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Edla309 Literacy Planner
Edla309 Literacy Planner
Section 1:
Rational of My Place Episode
This unit of work will be based on the My Place episode 14, The Penny Farthing featuring Henry from 1878. The video was chosen as it spring boards the
theme of technology, but more specifically inventions, electronic media and transport. It is a worthy base to introduce the topic of technology and provides a
basis of how it has advanced throughout the ages (as students investigate it further). The topic of technology is what the unit focuses on and students are
required to build an information report around Technologies through the ages.
Words: 97
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Section 2:
LITERACY / UNIT PLANNER
Topic: My Place; Episode 14: Henry; The Penny-Farthing 1878 Year Level: 5 Term: 3 Weeks: 1-6 Date:
GRAMMAR FOCUS: (levels) Text type and mode Listened to Spoken Read Written Viewed Produced
This unit of work is designed to inform students how to structure and write an information report and
effectively research relevant information to create their own piece of work to be shared with the class.
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Pre-assessment of students skills and knowledge: Four resource model (Freebody & Luke, 1990/1999): Code Breaker; Text Participant/Meaning
Standardized tests for reading/writing/ NAPLAN Maker; Text User; Text Analyst
Profile of Data Progression of Reading Development Comprehension Strategies: Predicting; Visualising; Making connections; Questioning; Inferring;
Conferences/interviews Determining important ideas; Summarising; Finding evidence in the text; Understanding new
Student written work samples vocabulary; Synthesising; Comparing and contrasting; Paraphrasing; Recognising cause and effect;
Self-assessments Skimming and scanning; Five semiotic systems: linguistics, visual, auditory, spatial, gestural.
Literacy Learning intention: We are learning to use specific research specific Question types: self-questioning; 3 levels; (literal, inferential, evaluative); QAR
knowledge to inform others in the method of a information report Thinking Routines: See, Think, Wonder; Headlines; +1, Three word summary, 5VIPs, Give One,
Learning behaviours: I need toextract meaning for the information and infer this Get One (refer Ritchhart, R., Church, M., & amp; Morrison, K. (2011). Making Thinking Visible:
knowledge to inform others. How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners. eBook online)
Success criteria: I know Im doing well if I can link the knowledge provided and
categorise it appropriately in my information report.
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TEACHING & LEARNING CYCLE WHOLE CLASS MINI LESSON INDEPENDENT SHARE TIME AND ASSESSMENT
(Identify step in the T & L cycle and the Hook or Tuning In (Explicitly model the use of a new strategy LEARNING TEACHER SUMMARY STRATEGIES
literacy learning intention or sessions (Identify a strategy or a tool to help activate or a tool to assist with the literacy learning (Extended opportunity for students to work (Focussed teacher questions and summary (should relate to literacy learning intention
focus ) prior knowledge and/or to introduce the intention or focus of the session and to in pairs, small groups or individually on a to draw out the knowledge, skills and or focus of the session. Includes how &
topic.) prepare students for successful set task. Time for teacher to probe processes used in the session) what you will use to make a judgment on
We are learning to ... completion of the set task. Reference to students thinking or work with a small students attempt/work)
Wing Jan include page details) group for part of the time. Reference to Link back to literacy learning intention and Success criteria written for students to
Wing Jan include page details) key points of effective reading/writing, know what the minimum expectation is.
speaking, listening and viewing.
1. Revision of Students will watch a previously viewed Volcano YouTube clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgktM2luLok) to detect the
previously learnt skill key ideas and knowledges in order to build a mind map as a whole class. The mind map will include key facts, knowledges and
We are revisinghow to characteristics of an information piece, then organise these into categorise with validations as to why they belong there.
extract information
from within a text.
2. Building topic Students are presented with a wide range of different genres and formats of text and are required to organise these into their specific
knowledge categories. Theyre then required to explore the structure and information within the text s of the different genres and note key
We are learning to features of each type, with a specific focus on non-fiction text types (Appendix 1). Collaboration of key features found within each
recognise specific text type is to be placed into a table and discussed as a class.
features of an
information text.
