Parents/Guardians:
This unit of study will teach students how to persevere despite hardships they may face through literacy. The literature I have chosen for this unit tell stories of characters that have faced difficult challenges, but persevered through never giving up, having hope, and by being supported along the way. All students face obstacles in their lives, big or small, so it is important for them to learn skills to overcome them.
Students will be able to identify the skills needed to persevere through hardship by analyzing literature, creating artwork, and reflecting on times where they have faced an obstacle and overcame it. Students will read a story in a literature circle with peers and work together to identify the hardship the character faced as well as the steps that the character took to persevere. Students will also be creating a piece of art/writing that reflects one of the stories they heard or a personal experience in which they had to persevere. Each one of my students will be able to connect to this unit, some more intensely than others. Acknowledging the notion that each student in the classroom faces hardship in one way or another helps strengthen community and create an environment where it is safe to share opinions and emotions.
I encourage you to discuss this unit with your child while you complete the following family involvement assignments, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
Corinne Schicchi
Student Teacher
This unit of study will teach students how to persevere despite hardships they may face through literacy. The literature I have chosen for this unit tell stories of characters that have faced difficult challenges, but persevered through never giving up, having hope, and by being supported along the way. All students face obstacles in their lives, big or small, so it is important for them to learn skills to overcome them.
Students will be able to identify the skills needed to persevere through hardship by analyzing literature, creating artwork, and reflecting on times where they have faced an obstacle and overcame it. Students will read a story in a literature circle with peers and work together to identify the hardship the character faced as well as the steps that the character took to persevere. Students will also be creating a piece of art/writing that reflects one of the stories they heard or a personal experience in which they had to persevere. Each one of my students will be able to connect to this unit, some more intensely than others. Acknowledging the notion that each student in the classroom faces hardship in one way or another helps strengthen community and create an environment where it is safe to share opinions and emotions.
I encourage you to discuss this unit with your child while you complete the following family involvement assignments, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
Corinne Schicchi
Student Teacher
Books we will read:
Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?
She's a girl, and girls can't play baseball. But faster than you can say "strike out," Alta proves him wrong: Girls can play baseball!
"I think I can! I think I can!" This well-loved classic tale of the Little Blue Engine who isn't afraid to try has and will continue to inspire and entertain generations of children.
Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, Martin's Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America-and the world-forever.
Tortoise proves he is a formidable opponent in this comic adaptation of a classic tale.
The following video is a read aloud of The Little Engine That Could by: Watty Piper
Published on May 12, 2014
Radio Dramatization of Watty Piper's classic "The Little Train Engine that Could" with full sound effects, and performance of all the characters.
Radio Dramatization of Watty Piper's classic "The Little Train Engine that Could" with full sound effects, and performance of all the characters.
Name: ________________ Date: ________
Parent Interview
Note to parent/guardian: For this assignment, your child has been asked to interview you about a time in which you had to persevere/overcome a challenge. It is up to you on the experience you wish to share with them, it can be something such as learning to play piano or dealing with the loss of a loved one. Please use this experience to connect with your child about a hardship you have had to overcome. We have been using language such as: never giving up, having hope, and reaching out for support.
Directions for student: Please ask your parent/guardian the following questions and record their answers in complete sentences.
1. What is a challenge that you have had to persevere through in your life?
2. Did anything give you hope that you would persevere?
3. Was there anyone to support you through this challenge? If so, who?
4. What steps did you take to never give up?
5. How did you feel after overcoming this challenge?
Parent Interview
Note to parent/guardian: For this assignment, your child has been asked to interview you about a time in which you had to persevere/overcome a challenge. It is up to you on the experience you wish to share with them, it can be something such as learning to play piano or dealing with the loss of a loved one. Please use this experience to connect with your child about a hardship you have had to overcome. We have been using language such as: never giving up, having hope, and reaching out for support.
Directions for student: Please ask your parent/guardian the following questions and record their answers in complete sentences.
1. What is a challenge that you have had to persevere through in your life?
2. Did anything give you hope that you would persevere?
3. Was there anyone to support you through this challenge? If so, who?
4. What steps did you take to never give up?
5. How did you feel after overcoming this challenge?
Name: __________________ Date: ____________
How Have I Persevered?
Note to Parent/guardian: Please sit with your child and discuss instances in their lives where they have had to persevere. Examples include: riding a bike, learning to walk, tying their shoes, being away from mom and dad (daycare/kindergarten), recovering from an injury, losing a loved one, moving to a new place. Please use this opportunity to empower your child with stories of when they overcame a challenge, they all should be very proud!
Directions for student: Please have a conversation with your parent about ways you have had to persevere in your life. Use the web on this worksheet to record challenges you have overcome, feel free to include your age, how you felt about this challenge, or how you overcame it.
Name:________________ Date:___________
Vocabulary Matching
Note to parent/guardian: Please lay out the definition cards and have you child match them to the correct vocabulary word. After this, lay out the vocabulary word and have your child match them to the correct definition by placing the card on top. Please repeat this matching activity three times with your child.
Directions for student: Please cut out each square and complete the matching activity we learned in class three times with your parent.