process for them. Allowing conversations within small groups around their own questions and ideas about the books will prove to be satisfying for all. As they share opinions, debate character motivations, discuss connections and ask questions of their peers they will become more and more authentically engaged with the text. This type of independence and group work does not come naturally to all children. In order for this type of learning to work well there needs to be a lot of up front teaching around the expectations, routines and group dynamics before students are to be set free. I have found the Literature Circle model described by Harvey Daniels to be very helpful in establishing book clubs in the classroom. As you already know, providing a variety of reading opportunities the classroom is essential to effective reading instruction. At times you may read these or other books aloud to the class, have students read in pairs, or independently if the book is on their reading level or you may also provide some students with a listening center, where they can listen to the book on tape. I found that many of the books in this curriculum are available on tape or CD at local libraries. As you use these mini lessons and the initial curriculum to provide explicit reading instruction and establish a classroom of enthusiastic, critical, independent readers, I wish you many animated conversations focused around great literature and the compelling topic of courage. Enjoy, Kelly K. Smith Author, Mini Lessons Guide Preview Chapter Summaries The summary provides an overview of the main events and ideas from the chapter. Questions to Promote Discussion and Stimulate Journal Writing For each chapter, there will be a set of suggestion questions designed to develop comprehension of the story and stimulate discussion of the themes and the way in which they story relates to your students’ lives, particularly with respect to courage. In addition, some of the questions and activities will also provide ideas for linking Number the to the Boston Public Schools’ and with corresponding concepts Stars Key Questions Close Reads from the and Boston Public Schools Standards and Curriculum Frameworks Common Core State There will also be in the section. As with all Standards (CCSS). Key Questions “Post-Reading” activities and questions, it is not necessary to answer or complete all questions. When you preview the guide, it may be helpful to make a preliminary list of those questions which you feel will most benefit your students. . If you decide to use some of the Key Questions and Close
process for them. Allowing conversations within small groups around their own questions and ideas about the books will prove to be satisfying for all. As they share opinions, debate character motivations, discuss connections and ask questions of their peers they will become more and more authentically engaged with the text. This type of independence and group work does not come naturally to all children. In order for this type of learning to work well there needs to be a lot of up front teaching around the expectations, routines and group dynamics before students are to be set free. I have found the Literature Circle model described by Harvey Daniels to be very helpful in establishing book clubs in the classroom. As you already know, providing a variety of reading opportunities the classroom is essential to effective reading instruction. At times you may read these or other books aloud to the class, have students read in pairs, or independently if the book is on their reading level or you may also provide some students with a listening center, where they can listen to the book on tape. I found that many of the books in this curriculum are available on tape or CD at local libraries. As you use these mini lessons and the initial curriculum to provide explicit reading instruction and establish a classroom of enthusiastic, critical, independent readers, I wish you many animated conversations focused around great literature and the compelling topic of courage. Enjoy, Kelly K. Smith Author, Mini Lessons Guide Preview Chapter Summaries The summary provides an overview of the main events and ideas from the chapter. Questions to Promote Discussion and Stimulate Journal Writing For each chapter, there will be a set of suggestion questions designed to develop comprehension of the story and stimulate discussion of the themes and the way in which they story relates to your students’ lives, particularly with respect to courage. In addition, some of the questions and activities will also provide ideas for linking Number the Stars to the Boston Public Schools’ Key Questions and Close Reads with corresponding concepts from the Boston Public Schools Standards and Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). There will also be Key Questions in the “Post-Reading” section. As with all activities and questions, it is not necessary to answer or complete all questions. When you preview the guide, it may be helpful to make a preliminary list of those questions which you feel will most benefit your students. . If you decide to use some of the Key Questions and Close
Number-the-Stars-Guide-Final-Version-CCSS.docx