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informationreportshave discussion (Wing Jan, and refine their Fact Tree the information the way them cool and warm
incommon?Whatdo 2009. P130). and then create a basic they did. feedback for future
younoticeaboutthem? Discuss the importance information report (using Bring students together reference.
of each idea and identify headings from Fact Tree). and discuss one-three
Whatisthepurposeof
Using headings as topic
informationreports? how to organise the things they learnt from What are their
sentence, they will expand
Teacher noting key information their dot points into,
viewing other students categories? Are they
headings that are a categorically (Wing Jan, sentence form. reports. relevant?
common feature of 2009. P130). Teacher is to encourage
information report. students to make
Discuss unfamiliar connections between
terms and add to class categories and headings.
glossary.
Focus group:
Using prepared strips of a
deconstructed information
report, students are to
place material onto a Fact
Tree. Students are required
to differentiate between
topic headings and
information and place
according onto the tree.
Guide student discussion
before placing onto tree.
subheadings.
7. Guided activities to Students will be given a factual text in the form of dot points in pairs they will be required to first categorise the information and
develop vocabulary or then connect the dot points by writing/ paraphrasing them into sentences. Students are to focus on having one fact per sentence and
specific language exploring avenues of using conjunctions to connect two or more facts.
feature.
We are learning to
recognise the language
features and structure of
an information report.
8. Joint construction of Dictogloss Think Aloud Graphic organiser Reflection Circles Running records
text. Selected and read a Model how to complete Students select an Evaluate key ideas of Focus Group Note
We are learning to to fictional/ subjective text a scaffold for an information text about how to recognise students justifications
construct and to class, encouraging Information Report (See technology from an information within a and categorising of text
information report. students to focus on Appendix 5) about a assortment and use this text and how to use that excerpts. Focussing on
significant words and technology currently to fill in their own information to create their understandings of
ideas explored. used (eg: car, cart etc). Information Report the scaffold/structure of the introductions,
Discuss words/phrases Scaffold sheet an Information Report. paragraphs and
recognised by students, Examine what an (Appendix 6) Select 2-4 students to conclusions?
underlining similarities introduction, paragraph present their scaffolds
and differences in and conclusion are and Students do not need to to the class and support Collect samples of
collections. their features. write paragraphs for student discussion on students Information
each concept/topic, just whether the Report scaffold sheets.
Can you detect any Highlight to students topic sentences and classifications are
words that have similar how authors use two or write sentences with validated.
meanings? What more facts within the two or more facts within
categories can we put same sentence. it (using correct Summarise features of
our words into? Demonstrate how to do conjunctions). introductions,
this. paragraphs and
Focus Group: conclusions.
How many paragraphs Using a deconstructed
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What language
features can we use to
help us decide?
Does your part of text
belong in the
introduction, in the
paragraphs or in the
conclusion? Explain
9. Joint construction of Students are required to form topic sentences and put into full sentences (if capable) from their Information Report Scaffold sheet
text. created in the previous lesson. Prompt students to use key language features within the information report and where possible use
We are learning to terminology specific to their topic.
Construct an
information report
10. Joint construction of Explanation Game Connect Extend What Makes You Say Three Ws Anecdotal notes
text. Display a graph/diagram, Challenge That? Students discuss What Teacher observation
We are learning to which includes pictures Demonstrate to the Students are divided they learnt, its relevance with anecdotal notes as
Construct and organise of common appliances students how to extract into groups of 3-4 and to writing an required.
meaning from visual and items found in meaning/s from each group given a information report, So
texts to use in our homes from the 1800s as pictures/diagrams and picture/diagram of an What?, and how they Were students able to
Information Reports. well as from the present. how you might organise item that was used in can use what they have infer meaning from
What do you think these them into categories the 1800s and is still learnt to help them use visual texts to construct
are pictures of? How based on the used in present day. The diagrams/pictures when ideas?
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us better understand
visual texts?
11. Joint construction of Students continue to create their Information Reports using the images and diagrams given to them. Encourage students to provide as
text. much information as possible and allow groups who may need further information to research item being explored. Remind students
We are learning to their Information Reports needs to include an introduction, at least 2-4 paragraphs (which include topic sentences), and a concluding
Construct and organise paragraph/statement.
meaning from visual
texts to use in our How has your item been improved by technology from its use in the 1800s to now?
Information Reports. How could your item be further improved, if at all?
