Learning Task # 3 Hands-on Helping ELA teachers practice new literacies in their classrooms
Grade level: 8
Topic: electronic communication with a keypal
Standards:
RI.8.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
RI.8.5. Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.
RI.8.7. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.
W.8.1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
W.8.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
W.8.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)
W.8.6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
Learning outcomes: Students will be able to write an email using informal style with less then 2 spelling and grammatical errors.
Technologies needed: Internet access, web browser, and email software
Timeline for implementation: Class time depends upon the group the lesson is intended for. The time frame is between 4-5 days The activity will be useful to use after the students are introduced to a technical writing unit where they write formal and informal letters. Targeting format as well as writing techniques. Students should know how to write letters properly. The teacher can provide students with a list of possible students who are looking for keypals then the students can search and find someone they would like to start an email contact with. Students can use the provided link http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/vrschool/keypals.htm and research people of similar age they would like to write to. Some of the site includes name, age, area they live, and likes as well as dislike. Students will use word possessor first to write the letter then after proofreading transfer the information into email software. When finished the student will send the message and wait for a reply.
The lesson can be implemented by having the students hand write the letter for homework first then hand type the letter in class.
Assessment: The best method for evaluating what students have accomplished would be by using a rubric. The rubric should be designed with the state standards in minds. The ELA teacher can take a printed copy of the email and evaluate the work using a rubric
This is a great idea, Dean. I teach at the secondary level and over the years there have been many of the upper classmen who did not own and had not learned how to utilize an email account. Incorporating the use of email, as a communication device, in any curriculum is a great asset.
ReplyDeleteGood idea! Especially students can be mentored through the writing process for the technical writing. Did the teachers raise the concerns on: (1) how to track the students' email correspondences with their keypals? (2) what if the keypals never respond or delay in responding? However, if the keypals communication agreement are established between the two teachers from two different sites, I can see the 2nd question is redundant.
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