Themed+Literature+Unit


 * Hi, **
 * This month I will be collaborating with Mrs. Downer and Mrs. Munger to teach a Themed Literature Unit. **
 * The class will be using a theme to explore meaning in historical fiction and fiction. Students will read, write and discuss ideas related to the following theme: **

**//"Reaching Out to Others: Working Together to Overcome Obstacles" //**


 * During this ten lesson study, students will develop skills to explore the following questions: **


 * What does it mean to reach out to others to overcome obstacles? **


 * What does it take to reach out to others to overcome obstacles? **


 * How do we to reach out to others and work together? **


 * How does working together help us overcome obstacles? **

**Students will also work toward meeting specific social and academic learning targets. Click here to review Learning Targets for this unit. **

Literacy circles are mini book clubs where students will meet with three to four other students and engage in a discussion about what they are reading. I chose a variety of historical fiction and fiction books that all feature characters who work together to overcome obstacles and reach out to others. Click here  to see an annotated bibliography of the books we will be exploring!

More information on literacy circles and literature units can be found at this lovely website authored by one of my teachers at Seattle University:

[|Literacy Circles and Themed Literature Units]

I hope you will be able to be involved in this unit! Students will complete three assignments designed to engage their family or home community over the course of the unit.


 * 1) Students will interview a family member about a time they reached out to someone to overcome an obstacle. Students will write and/or draw to explain this experience. These interviews will be shared with literature circles. **


 * <span style="color: #532222; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16px;">2) Students will be asked to bring a photograph or object from home that illustrates what makes them unique. Students will discuss how their unique aspects can be used to reach out to others and work together. **
 * <span style="color: #532222; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16px;">3) Students will bring their literature circle book home and will read the book to/and or with a family member and discuss the theme's essential question : What does it mean to reach out to others and overcome obstacles? **


 * <span style="color: #532222; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Your child will bring you more information about these assignments as we progress. If you have any questions, please contact me. **
 * <span style="color: #532222; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Ms. Celeste Eustis -- ****<span style="color: #532222; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16px;">email: eustisc@seattleu.edu **


 * <span style="color: #532222; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16px;">I look forward to working with you! **


 * <span style="color: #532222; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16px;">~ Ms. Eustis **