Context:

I completed this Multi-Text Unit for RE4030 under the advisement of Ellen Pesko in the fall of 2007.

Impact:

For my multi-text unit, I wanted to compile a unit that gives my students a chance to explore the Holocaust. I have selected two main texts for this. One text is a fictional novel entitled, Number the Stars. The other text is informational and is titled, Tell Them We Remember: The Story of the Holocaust. Both of these texts will be read aloud to a whole class, read together in small groups, and read independently to ensure that all students succeed. Particular activities and lessons will be derived from these texts. My unit is appropriate for fifth grade as it meets a variety of NC Competency Goals and Objectives from the Social Studies Strand (4.05 and 4.06). Language Arts NC Objectives will also be met through the wide range of activities that the students will participate in. A few of these goals and objectives are as followed: 2.01, 2.02, 3.01, 3.02, and 4.09.

Alignment:

Through these assessments I have met the following North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Standards for Elementary Education:

Standard 1, Indicator 3: Teachers know and understand a diverse range of historical and contemporary literatures, including various genres of American, British, and World, as well as literatures written by women and authors of colors and works written for children and young adults. 

      --This artifact proves that I understand a diverse range of literature pieces. I have selected two genres for this multi-text study. Number the Stars is a historical fiction text and Tell Them We Remember:  The Story of the Holocaust is an informational text. I beleive that students benefit from having different genres of texts, which is why I have chosen both fictional and informational books.

Standard 7, Indicator 1: Teachers develop and implement the pacing and alignment of curriculum that is consistent with the NC SCOC, LEA standards and pacing guides, and national standards in all subject areas.

      --Through this artifact, I have developed and implemented the pacing and alignment of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. With this unit, I have met the following goals and objectives for the Social Studies strand: 4.05 and 4.06. In Language Arts I have also met the following goals and objectives: 2.01, 2.02, 3.01, 3.02, and 4.09.

Standard 7, Indicator 2: Teachers understand and use an interdisciplinary approach to teaching by connecting and integrating language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, healthful living, and arts concepts and processes, with appropriate technologies to enhance their teaching.

      --With this artifact, I have used an interdisciplinary approach to teaching by connecting and integrating subjects. In this unit, I have integrated the following content areas: Language Arts and Social Studies. I understand that students are able to learn more through the use of cross-curricular instruction.

Standard 7, Indicator 7: Teachers developed and use a variety of formal and alternative assessment strategies as an integral part of instruction and learning appropriate for assessing individual, peer, team, and collaborative skills.

      --In this artifact, I have developed and used a variety of formal and alternative assessment strategies for instruction. In the attachment found at the document on the bottom of the page, one will find assessments such as a Cause and Effect Chart, a Post-Card, a Telegram, a Vocabulary test, etc. These assessments contain an assortment of assessing strategies for individual, partner, small group, and whole class.

Standard 8, Indicator 3: Teachers guide and encourage students to think critically about what they write and read.

    --In this artifact, I have guided and encouraged students to think critically about what they read. In the document found at the bottom of the page, I have included a Literature Packet that students will be responsible for. This Literature packet provides numerous tasks that ultimately helps students to think critically about the Holocaust texts they are reading.