Beyond Lit Circles Carol Wilson 6th Grade Language Arts Gail Collins Differentiation Specialist Carol Wilson 6th Grade Language Arts Gail Collins Differentiation Specialist VAG Conference October 23, 2009 Williamsburg, VA

What is a Literature Circle? Small group Same book Higher-order discussion Roles Discussion Director Illustrator Summarizer Literary Luminary Word Wizard

Why use Lit Circles? Accommodate varied reading levels Promote independence Allow choice Engage learners Extend knowledge

Modifying and Adapting Lit Circles Genre: Historical Fiction Interdisciplinary: Social Studies Connections: Fiction to Non-Fiction Differentiated Product: Multiple Intelligences

Genre: Historical Fiction New and unfamiliar Ann Rinaldi

Interdisciplinary: Social Studies Revolutionary War Research Main Characters Main Events

Research Organizer Researched facts about ___________ ( ) Resource Fact in novel? If yes, how was the fact incorporated into the novel? Page Number

Modeling Organizer Researched facts about Lt.Gail Halvorsen ( ) Resource Fact in novel ? If yes, how was the fact incorporated into the novel? Page Number “The airlift lasted from June 1948 to September 1949.” om no “It brought in food, coal, petroleum, and other supplies to more than 2 million people in West Berlin.” om yes“As Mercedes is entering her home, she hears the planes roaring overhead. They carried flour and clothing and coal too.” p.4

Connections: Organizer

Differentiated Product: MI SURVEY CHART PRODUCT CHOICES STUDENT CHOICE

Adding more layers.... Roles related to topic Purpose Author study Other genre Different content connection Products Online book reviews Book talks Skits Group projects

Tea Etiquette In order for one not to spill the hot liquid onto oneself, the proper way to hold the vessel of a cup with no handle is to place one’s thumb at the six o'clock position and one’s index and middle fingers at the twelve o'clock position, while gently raising one’s pinkie up for balance. Tea cups with a handle are held by placing one’s fingers to the front and back of the handle with one’s pinkie up again allows balance. Pinkie up does mean straight up in the air, but slightly tilted. It is not an affectation, but a graceful way to avoid spills. Never loop your fingers through the handle, nor grasp the vessel bowl with the palm of your hand. Do not stir your tea, with your tea spoon, in sweeping circular motions. Place your tea spoon at the six o'clock position and softly fold the liquid towards the twelve o'clock position two or three times. Never leave your tea spoon in your tea cup. When not in use, place your tea spoon on the right side of the tea saucer. Never wave or hold your tea cup in the air. When not in use, place the tea cup back in the tea saucer. If you are at a buffet tea hold the tea saucer in your lap with your left hand and hold the tea cup in your right hand. When not in use, place the tea cup back in the tea saucer and hold in your lap. The only time a saucer is raised together with the teacup is when one is at a standing reception. Milk is served with tea, not cream. Cream is too heavy and masks the taste of the tea. Although some pour their milk in the cup first, it is probably better to pour the milk in the tea after it is in the cup in order to get the correct amount. When serving lemon with tea, lemon slices are preferable, not wedges. Either provide a small fork or lemon fork for your guests, or have the tea server can neatly place a slice in the tea cup after the tea has been poured. Be sure never to add lemon with milk since the lemon's citric acid will cause the proteins in the milk to curdle.

Resources Historical Fiction: Revolutionary War : Ann Rinaldi Time Enough for Drums * Or Give Me Death * The Fifth of March * Taking Liberty * The Secret of Sarah Revere * Finishing Becca * A Ride Into the Morning* Historical Fiction: Civil War : Ann Rinaldi An Acquaintance with Darkness * Amelia’s War * Girl In Blue * In My Father’s House * Juliet’s Moon * The Last Silk Dress * An Unlikely Friendship * Wolf by the Ears* Science: Environmental : Will Hobbs Beardance * The Big Wander * Changes in Latitudes * Downriver * Far North * Go Big or Go Home * Jason’s Gold * Leaving Protection * The Maze * Theme: Dogs The Good Dog * Call of the Wild * Captain’s Dog * White Fang * Woodsong * Love That Dog * Sounder * Old Yeller * Where the Red Fern Grows*

Questions? Carol Wilson: Gail Collins: