Grade 8 English Lesson Plan

Title: Characterization in a novel study

References:
(2000) Illustrative Examples for English Language Arts Kindergarten to Grade 9
Retrieved: September 29, 2007
http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k%5F12/curriculum/bySubject/english/grade8.pdf

Miller, Laura (2003) Elements of the Novel: An Introduction to The Call of the Wild
Retrieved: September 29, 2007
http://www.eduref.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Language_Arts/Literature/Childrens_Literature/CHL0233.html

Scrimger, Richard, (no date given) Nose from Jupiter
Retrieved: September 29, 2007
http://www.scrimger.ca/nosefromjupiter.htm

Grade 8 English Language Arts

Materials:
• Nose from Jupiter by Richard Scrimger
• Concept Mapping software

Procedure:
Introduction
• Review key elements of the book Nose from Jupiter including setting, characters, plot
Body
• Have students pick a main character from the book
• Using Concept Mapping software, students will create a map of this characters qualities including physical characteristics and personality traits
• These observations should be supported by textual evidence as well as what the student knows about a particular quality.
Closure
• Have students reflect in their journals about their project and how they are similar or different from their character

Assessment Method:• Assess concept maps based on agreed upon criteria and rubric

General Outcome: Comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts
Specific Outcome: 2.2 Respond to texts by constructing meaning through texts
• Identify and describe characters’ attributes and motivations, using evidence from the text and personal experiences
Objective:
Students will demonstrate their understanding of characterization by creating a mind map of character qualities.
ICT Outcomes:
C4 Students will use organizational processes and tools to manage inquiry
• 2.2 Organize information, using such tools as a database, spreadsheet or electronic webbing
• 2.3 Reflect on and describe the processes involved in completing a project

Rationale:
Concept mapping is an ideal way to have students brain storm and elaborate on characters in a book. By organizing their thought processes through mapping students are enabled to expand on and connect their ideas. Students are able to make these maps highly specialized and appropriate according to their task and preferences. The integration of this technology not only helps achieve language outcomes of understanding meaning from text, but familiarizes students with this valuable technological tool.

Technology: A Help or Hinderance to Learning

Like many things, technology can be a tremendous aid in teaching and learning or it can be nothing more than a road block or distraction. When integrated with the intention of supporting learning, technology can be highly effective. A great example from the reading was students studying birds, tracking on the web the migration of an eagle that was electronically tagged. Other examples could include smart boards, that make group instruction more interactive or the use of chat rooms for students in different countries to communicate, facilitating language or culture studies.
In contrast, when technology is integrated without adequate instruction, or no specific educational goal directing it, it can become both a danger and distraction in the learning process. Examples of inappropriate technological integration could be the teacher who does not know how to run the PowerPoint and spends half the class trying to get it running or the class that gets "computer time", but without clear objectives, spend the whole time surfing the web and chatting. These situations waste precious class time and can make students vulnerable. Barriers to good integration in schools could include a lack of trained ICT staff, shortage of funds for adequate equipment, or misunderstanding or ignorance regarding the suitable use of technology in teaching and learning. Technology must be integrated in a way that helps students learn and attain curricular objectives.

Blogging and Me?

This is my first time blogging! Whoot! I must say it rather enjoyable and as I love to conventionally journal, I can see myself getting into this. Wow, the possibilities for teaching and blogging are huge! From what I read, my favorite ideas for using blogs in the classroom are for classroom management, personal writing and portfolios. As a teacher, blogging would be a fabulous way to post class info, course descriptions, housekeeping, etc. in a way that is accessible to all students and parents. The beauty of the blog would be the ability to keep updating the information while having a record of past communication. When I think about my jr. high experience, blogging would have been a great way to do those personal journals we did in English class. It's so important for teachers to understand their students and having diary blogs could foster this process. Furthermore, these blogs could be expanded to include publication of student work in a way that facilitates affirmation and collaboration. Along these same lines, blogs could be used as portfolios of student work. Students could create their own blog to show their individuality and this combined with student assignments could help teachers authentically assess their students.
Although an exceptional tool, great caution should be used on the part of teachers in introducing and implementing blogs in their classroom. Students must be at an appropriate maturity to handle the technology safely and must be carefully taught about the purposes, dangers and expected etiquette of blogs. With this in place, blogs could be highly useful and engaging tool in many classrooms in any subject.

Wonder and Awe...

I love the prairie sky. It's incredible vastness, spectacular color and glorious majesty never fail to fill me with a deep sense of wonder and awe. I am not as central to this universe as I think. There is infinitely more than just me. I've called the prairie home for the last eight years and now that I've moved to Lethbridge I am so delighted to still be able to have the prairie and sky nearby. My major is General Humanities/English and I am thrilled to be on my way to becoming a teacher. Having lived overseas for a significant portion of my life, my dream is to someday teach overseas and yes, maybe leave my big sky behind...but just for awhile. I love my family, good books, tea and oatmeal raisin cookies, hiking, traveling, friends and flip flops.