and/or choose to memorize a poem of their choice to perform either live on September 30th or to record themselves and turn in at the end of the challenge. I have several poetry books and collections available in the classroom for students to check out. Beyond that, some age-appropriate poets I can recommend would include poets such as Shel Silverstein or Roald Dahl. Many of their poems can be found online for free through a Google search or can be checked out at the Wake County Public Library. Another great resource for poet suggestions is this website: https://lithub.com/10-wonderful-childrens-poets-you-should-know/.

• September homework packet

October Challenge (10/1-10/31):

This month, the homework challenge is designed to help students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Students will be asked to choose a country (based on personal interest) in which Spanish is the primary language. They will then create a presentation (spoken and visual) to present to the class about what they learned. They will be required to include the country's name, location, flag, and AT LEAST three (3) fun facts they learned in their presentations. Students are encouraged to use a variety of resources (physical books, digital texts/articles, and videos) to find information and learn about their chosen country. The packet for this challenge includes a few suggestions for countries students can choose from, an organizer to help students collect the required information, and a checklist for them to use as guidance. While this challenge is optional, students are encouraged to participate as a way to expose them to other cultures (culture is our Social Studies focus this quarter) and experience variety of texts (digital and physical) and other media resources as they would if they were to be curious about something outside of school in the future and/or in assignments throughout the rest of their schooling. A good starting place is National Geographic For Kids!: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/.

• October homework packet

November Challenge (11/1-10/29):

Coming Soon!