Unit: Because of Winn-Dixie

Problem:

For this unit, I want my children to be able to read and understand what they are actually reading. I also planned for this unit to relate to real world things that the students may be interested in. For example, one assignment is for the students to write a letter or email to their parents explaining to them why they should be allowed to adopt a stray dog. That relates to the students because at this age many students are interested in having or wanting a pet.

Grade Level/ Standards:

Grade Level: 2nd Grade

Standard 4: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

Standard 7: Analyze the relationship among ideas, themes, or topics in multiple media, formats, and in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities.

7.1 Retell the sequence of major events using key details; determine the

theme in a text heard or read.

7.2 Read or listen closely to compare and contrast multiple versions of the

same story; compare and contrast texts in author and genre studies.

Standard 1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Standard 1: Interact with others to explore ideas and concepts, communicate meaning, and develop logical interpretations through collaborative conversations; build upon the ideas of others to clearly express one’s own views while respecting diverse perspectives.

Scenario/ Hook:

Simply introduce the unit by telling them about it. I, as a future teacher, would share my lesson plans with my student and parents. I think it is important for them to be in the know also. I also want my lesson plans/unit plan to be where even the students can understand it. I want them to feel involved with the “behind the scenes” of their learning to. 

So, it will be routine for me to pull the new unit plan up and present it to them in the form of a slide show or poster.

The student will see the exciting activities they will get to do that go along with this unit. This will motivate them and get them excited for our new unit.

Inquiry:

To facilitate inquiry based learning, we will have many activities throughout the unit where it requires them to learn through research and/or trial and error.

One activity that I planned for my students that involves research is to look up an animal of their choice and persuade someone that it would make a good house pet.

One activity that I have planned for the students is to build their own dog house. This is a trial and error project through a STEAM learning experience. They can learn through trial and error what works for the layout of their dog house and what does not work.

Voice & Choice:

Since this is an ELA unit plan, I figured the best type of project for the students to express “voice and choice” is to have them do a persuasive presentation.

For this project, the children pick an animal to research then present (in whatever form they choose ) why their animal would make the best pet. To make this project a little more fun and goofy for the children, suggest not picking the typical house pets. But it is their choice.

Collaboration:

As a future early childhood educator, I like for most of my students projects to involve collaboration. 

The persuasive project is a good activity that involves collaborating with peers. They are to work in groups for that particular project. This allows them to voice their opinion while listening to opinions of others. It also allows the children to foster creativity with one another.

Technology Integration:

Most of the activities in this unit require the use of technology. However, the one I am most excited for is the Stop-Motion “Because of Winn Dixie” movie. Students can get however creative they choose as long as they include key points from the book in their movie. I really think this is an activity that kids will also be very excited for.

Authentic Assessments:

The stop motion movie is great for authentic assessment. It will show me and their parents that they learn key points throughout the reading of “Because of Winn Dixie.” The students will upload their movies to a class website/blog that them and their parents have access to.

Throughout the school year, not just with this one unit, the children will upload different projects they have done. I love the idea of parents being able to actually see and not just hear about what their child is doing in school.

Formative Assessments:

There are several types of ways I incorporated technology into formative assessment.

The first way is the persuasive project presentation. For this they are to create a presentation (movie, powerpoint, commercial, etc.) to persuade the class that the animal they chose will be the best pet.

Another way is throughout the stop motion movie. This will show me that they were able to comprehend the book because they will include key points that happened in the book.