Learning Task # 3 Hands-on Helping ELA teachers practice new literacies in their classrooms

Grade level: 4

Topic: Vocabulary, Writing,

Standards addressed:

1.     CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.3a Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely.

2.     CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

3.     CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.5c Demonstrate understanding of words by relating them to their opposites (antonyms) and to words with similar but not identical meanings (synonyms).

4.     CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.9 Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

5.     CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, draws on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions).

6.     CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean).

7.     CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.

Learning outcomes:

1.     Students will learn to use new vocabulary in their writing

2.     Students can create character description

3.     Create a word wall for new words learned

Technologies needed: Computer, Internet connections

Timeline: Two class sessions

1.     The first session will be used to show students how simple it is to create a Wordle.

2.     The second session will be used to allow students to work with a partner to create their own Wordle based on a given topic.

Implementation:

This can be implemented in the classroom in a variety of way.

1.     In Reading groups Wordle can be used to describe characters using as many words as possible.

2.     Do a character trait analysis for a Reading project.

3.     Write a book review or poem

4.     Compare and contrast characters, or themes in a story.

5.     Display weekly vocabulary words and assign students to come up with synonyms and antonyms.

6.     Summarize historical events and show some key ideas.

Examples: http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/7106557/Happy

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/7106582/MLK_Jr.

Assessment:

Ask students to create their own Wordle as part of a project, writing assignment, story analysis, or poem. Students understanding will be visible through their work and creativity.