Before: Literature PacketsIn the past we focused on a class wide novel study of literature like Johnny Tremain and The Giver. All the students read the same novel at the same time within their class academic. Students had weekly section goals with corresponding vocabulary and response questions. When the novels were completed, there was an end of unit assessment of each novel.
The "old" Literature Packets | After: Collaboration on our WIKI Check out our class wiki - Class Wiki
This year classes are collaborating through a class wiki. For Literature Circles, students choose one of two popular novels, Touching Spirit Bear or Fever 1793. Students viewed book trailers posted on youtube.com to help them decide on which novel they were interested in reading. A classroom without walls atmosphere has been created as no longer are groupings based on period academics but on interest and ability. Students are assigned to groupings named after highlights from their novel - rather than groups numbered 1-2-3. During class time, students read from their novel at their own pace and complete creative activities and critical thinking discussion questions posted on our class wiki. Much like the trend in college classes, students must post their own thoughts and respond to two other student's posts. Each student is now engaged in reading and responding to literature of their own choosing at their own pace. Because of the enjoyment of the youtube book trailers, many students are selecting book trailers as their final multimedia novel project. Wiki allows an opportunity for all students to be authentically engaged in responding to literature. |