Final Word

I realized through this course work that I learn best by watching a strategy or lesson taught, rather than just reading about it. I found the videos used for our discussion helpful in understanding how the highlighted technique or method can look in an actual classroom setting. I need time to draft, reflect, and revise my thinking work when I have an assignment to complete.

Creating the multiple genre text sets focused on a common theme or issue I found most challenging. Although it was challenging work, I do see the value in including them in lessons. I plan to integrate these types of texts sets into future lessons/units that I write.

Annotated Bibliography #6: Poems and Song Lyrics

Collins, B. (2003, January 13). On turning ten by Billy Collins - on turning ten poem.

PoemHunter.com. Retrieved November 19, 2021, from

https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-turning-ten/.

YA Universal Theme(s):Identity

Lexile level/ Grade range: Grades 4-7

Short summary of the highlights: The poem “On Turning Ten” by Billy Collins expresses the physical and mental changes that happen when growing up. Thinking about who you are now, who you were and who you will be in the future. Your identity changes as you mature from childhood to adulthood.

Gaga, L. (n.d.). Born this way. Lady Gaga - Born This Way Lyrics | Lyrics.com. Retrieved

November 19, 2021, from https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/23051878/Lady+Gaga.

YA Universal Theme(s):Identity

Lexile level/ Grade range: Middle -High School

Short summary of the highlights: The song "Born this Way" by Lady Gaga tells people to celebrate who they are. It's ok to be different; race, sexuality, religious or political beliefs, and what matters is that you love who you are.

Gaga, L. (n.d.). Hair. Lady Gaga - Hair Lyrics | Lyrics.com. Retrieved November 19, 2021,

from https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/23856099/Lady+Gaga/Hair.

YA Universal Theme(s):Identity

Lexile level/ Grade range: Middle - High School

Short summary of the highlights: The song lyrics for “Hair” by Lady Gaga share how her parents influenced how she looked when she was growing up. She didn’t feel she could express herself freely. The multiple references to her hair show how she has the freedom to now do what she wants to show people her identity.

Perry, K. (n.d.). Katy Perry – firework. Genius. Retrieved November 19, 2021, from

https://genius.com/Katy-perry-firework-lyrics.

YA Universal Theme(s):Identity

Lexile level/ Grade range: Grades 3-12

Short summary of the highlights: The lyrics to the song “Firework” by Katie Perry share that it is ok to reveal who you are. She reminds people to take pride in who they are and show it to the world.

Woodson, J. (n.d.). A girl named Jack by Jacqueline Woodson. Poetry Foundation. Retrieved

November 19, 2021, from

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/58417/a-girl-named-jack.

YA Universal Theme(s):Identity

Lexile level/ Grade range: Grades 5 - 8

Short summary of the highlights: The poem A girl named Jack by Jacqueline Woodson tells how she got her name. Naming her was not an easy process since her parents couldn’t agree. This poem brings out the idea that a person’s name can be part of their identity.

Annotated Bibliography #5

Annotated Bibliography #5: Nonfiction Articles from Newspapers or Magazines

France-Presse, A. (2018, September 21). New film focuses on problems of police violence and

racism in society. Newsela. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from

https://newsela.com/read/the-hate-u-give-movie/id/45962/.

YA Universal Theme(s): Racism

Lexile level/ Grade range: 900L/G7-High School

Short summary of the highlights:

This article highlights the book “The Hate You Give” by Angie Thomas has been made into a movie. The book and movie highlight racism and violence by police. The message “it is important to speak up and speak out in moments of injustice.” The message they want everyone to hear is very relatable to many students of color. Amand Stenberg, who plays the main character in the movie, hopes it gets people talking about violence by police. She also hopes it makes black people, especially black girls feel strong and speak their truth.

Sydney Morning Herald. (2020, July 14). Publishers rush to fill demand as books on race and

racism sell out amid protests. Newsela. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://newsela.com/read/high-schoolers-protest-curriculum/id/2001012370/.

YA Universal Theme(s): Racism

Lexile level/ Grade range:1070L/ High School

Short summary of the highlights:

This article from Australia talks about the increase in interest and demand for books about race and racism. This trend is a global one in response to the Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd. Publishers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand for popular books that explore white privilege. In the US, all of the top-selling books on Amazon and Barnes and Noble are related to race and racism. Mark Rubbo, a managing director of a Melbourne bookstore, shares that he is happy that people are turning to books to understand the Black Lives Matter Moment better.

