Context

The multi-text assignment was created based on the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor for a fifth grade classroom.  Dr. Robin Groce assigned the multi-text assignment as part of the requirements for RE 3030 during my block II experience at Appalachian State University.  The multi-text assignment required me to select a quality novel, informational text, and supporting texts, which were accompanied by activities.  Using the novel, I created an Internet workshop that focused on Jim Crow Laws and segregation along with the Depression.  Other activities included within the multi-text study were based on the novel’s setting, plot, conflict, theme, characterization, and vocabulary. 

 Impact       

This multi-text study will teach the fifth grade students a great deal about events in history while incorporating literature, writing, and technology.  Students will be able to use the Internet to complete an Internet workshop based on segregation and the Great Depression.  Students will also work on comprehension skills while learning literary elements through the various activities.  Students will be able to make connections with history and events within the novel.  The additional texts give students several different points of view about what the depression and segregation was like for people of that particular time period.  

Alignment

 This multi-text assignment aligns with following program standards:

Standard 8: Teachers design instructional programs and strategies that build on students’ experiences and existing language skills to help students become competent, effective users of language.

• Indicator 2: I met this indicator because the multi-text set includes numerous activities, which help students with their comprehension of the novel and different literary elements.   
• Indicator 3: I met this indicator because the various activities based on the literary elements and the Internet workshop challenges students to think critically about what they read and write.
• Indicator 4: I met this indicator because the multi-text set encourages students’ enjoyment of reading through various activities, which allows different learners the opportunity to show their strengths, from writing to drawing.
• Indicator 5: I met this indicator because the multi-text set provides students opportunities to explore the uses of different genres of writing through internet workshop, the mobile of conflicts, the plot brochure, and scrape book of their favorite character according to the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
• Indicator 6: I met this standard by modeling Standard English as I read excerpts from the books built into the multi-text study as well as when I compiled the students KWL chart.