Literacy Resources - Example

Literacy Resources
Example


Read, Write, Think
http://www.readwritethink.org/

Who/What is it?
This website is developed and maintained by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. These are well-known, and highly regarded professional organizations in the field of literacy education.

What resources do they have?
Lesson Plans: 
The website offers an extensive collection of literacy related lesson plans for grades K-12. The lesson plans are easily searchable by grade level, and then by topic. The lesson plans have been developed and reviewed for accuracy and are backed by solid research in the field of literacy instruction. All materials for the lessons are provided (even handouts!). There are even some interactive lessons using technology.
Professional Development:
This offers guides for teachers on specific topics so they can continue to develop as teachers even after graduating from Berry College! It also offers suggestions on professional readings for teachers, and has links to professional associations' conferences so teachers can attend and keep up to date on the latest literacy research.
Parent and After School Resources:
This section offers some useful tips teachers can share with parents on how to support their child's literacy development at home. It also has some games teachers or tutors might use with individual children.

I might use it for...
Lesson plans! Teachers can feel confident using these lesson plans in knowing that someone else has reviewed them for accuracy. Teachers may need to modify them to suit the needs of their learners, however, all the information is there so modification will be fairly simple. Teachers can also use this to give to parents who want more information on how to help their child. Lastly, I will use this to continue learning even when I'm no longer in school. I know it is important to stay up to date on the latest literacy research, and I can feel good knowing this site is run by leading associations in the literacy field.

Thirteen Reasons Why
by Jay Asher
Book Website

Characters
Hannah Baker
Clay Jensen
Tony
Other high school students
One high school teacher/guidance counselor

Grade Level Appropriate For:   high school (contains mature content)

Classroom recommendations:

• PLEASE know the content before using it in your classroom
• high school book clubs
• high school literature circles
• summer reading

Review

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher is a compelling story about issues many high school students can relate to. I highly recommend high school students (or possibly mature 8th grade students) read this and have conversations with peers or adults about the content. 

Hannah Baker is the main character, even though the story takes place after her death. Hannah committed suicide after her reputation at a new school was ruined by false rumors and the inconsiderate and inappropriate actions of others. Before her death, Hannah created audio tapes to be delivered to 13 people on a list whose actions contributed to the ultimate decision to end her life. According to the tapes, each person on the list is required to listen to every cassette, and then pass them on to the next name mentioned in her recorded story.

Hannah's heartbreaking story begins as one young man, Clay Jensen, listens to the audio tapes. Through Clay, Hannah's story unfolds, leading readers on a journey they will never forget. The characters are described in enough depth for the reader to feel immediately angered or sympathetic or flat out furious towards them. The setting is so typically small town America that it can make a reader feel like this could have happened in her or his hometown. As I read the descriptions of parties, football players and cheerleaders, the people and events of this story simply confirm the idea that this could have happened anywhere. 

The "relatableness" of this story contributed to the intense emotional reaction I had as I read this story. I was drawn into Hannah's experience, and was pulling for her to triumph over those doing her wrong. This book should be used with students in a setting in which they can discuss their feelings and concerns related to this book. I can see it being an exceptional choice for a book study, where adolescents feel comfortable discussing sensitive (yet, extremely important) issues. Conversations can be centered on so many topics, listed below, that will have adolescents exploring issues central to their own lives. 

I highly recommend this text.

Classroom Uses

To discuss the following topics:

• Rumors
• Male/female relationships
• A female's right to own her own body
• Respect for others
• Suicide
• Helping others (reaching out to others)
• Asking for help from others
• What adults can do to help teens

To explore characters and how they grow, develop, face challenges, and respond to challenges over time.

Plot structure.

Author's voice.

The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart
Book's Website

Characters
Reynie
Kate
Sticky
Constance
Mr. Benedict
Mr. Curtain

Grade level appropriate for:  4-6

Class recommendations: 

• for proficient readers with great reading stamina 
• teacher read aloud (will take a while)

Review

This is a wonderful, dense, sophisticated tale for late elementary/early middle school students. The book is popular among students, probably for the richly portrayed characters and the ability of the children in the book to solve problems, exhibit leadership skills, and, ultimately, save the day.

Four gifted children (with varying gifts!) are asked to help solve a mystery that only they can solve. The book begins with them taking a special test to see if they are qualified to solve the mystery, then transitions to a new setting where they are briefly informed of the mystery, and then finally transitions to the final location where they stay until the mystery is solved.

I found it to be an enjoyable read, however, my daughter found it to be an exceptional read when she was in elementary school. She and several other children I know give it the highest accolades. My reservations are related to the length and density of the text. It is a mystery with a nod to science fiction, and these are not my particular favorite genres, though I know it will be a hit with many children.

Classroom Uses

Can be used to discuss several themes:
Everyone has a unique and special talent
On a team, each person is important
Being resilient and believing in yourself
Let others help you