USA Today. (2020, October 26). Barbie(yes, the doll) posts a video about racism that goes viral,

and for a good reason. Newsela. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from

https://newsela.com/read/barbie-white-privilege/id/2001014939/.

YA Universal Theme(s): Racism

Lexile level/ Grade range: 950L/G6-12

Short summary of the highlights:

The article brings attention to the Barbie Youtube clips that are tackling critical real-world issues. One vlog, in particular, has gotten a lot of attention because Barbie talks to her friend Nikki about her experience with racism. In the vlog, the doll gives real-life examples of racism and offers scenarios students can understand.

Washington Post. (2019, August 14). Kids exposed to racism have higher

risk of depression and sickness. Newsela. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://newsela.com/read/racism-kids-health/id/55148/

YA Universal Theme(s): Racism

Lexile level/ Grade range: 1060L/High School

Short summary of the highlights:

This article brings to light the new statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics that racism has long-term effects on children's health. The report comes from the analysis of over 100 studies. One example from a study published in 2018, that during the 2016 presidential election and the months after the new president was in office, there was an increase in teenagers' stress about discrimination. Children exposed to racism have a higher risk of depression, sickness and being overweight, poor sleep, and increased doctor's visits. Stress affects people's bodies over time and can make them more vulnerable to diseases. The article also discusses how racism and discrimination that parents experience can have health effects on their children. The American Academy of Pediatrics report provides doctors with recommendations and advice on counseling families on their exposure to racism.

Washington Post. (2020, August 25). High schoolers demanding black history and more black authors. Newsela. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from

https://newsela.com/read/high-schoolers-protest-curriculum/id/2001012370/.

YA Universal Theme(s): Racism

Lexile level/ Grade range: 1050L/High School

Short summary of the highlights: Three High School students in different locations across the US launched campaigns demanding that schools teach more black history to promote fair treatment for people of all races. These students are among the many young people who are demanding change to education. They are taking to the internet and publishing online petitions, and speaking at virtual board meetings. In addition to more inclusion of black history, especially the truth about slavery, they also want books written by authors of different backgrounds to be taught in their classes. Students are also speaking up about other significant changes, like hiring more black and Hispanic teachers and staff having to take anti-racist training. Social media enabled this movement to grow larger and faster compared to those in the past.

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Annotated Bibliography #4 - Biographies

Annotated Bibliography: Biographies

Creager, E. (2019). Malala Yousafzai. New York: Greenhaven Publishing.

YA Universal Theme(s):Strong Females Overcoming Challenges

Lexile level/ Grade range: 930/ 5-8th grade

Short summary of the highlights: The biography of Malal Yousafzai tells the tragic event of getting shot in the head at the age of 15 for speaking out about how important it is for girls to get an education. In her journey to overcoming her physical injury, she advocates for women's rights and education. The story of Malala Yousafzai can inspire the reader to fight for what is right no matter how young you are.

Demuth, P. B. (2019). Who was Ruth Bader Ginsburg? London: Penguin Young Readers Group.

YA Universal Theme(s): Strong Females Overcoming Challenges

Lexile level/ Grade range: 760L/ 5th-7th grade.

Short summary of the highlights: This biography tells the story of the famous Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgh. She is known for her passion and work for fighting for gender equality and women’s rights. And most importantly, the case she won in front of the United States Supreme Court. Her determination and passion for justice began when she was one of nine women in her class at Harvard law school and never stopped when she became the second supreme court justice.

Krull, K. (2000). Wilma unlimited: how wilma rudolph became the world’s fastest woman.

Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

YA Universal Theme(s): Strong Females Overcoming Challenges

Lexile level/ Grade range: AD850L/5th-6th.

Short summary of the highlights: The biography of Wilma Rudolph tells of her courage to overcome a childhood disease that left her unable to walk, work hard, and become one of the fastest Women runners. This story of perseverance and hard work is a lesson that any age reader can relate to.

Thompson, G. (2003). Who was Helen Keller? London: Penguin Young Readers Group.

YA Universal Theme(s): Strong Females Overcoming Challenges

Lexile level/ Grade range: 570L/ 5th-7th grade.

