More on Literacy in D60
ELA Components (K-5)
The curriculum resource is interdisciplinary, meaning it integrates science and social studies content as well.
Interactive Read Aloud (10 minutes): teacher reads aloud a (usually) higher level text; the purpose is to instill a love of reading in students and to model how good readers use metacognitive strategies
Reading mini lessons (about 15 minutes each): Teachers use short reads and extended reads of complex text to model a strategy or skill based on the Common Core Standards/unit objectives. Teachers “think aloud,” providing students the opportunity to “see” into the mind of a good reader. Students then practice the skill or strategy “we do” together with a partner/group/the teacher’s help, followed by a chance to independently apply the skill/strategy.
Teacher models annotating a text as a way to record his/her thinking and processes. Students are able to annotate in their consumable texts as well.
Small group/guided reading: Students are grouped purposefully and work with the teacher using a leveled text. Objectives of guided reading lessons are chosen based on students’ needs.
**Word Study: Integrated throughout ELA instruction; includes explicit vocabulary and phonics instruction
**Daily 3/Independent Practice/Centers: Students read to self, work on writing, read to someone/fluency work; these activities are connected to overarching goals and objectives and give students the chance to apply what they’ve learned.
- MyOn, Benchmark Universe (K-2 Kids A-Z)
**Writing: Students write to sources; genres of writing include opinion, informative, and narrative
Includes mini lessons based on Common Core writing standards and students’ needs
**Teachers integrate supports for English Learners throughout the ELA block
The unit topic/themes used in Benchmark are common K-5 and can be seen below:
Unit 1 |
Government and Citizenship Example: In kindergarten, the essential question is “why do we have rules” whereas grade 5’s is “why do laws continue to evolve?” |
2 |
Character |
3 |
Life Science |
4 |
Point of view |
5 |
Technology and society |
6 |
Theme |
7 |
History and Culture |
8 |
Earth Science |
9 |
Economics |
10 |
Physical science |