Standard/GLE

Alignment:

In keeping with the addendum of Gifted/Talented Instructional Strategies defined by the State of NH the following instructional techniques will be used in this class:

Directed Study Group (focus on comprehension, discussion and analysis of texts)

Cooperative Learning (small group research on the Normandy invasions)

Differentiated Instruction (individual choice of final projects based on student's strengths)

Higher Order Thinking Skills (making judgments, analysis)

Interdisciplinary Activities (language arts, history, social commentary)

Focus

and /or

Essential Questions:

Why is important that we discuss and remember the events of this time period?

What does it mean to be a hero?

How is a person molded by their environment?

Do humans have the right to choose another person's way of life?

Skills:

Reading fluency – reader’s theatre.

Reflective journal writing.

Discerning what makes people courageous?

Creative writing.

Higher order thinking – analysis, synthesis.

Content:

Read the novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.

Discuss the events and characters in the book – journal questions test comprehension, analysis and predictions.

Reflect on the question of courage – why do people act bravely?

Understand the events that led to World War II and the tribulations of people who lived during that time.

Students choose final project from creative writing (short story or poetry); character portrait; speech; analysis of the book's title; write an original continuation of the story.

A second novel will be read and is chosen by students from several Newbery winning authors. Students will discuss themes raised by the novel and respond to their reading through a written project of their choice. Possible novels include: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse and Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry.

Assessment:

Assessment of written responses to journal questions.

Formal assessment using a rubric of final projects.

Informal assessment of reading fluency and reader’s theatre.

Modifications:

Enrichment:

Remediation:

Students will be asked to extend their thinking whenever appropriate so as to analyze the characters' decisions and feelings.