Maxwell & Meiser Chapter 11 Developing Units Maxwell & Meiser Chapter 11

Small Groups Shift the class from teacher-centered to student-centered

Thematic Units More effective way to teach literature than a single author or chronological unit Use YA lit novels first (easier but with same comcepts)

Beginning to Plan Choose literature on common theme Three reading levels Variety of genres

Unit Components Planning might follow these steps: Select a theme Choose literature Decide on writing Add literature Connect through group activities Add creative activities Create Level 3 writing choices

Next Steps Devise ways to discuss and write about the literature Include 3 levels of writing (daily, 2-3x week, final project)

3 Levels of Writing Level 1 - casual (notes) Level 2 - More formal; understood by most people… Know audience Level 3 - Formal - may not know reader

3 Levels of Writing Level 1 - casual (notes) Level 2 - More formal; understood by most people… Know audience Level 3 - Formal - may not know reader

Instructional Units To Kill a Mockingbird Writing connects literature and student lives Writing is basis for group discussions

Mockingbird approaches…(p292) Values Connect to student lives

Mockingbird portfolio Final project (p293)

Mockingbird Final Project Wall Chart Journals Portfolios

Components of Units 1. Goals 2. Objectives 3. Choose Literature 4. Decide on writing activities 5. Length/Schedule 6. Lesson Plans

Components… 7. Activities 8. Culmination 9. Assessment

Scarlet letter … p298 Journal Prompts Symbolism Additional Reading Essay Prompts

Other Literature Units More than 1 novel Choice Multiple Genres Multiple levels Novel choices Optional activities

Comprehensive Thematic Units Heroes Reading, language music, final writing (Analyze unit p. 308-12)

Interdisciplinary Units