Accountable Book Clubs: Focused Discussions
Review Publish Date: 2021-03-15 06:51:44
Reviewer: Jennifer Schwelik
Rubric Version: Reviews Review Rubric Version 0.92
Endorsements
Flexible Learning Endorsement |
Summary: Designed for grades 7 and 8 using literature circle groups to read a social issue book. A list of social issue titles in included. The lesson focuses on Esperanza Rising or Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Teachers form small groups of students (4-5 students) who read the same title. Students read sections of their book and use a Critical Thinking Map to then guide group discussions about prominent social issues. Students complete collaborative homework using a class wiki. Groups join for a culminating discussion evaluated by their classmates. Research based strategies included.
Usability
Meets
Expectations
Flexibility and Adaptability
Meets
Expectations
Inclusive Teaching
Meets
Expectations
Research-Based Strategies
Meets
Expectations
Usability : 3/6 Top
a. Materials follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
Reviewer Notes: Most of the images have alternate text or captions. b. Material(s) are not overly resource intense that would require consistent high-speed internet access, such as large video files and multiple high-resolution photos.
Reviewer Notes: This is a lesson that can use all off-line resources if needed. c. The visual design of materials is clean and coherent, lending itself to ease of learning.
Flexibility and Adaptability: 4/6 Top
d. Materials are flexible to allow students to access and complete work online or offline as needed.
Reviewer Notes: Key materials are off-line only. A wiki tool, PBworks, is recommended. This tool has a free component that teachers can set-up for student use. Depending on the school resources, it would be easy to substitute another tool such as Google Docs for the PBworks tool. e. Materials can support and/or facilitate learning in hybrid and/or online delivery methods.
Reviewer Notes: Refer to the Read/Write/Think legal statement regarding copyright and permissible use guidelines. http://www.readwritethink.org/util/legal.html f. Teacher supports, documentation, and/or guides for effective use are present.
Reviewer Notes: The literature circle approach could be easily explained to a parent. The lesson provides opportunities for student discussion and reflection in small groups which could easily be adapted to parent-led organizations. Inclusive Teaching: 4/6 Top
g. Content is presented with an objective view on topic and is free of bias.
Reviewer Notes: The unit focus is on books surrounding a social issue. h. Content creates student experiences that enable all children to reach empowering and rigorous learning outcomes regardless of their race or income.
i. Content cultivates an awareness and acceptance of a variety of ages, cultures, races, religions, and gender roles and identities.
Reviewer Notes: The suggested books about social issues, critical thinking tools, and support materials focus on social issues. Research-Based Strategies: 10/14 Top
j. Content builds on prior learning
Reviewer Notes: Critical thinking mapping tools provided. k. Content leads to further learning by gradually removing supports and requiring advanced skills and concepts.
Reviewer Notes: Suggests that the teacher begin with picture book readings to demonstrate the type of thinking required when reading a text with a social issue focus. l. Content provides for authentic learning, application of literacy skills, student-directed inquiry, analysis, evaluation and/or reflection.
Reviewer Notes: The lesson does not pull-out explicit vocabulary; however, in the texts read and the conversation, the teacher will need to focus on vocabulary and word meanings. The vocabulary instruction will be a natural part of the lessons as students think about and discuss social issues presented in the texts. m. Content engages students through discussion questions and other supports that build toward independence.
n. Uses technology and media to deepen learning and engage students.
Reviewer Notes: The technology suggested in the lesson (PBworks) could be used or a substitute such as Google Docs could be used. o. Content includes options for differentiation to meet needs of all learners.
p. Instructional approaches used are reflective of best practices and research on what works in education.
Reviewer Notes: Includes articles and references to other lessons on using literature circles and small group discussions to help students critically think about literature. |
Usability
Flexibility and Adaptability
Inclusive Teaching
Research-Based Strategies
|
Reviews Reviewer Login
Reviews login credentials are only available to approved Reviews reviewers. For more information about Reviews reviews, please visit the Reviews Curriculum Library.
Endorsements
The Accelerating Learning endorsement indicates that the material meets or exceeds expectations for both the Standards Alignment and Research-Based Strategies indicators.