Language Literacy Small Group Lesson: Literacy Circle with Jerry Spinelli

Author	Krista Huff
Grade/Level	Grade 4
Subject(s)	Reading
Standards	Display:  Collapse All  Expand All USA- Common Core State Standards (June 2010) Subject: English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Grade: Grade 4 students: Content Area: Literature K–5 Strand: Reading Domain: Key Ideas and Details Standard: 3. Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions).
Objective(s)	The students will discuss in depth the story elements of the book drawing on specific details in the text with an 80% accuaracy. BL 2
IMPLEMENTATION
Set	1. I will start by explaining that we are going to start a literature circle over Jerry Spenelli. I will give an introduction on Jerry explaining who he is and some of the famous books he has written.  "Jerry Spinelli is a famous author who has written a variety of famous books. He has been writing for over 26 years about stories from his childhood and those of his children and grandchildren. He writes contemporary fiction and historical fiction. We will look at a few of the books that he has written." 2. I will give a book talk on each of the five books.  Loser Wringer Maniac Magee Stargirl Eggs The teacher must read all of these books prior to this lesson in order to give appropriate book talks and to appropriately assess.
Learning Activities/Time Required	1. To begin the lesson I will explain that some books are harder than others to read but if a student wants to read that book we will work something out. To split people up in groups I will first ask the students what book they want to read. I will write names down on the board under each book title. Then I will make the appropriate accomodations to allow the students to read the book they choose.   2. Next I will explain to the students that they will have one week to read one of the 5 books as a group. Students will be responsible for reading the books on their own and reading together during circle time in class. 3. During circle time they will discuss various details in the book. Such as: story elements, connections they can make to the story, words they didn't understand or want to discuss in the group, questions they have about the story, and they will summarize each part they read each day. The group will be responsible in who decides what role each person has in the group.  4. Students will complete the sheets provided to record the information they are reading. They are to complete a sheet each day during Literacy Circle Time. Students will have 45 minutes each day to discuss and read the book they have chosen. I will explain to them that as an assessment they will present a book talk of their own as a group discussing in depth, the elements of the story. They need to keep this in mind while reading and discussing their books.  This lesson will be completed with in one week. The assessment will be done on Monday the following week.  Summarizer http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/summarizer_WDFDM.pdf Discussion Leader: http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/discussion-leader_WDFDN.pdf Word Wizardhttp://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/word-wizard.pdf Real Life Connectorhttp://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/real-life.pdf
Closure	Once students have finished their books as a group we will have a grand discussion over the books. I will ask each group what they thought of the assignment. Did they feel that discussing the book with other peers helped them comprehend the story better than if they were to read it on their own?  Will they read anymore of Jerry Spinelli's books? What was their favorite part of the assignment? Can they tell me what other book they would like to read by Jerry Spinelli after hearing all of the other book talks?
Resources and Unit Handouts	Materials and resources: 20 Assessment sheets: Summarizer http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/summarizer_WDFDM.pdf Discussion Leader: http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/discussion-leader_WDFDN.pdf Word Wizardhttp://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/word-wizard.pdf Real Life Connector http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/real-life.pdf 5 Copies of each book: Loser, Eggs, Stargirl, Wringer, Maniac Magee Access to computer Lab twice during the week. Schedule an extra time period other than your regular scheduled time. Presentation Rubric Technology resources: PowerPoint at Computer lab The number of computers required is 1 per 4 students. Students Familiarity with Software Tool: Students know how to operate PowerPoint If you can't get another computer lab time period, tell students that they will only have 1 hour to complete their presentation and to work wisely.
Grouping for Instruction	Students will be given instructions as a whole class. Students will work in groups of 4 to complete the Literature Circle Assignments.
Adaptations / Modifications / Interventions	Adaptations: Lower Level Learner: If a student would like to read one of the books that is higher than their reading level I will provide an audio book that they can listen to on their own for independent reading of the story. I still expect them to participate fully in the discussions and presentation. Higher Level Learner: Stargirl is a more advanced book for a 5th grade level. I will recomend this book to the higher level learners. If they do not wish to read this book I will also allow them to do all roles in the literature circle along with the designated roll.  Modifications:  Cultural: I will give students who are English Language learners more time to complete their assignment or I will work with them to complete them. I could also designate a buddy to help them with words they may not understand or have them to be the designated Word Wizard. Physical: If a student can't write due to physical inability I will give them a voice recorder for the written part of the assignment. If the student is blind I will give them an audio book as well. Behavioral: While students are in literacy circle time I will be sure to interact with them to keep them from distracting other students.
Technology Integrated	Students will use PowerPoint to create a presentation on their book inlcuding content labeled on the checklist provided.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment Activity	Students will create a power point presentation with their groups to give to the whole class. They will give no longer than a 10 minute book talk that includes the content from the checklist attatched. Students will be given the checklist after they have finished their book.
Expectations for Performance	I expect all students to participate fully during discussion and to complete their role sheets every day.  I expect students to cooperate with other students. I expect students to complete a Presentation for the book that they read.
Assessment/Rubrics	I will assess students understanding of what they read and how they did during discussion through these assessment sheets. Summarizer http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/summarizer_WDFDM.pdf Discussion Leader: http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/discussion-leader_WDFDN.pdf Word Wizardhttp://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/word-wizard.pdf Real Life Connectorhttp://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading/real-life.pdf I will assess students presentation using the checklist attatched. Attachments: Literature Circle Presentations Checklist.docx