Critical Literacy: Empowering Learners through Global Perspectives

1. Welcome to Critical Literacy through Global Perspectives LEVEL 2Caryn Friedman Email: carynfriedman@wpcsd.k12.ny.usWebsite: http://www.wpcsd.k12.ny.us/Domain/704Why does #readingmatter? Check out the infographics about the benefits of independent reading on your tables

2. Activity Alert! • Please write any questions that you have for me on the Post-It that have been placed on your desk • Please create a bookmark for your child on the BLANK side of the index card that is on your desk. This will be given to your child tomorrow to use in their IRB 

3. Our Mission Our mission as Critical Literacy teachers is to build a nurturing and safe learning community. We believe that students will challenge themselves to take educational risks in order to grow as learners and individuals when they feel safe. We want to challenge your children as readers, writers and thinkers. We are cultivating the whole child.

4. Relational Capacity Some of our community building activities include… • The Daily Letter • CPR • Fun Fridays • Learning Partners • Four Corners • Shared Inquiry Discussions • Team Huddle

5. Growth Mindset What does it look like? What does it sound like? • You never give up. • Itis careful and neat. • You try and think. • You take the time. • It does not matter if it is wrong or right if it is your best work. • There is no fooling around. • Itis quiet. • Asking for help • Thinking out loud • On task discussions • Working collaboratively EFFORT What happens when you use it? • You get smarter. • You get better at things. • You are proud of yourself. • You learn more. • You can finish your work.

6. Students in my class are expected to: • Come to class prepared to learn each day • Respect your classmates, teacher, and yourself. • Participate in all group activities • Complete assignments, projects, and take notes • Try your best 

7. Grading • Classwork and Participation: 45% • Assignments: 40% • Homework (√ -, √ , or √ +): 15% The Infinite Campus portal is a great tool to help you and your child keep track of their grades!

8. Assignments • This course has four units. Each unit is approximately one quarter. • Two projects or writing assignments and 2-4 tests/quizzes are assigned in each unit. • Homework assignments are worth 5 points. • Can earn a 0, 3 (√), or 5 (√ +) • Classwork assignments are worth 10, 20, 50, or 100 points.

9. Objectives By the end of this course, your child will be able to: • Mark the text while reading fiction or non-fiction texts • Take Cornell Notes about fiction and non-fiction texts • Create questions about fiction and non-fiction texts • Participate in Socratic Seminars and Shared Inquiry Discussions • Read and analyze at least four independent reading books • Share what has been learned from reading and analyzing texts through a variety of oral and written assessments including writing pieces, projects, skits, and videos. 

10. Outline • Unit 1: Introduction to Questioning and Shared Inquiry • How does inquiry help readers construct meaning as they interact with print and non-print texts? • Unit 2: Using Claim and Evidence to Support Our Ideas • How can we support our claims by using text evidence? • Unit 3: Social Commentary • What is social commentary and what is its purpose in texts? • Unit 4: Investigating Experiences beyond my own • Why is it important that human rights are universal? What are factors that infringe upon human rights? What challenges inhibit human rights for all?

11. Our Texts

12. Questions Strategies Important information (people, places, dates) Summary

13. Organization We have binder checks and/or binder clean out days twice per month to help your child keep their binder neat and organized.

14. Upcoming Assessments Scholastic Reading Inventory (Lexile Level) September, January, Late May New York State ELA Exam: Tuesday, March 28–Thursday, March 30 Resources for Parents and Students: https://www.engageny.org/