I wanted to update you on how the Hidden Figures unit is going. In a word, GREAT! Despite state testing changing our schedule, we've been able to fit in our reading each day. Yesterday, the first day after completing 8 days of testing and an altered schedule, we had the best reading time so far this year!!
We're about halfway through the book and here's what I've learned. 1. You can't anticipate everything. I thought planning out comprehension questions on each chapter and related articles or video clips would cover it. I thought I'd be able to reach my diverse group of students with a book that focuses on African American women. I was wrong, but that's okay. Our discussions have not been what I expected. I have to say though, they've been AWESOME! I have really been enjoying the richness of the conversations; watching them learn how life was different and some parts are difficult to come to terms with today. I am fortunate to have a diverse group of kiddos that are able to talk about segregation and come to the realization that it wasn't fair and doesn't make sense. My curious and inquisitive fifth graders have been asking about what it was like for Hispanics at the time. They wonder if Hispanics would have to follow the white rules or "colored" rules. I had to tell them that I honestly don't know. I've been searching for more information to give them, but haven't found it quite yet. This is a constant conversation in the book about segregation; focusing on the divide between African Americans and whites. It didn't occur to me that there were several groups of people who were not discussed. 2. Students are the real teachers. I knew that this book would be a challenge, but I am thrilled with how my students have conquered it. The Lexile rating is 1120, which corresponds to an independent reading level of a mid-year 8th grader. According to reading assessments, the data is telling me that this isn't a "good fit". This could still be argued, even though we've been reading it aloud, which was my plan and provides them with instructional support. I wanted to mix it up a little bit, so yesterday I asked if anyone wanted to read aloud. I was so happy to have several volunteers. In case you're wondering, they weren't all of my kids who "should" be reading this book. Despite challenging terminology and constant introduction of unfamiliar words, they tackled the text. My class was focused and supportive of their peers. 3. I need to slow down. This may be obvious and I'm not sure why it took me so long to figure out, but it did. We were reading the whole chapter and then they would answer the questions. Yesterday, we stopped after each section within the chapter for a few minutes for them to answer the questions. It has given them more focus, purpose and accountability throughout our daily reading. Does every student understand everything I read? NO Is every one of my kiddos gaining something useful from this book? YOU BET! *On my own, I'm really enjoying the book An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by: Chris Hadfield (Canadian astronaut). Stay tuned for more updates as we progress through the unit! - CAPCOM Conrad signing off
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AuthorApollo 13 fan. Educator. Lifelong Learner. Third generation Boilermaker. Space Exploration Enthusiast. Collaborator. Click Subscribe to stay updated!Archives
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