We are using our reading groups to discuss how the author is introducing the main character in our novels. Last Thursday 10/8, students practiced this discussion in their reading groups. This Thursday 10/15, they will use the same format to be assessed on these standards:
RL6.3 Students will be able to describe how a particular story's plot unfolds as well as how the character respond or change.
RL6.1 Students will be able to cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
In addition to the group discussion assessment, students have been being continuously monitored for their preparation for reading groups to achieve proficiency at these standards:
SL6.1a Students will come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
SL6.1b Students will be able to follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
We are also using nonfiction text articles to explore what techniques authors use to introduce key ideas in nonfiction text. Students have learned 7 different techniques that authors commonly use and have been hard at work practicing how to identify them and analyze how it helps them understand the text. Working with nonfiction is very different than working with fiction and requires a different type of practice for what seems like a similar skill. Next Thursday 10/22, they will be assessed on these standards:
RI6.3 Students will be able to use key ideas to analyze in detail how an individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a nonfiction text.
RI6.3 Students will be able to cite textual evidence to support analysis of nonfiction text.
Students have had plenty of practice time in class for all of these skills.