12. Preparation for Explore what a checklist/criteria sheet is and how it is used to distinguish standards of Information Reports. Teacher will show
independent students a standard checklist used for marking Information Reports (See Appendix 7), use this as a basis to create own criteria sheet
construction of text. that theyre going to be marked off.
We are learning to Explain what a bibliography is and why it is important. Model how to make a bibliography and what information needs to be
Construct criterion for a included in one. Students will need to include a bibliography in their Information Reports.
cohesive Information
Report.
13. Individual See Think Wonder Think Aloud Individual research What Am I? Annotated checklist
construction of text. Display several examples Demonstrate how to Using laptops, iPads and In groups of 3-5
We are learning to Information Reports up research information textbooks from the students take turns Teacher to rove around
Research information to around the room. relevant to a topic using library students begin to describing the key room and complete a
produce our own What information is the internet and books. research information for words they used to checklist which will
Information Report. included in each their Information research their topic to provides them with a
Information Report? Discuss how to identify Reports on the topic of which the rest of the clear overview of the
Where/how do you think information that is Technology Over the group has to try and students
the author found the relevant to the topic and Years. guess what their progress(Wing Jan,
information to construct how key words are Specific information to technology is. 2009, p 81), while also
their report? What important when refining be contained in the allowing them to make
resources can you use to searches and when reports involve Explore whether notes or comments if
create your own report? using glossaries and researching technology students researching needed (appendix 8)
internet searches. used in the 1800s, how similar technologies
that technology has used similar or different
changed to what we use key words and why they
today and what has used them.
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Focus Group:
Give students a topic
other than technology,
which could be the basis
of an information report.
Discuss and record key
words associated with
the topic and could be
used when researching.
Type key words into a
search engine and
examine what they find.
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14. Individual Students continue to research information on a technology used in the 1800s that is still used in present day. When they believe they
construction of text. have enough research students will construct a concept map, which will then form the structure of their information report.
We are learning to
Use our own research to Remind students that they are required to include 4-5 paragraphs and therefore require 4-5 focuses on their technology. They must
create a concept map. also incorporate some form of visual aspect into their reports.
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Appendices:
Appendix: 1:
Characteristics & Features of Text Types
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Appendix 2:
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Appendix 3:
Fact Tree (Wing Jan, 2009. P. 130)
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Appendix 4:
Fact Tree Headings, Topic Sentences & Information
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Appendix 5:
Scaffold for an Information HEADING Report
TOPIC TOPIC
SENTENCE SENTENCE
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Appendix 6:
Example Information Report Checklist
Appendix 7:
Skills & Knowledge Checklist (Wing Jan, 2009. P. 81)
Section 3:
Justification
A quality literacy program should support student knowledge on building a specific
text type, but also build oral language skills to make them more proficient communicators
(Education Department of Western Australia, 2005). In this unit of work a strong focus is
builds their verbal skills. It is designed for a classroom with a high level of students that
have English as a Second Language (ESL) and due to this the focus is on oral language
activities (Education Department of Western Australia, 2005). This paper will introduce
how and why student discussion can build their use of combining two or more facts
within a sentence and economical use of language students will learn how to
research and create their own information report. Research based evidenced has been used to
ensure that the level of activities is above standard and is accessible to all students
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In education, scaffolding refers to a variety of instructional procedures used to move students gradually toward stronger understanding and, ultimately,
greater independence in the learning process, in this case, language development (Liyanage, 2004). Or put simply, through student interaction you gradually
build on their skill and knowledge base. This unit attempts to use this to it full advantage as it provides multiple successive levels that assist students reach
higher levels of comprehension and skill acquisition that they would not be able to achieve without assistance (Liyanage, 2004). There is a range of different
ways student discussion can be conducted, Kayi-Aydar (2013) suggests that varied throughout a unit students should exposed to three main types; formal
lectures, small group work, and student-led whole class discussions. This unit attempts to incorporate these into most of the lesson to utilise the benefits of
scaffolding to maximum student achievement. Examples of these within this unit are See-Think-Wonder (sessions 3&13), Think-Pair-Share (sessions 3&5) and
Shrinking notes (session 3), however, all of these sessions are accompanied by another form of student discussion activity to continue the enhancement of
