Traditional vs. CCSS Approaches to Canonical Texts

1. Traditional vs. CCSS Approaches to Canonical Texts EngageNY.org

2. Purpose of this Session Participants will be able to: • Distinguish between traditional approaches to canonical texts and a CCSS treatment of those texts • Use NY ELA curriculum materials to approach canonical texts differently EngageNY.org

3. Session Overview • Surface traditional approaches to teaching canonical texts • Understand the NY curriculum module’s approach to teaching canonical texts by: • Reading and experience an excerpt from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet • Experiencing a 9.1 Unit 3 lesson • Discuss instructional implications for this approach EngageNY.org

4. Surfacing Approaches to Canonical Texts • In pairs, surface traditional approaches to teaching canonical texts: • What are some of the ways you have taught or seen canonical texts taught traditionally? • In your table groups, discuss the following questions: • What are the opportunities and potential pitfalls of teaching canonical texts? • How can teachers’ preconceived schema impede students’ ability to experience texts? EngageNY.org

5. How the NY Curriculum Modules Approach Canonical Texts • Read Module 9.1 Unit 3 Overview, focusing on the following: • Introduction • Assessed Standards (indicated in bold) • Unit Assessments (mid-unit and end of unit) • Lesson Summaries • In your table groups, discuss the following: • What do you notice about NY’s approach to teaching Romeo and Juliet? • How does this approach differ from traditional approaches to teaching canonical texts? EngageNY.org

6. Sampling the Curriculum • Read the prologue from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (in Lesson 1). • As you read, annotate the text for questions, key understandings, and important lines. • In your table groups, discuss the text focusing on the following questions: • What are core understandings in these 14 lines? • What might be particularly challenging for your students? EngageNY.org

7. Sampling the Curriculum Skim the lesson in its entirety to get familiar with the content and structure. Closely read page 1 and pages 5–10, paying attention to the Introduction, Vocabulary, Text Dependent Questions, Quick Write, and Homework. Discuss questions 1–5 and 9–14 in pairs. EngageNY.org

8. Reflecting on Lesson 1 What do you notice about the TDQs, Homework, or Quick Writes? How does the lesson address vocabulary? What skills does the lesson attempt to build? What other lesson features stand out to you? EngageNY.org

9. Sampling the Curriculum • Romeo and Juliet Act 3, Scene 2, Lines 1–34 • Excerpt from Lesson 13 EngageNY.org

10. Additional Questionsfor Discussion • What does the audience know that Juliet does not yet know? • What effect does Shakespeare create by ordering the events this way? Consider how your knowledge of what has just happened influences the way you understand this passage. EngageNY.org

11. Comparing Two Mediums http://www.masterworksfineart.com/inventory/chagall/original/chagall2039.jpg EngageNY.org

12. Review of the Curriculum • Read the Unit Overview. As you read, notice: • How does this treatment of Romeo and Juliet support the CCSS and the instructional shifts? • What is comforting because you already do this? • What is different in this approach? EngageNY.org

13. Q & A EngageNY.org

14. Discussion and Reflection • In your table groups, discuss the NY curriculum module’s treatment of Romeo and Juliet: • What are the implications for teaching other canonical texts? • What are the potential opportunities and challenges of teaching canonical texts this way? • What suggestions do you have for overcoming these challenges? EngageNY.org

15. Online Parking Lot Please go to engageny.org/novnti and select “Online Parking Lot” for any NYSED related questions. Thank You! EngageNY.org