Lesson 10
Instructional Practices sustained silent reading Reader Response small group discussion	Assessment Suggestions Observe during Literature Circle group discussions to identify which students have a clear comprehension of what they have read and which students participate willingly and constructively in the discussion.
Procedure Sustained Silent Reading: Have students read silently. (25-30 min.) Literature Circle: Have students meet in their Literature Circle groups to respond to what they have read and to discuss their responses. Encourage students to discuss the values held by their characters and compare these to their own values. (Such discussions promote the development of Personal and Social Values and Skills.) They should be able to provide reasons for any perceived differences in values. (15-20 min.) Provide each Literature Circle group with copies of a poem or the lyrics of a song appropriate to the unit theme. Ask them to read and interpret the poem, then prepare two questions that will serve to clarify and extend their understanding in a large group discussion. Alternatively, read aloud several poems or song lyrics (or play tape recordings of songs) appropriate to the unit theme. Students may be invited to bring in recordings of appropriate songs. They might read aloud some of the selections if they have been given time to prepare. (10-15 min.) Include the whole class in a discussion of their interpretations of the selections and the connections to other selections and the unit theme. Some Questions for Teacher Reflection Did I encourage the students who read aloud to prepare ahead of time? Are there better ways to have students experience reading aloud? Have I encouraged students who have completed their Literature Circle novels to choose selections for independent reading? Have I modelled this for them? Have I provided a variety of resources from which they may choose? Possible Mini-lesson Topics Ask students to brainstorm what it is that makes a written work poetry as opposed to prose. Record their ideas on an overhead transparency, chart paper, or chalkboard. Add any important elements of poetry students missed during the brainstorming session. A chart such as the one that follows could be created and added to by students and teachers. Characteristics of Prose Characteristics of poetry usually in complete sentences standard punctuation usually necessary words and phrases sometimes complete sentences may be no punctuation Some resources that may be useful include the following, although teachers may know of other additional resources. Classroom Events Through Poetry For the Good of the Earth and the Sun: Teaching Poetry Prism of Poetry Sharing Poetry with Children Poems Please