In terms of information reports, one of the language features focussed on is using language economically, that is synthesising information into a shorter
form. This is supported by oral language activities such as Shrinking Notes and Fact Trees. Both of these are oral language activities use scaffolding of students
learning to assist them in developing new ideas to further their knowledge (Hammond, 2001). The activity Shrinking Notes explicitly develop students ability
to recognise informant/key information within a text and continually having to critically analyse it to end up with the final few key facts. Enabling pair and
whole group discussions, students are learning through language and about language (NSW Department of Education and Training, 2003). Similarly, the
activity Fact Tree encourages students to then refine their information even more to extract a topic sentence which helps with the transition into the formal
writing of a report (Hammond, 2001). Again, student discussion is used to help students clarify, compare and contrast their information while building their
own knowledge base. With both of these activities the student is selecting the information that they deem important and relevant to them, and through
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collaboration children build on upon each others talk, extend their range of phrases and negotiate meaning (Education Department of Western Australia,
p200., 1994). Therefore the students are able to contribute at their own level and having ESL students in the classroom conversation is a must (Education
As this unit has such a strong focus on communicative activities such as Think-Pair-Share and Reflection circles are used to assist students in
expanding their viewing and listening proficiency (Hammond, 2001). As these strategies allow students to process what they hear it can be beneficial for ESL
learners and supports their oracy development, which provides the foundation for reading and writing. Throughout day-to-day life analyse the words, sounds
and grammar that we hear and connect this to our background knowledge, which enables us to comprehend (Gebhard, 2006). Thinking routines such as Think-
Pair-Share are employed to support students facilitate discussion, rehearsal, and oral language development. Research suggests that to learn a second language
you must be using it (Education Department of Western Australia, 2005). Therefore for ESL students in the classroom context language and learning are seen as
explicitly linked and developed through the childs readiness to make meaning from the context (Education Department of Western Australia, 2005). So
strategies such as this scaffold learners such as ESL students as it provides opportunity to clarify thinking and develop language patterns (Gregory and
Kuzmich, 2005). Speaking and listening should be explicitly taught as it accompanies almost all behaviours that students do throughout the day. It is a
responsibility of the teacher to seek opportunities for student-to-student talk, whether this is formal or informal, dialogue, discussions, or performances
(Department of Education WA, 2013). For those students that are not as confident in their speaking, or for ESL students, Think-Pair-Share affords students an
opportunity to participate with a partner in supportive dialogue and encourages learners to listen and express their thinking (Raison & Rivalland, 1997). Active
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listening and speaking skills are reinforced in conversational activities as research shows that we retain 70% of what we explain to others, and are therefore an
The activity Dictogloss is a useful procedure to immerse the students in the language in order to develop their listening and comprehension skills. The
Dictogloss is a comprehension strategy that encourages the learner to think reflectively upon their own understanding and oral language ability (Hammond,
2001). The Dictogloss activity scaffolds the learners listening skills as it develops their oracy skills and ability to process language. This leads to contexts
where the teacher should expose the students to spontaneous speech, which are more familiar to the characteristics of oral language (Fountas and Pinnell, 2001).
The Dictogloss is advantageous as it provides opportunity for students, especially ESL learners, to engage in both written and oral language, try new language
forms, and reflect on language to further their understanding of it (Tedick, 2001). Pair work and whole class discussion promotes connections between meaning
and form in terms of comprehension. Through dialogue students are more likely to understand and retain this comprehension to further build their own
knowledge (Tedick, 2001). If the learner is struggling to connect written or spoken language with the ability to make meaning from aural or written text, then a
beneficial strategy is note taking. Text interaction is important for students to process, comprehend and retain information (Department of Education NYC,
2014). Note taking is also purposeful to help recall information, summarise it, or to use it in various other ways, for example, as a starting point for research
When creating a quality literacy program teachers should create activities that are accessible to all students and have a strong focus on using scaffolding
to support student knowledge for a specific text type. Giving all students, especially those with ESL, an opportunity to practice their oral skills within a
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controlled environment allows them to expand their knowledge while assisting them in becoming proficient communicators. This unit has a strong focus on
student-student communication using scaffolding as the central point for building understanding to maximise student achievement. The activities surrounding
the language features used were built off research-based evidence to ensure that the activities are above standard and accessible to all students within the class,
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