Short summary of the highlights: This biography chronicles the many obstacles that Helen had to face starting at the age of two when she became blind and deaf. Her physical challenges led her to learn how to read and write. This biography celebrates her numerous accomplishments and highlights essential people who helped her succeed: Annie Sullivan and Louis Braille.

Theoharis, J. & Colbert, B. (2021). The rebellious life of Mrs. Rosa Parks: adapted for young

people. Boston: Beacon Press.

YA Universal Theme(s):Strong Females Overcoming Challenges

Lexile level/ Grade range:1140L/ 7th grade - High School

Short summary of the highlights: This biography about Rosa Parks dives into facts and information beyond her most famous bus boycott during the Civil Rights Movement. Readers learn about the decades of activism. She has been a key player in exposing the American racial caste system in schools, public service, jobs, and the criminal justice system. Diving deeper into her life shows the reader how small acts can prove to bring about change.

Storyboard for Number the Stars

Annotated Bibliography #3

Annotated Bibliography: Graphic Novels

Chmakova, S. (2015). Awkward. New York: Yen Press.

YA Universal Theme(s): Fitting In

Lexile level/ Grade range: GN280L/Grades 5-8

Short summary of the highlights: Svetlana Chmakova’s graphic novel focuses on the main character Penelope (Peppi) Torres, a new student at Berrybrook Middle School. This story showcases many of Peppi’s awkward encounters, which are very realistic middle student worries. She joins the art club, where she meets like-minded peers, but her awkward moments continue when she needs a science tutor. With her luck, it turns out to be a boy with whom she had an awkward interaction when she first arrived at school. This story of fitting in is genuinely relatable to any child who has longed to fit in with peers.

Jamieson, V. (2017). All’s faire in middle school. London: Penguin Young Readers Group.

YA Universal Theme(s): Fitting In

Lexile level/ Grade range: GN460L/ Grades 5-8

Short summary of the highlights: Victoria Jamieson's graphic novel stars Imogene (Impy), who has been homeschooled and has decided to go to middle school. She ends up becoming "friends" with some girls who seem friendly but then turn on her. She begins to feel embarrassed of her family's unique lifestyle (they work at the Renaissance Faire) and her thrift shop clothing. Like many girls who want to fit in with peers, she decides to become a mean girl. The kids she thinks are her friends turn on her and begin to mock her family's "Renaissance Faire" lifestyle. Impy's want to fit in but also remain true to herself is relatable at any tween age.

Bell, C. (2014). El deafo. New York: Amulet Books.

YA Universal Theme(s): Fitting In

Lexile level/ Grade range: GN420L/ Grades 5-8

Short summary of the highlights: Cece Bell's Graphic Novel explores the theme of how fitting in at a new school can be even more challenging when you are a child who has a physical disability. What is even more embarrassing is that Cece has to wear a giant hearing device that has to be attached to her chest. She feels her peers' stares and believes that her disability makes her peers want to avoid becoming friends. Cece realizes that she can use her disability as a sort of "superpower." She realizes that her device allows her to hear what her teacher is saying at all times. Most importantly, she doesn't even have to be with her teacher to listen to what she says. Cece's use of her hearing devices to listen in to distant conversations sparks the interest of some of the neighborhood friends.

Hale, S. (2019). Best Friends. New York: First Second.

YA Universal Theme(s): Fitting In

Lexile level/ Grade range: GN380L/ Grades 4-7

Short summary of the highlights: Shannon Hale's graphic novel is a memoir about her own 6th-grade experiences with the challenges with popularity, finding true friends, and dealing with her first crush. Even though she is in with the popular crowd "The Group." She struggles to figure out the rules of friendship because she can't keep up with all of the constant changes. Shannon's true story about trying to follow the rules of fitting in is easily relatable to middle school's many ups and downs.

Miller, K. (2019). Click. Boston: HMH Books

YA Universal Theme(s): Fitting In

Lexile level/ Grade range: GN360L/ Grades 4-7

Short summary of the highlights: Kayla Miller's first graphic novel, Click, revolves around the topic of friendship and which "click" or group you might fit in best. The main character Olivia seems to fit in with her peers until she is left out and not asked to join anyones' act for the school's variety show. Olivia has to navigate this challenging situation alone while also figuring out who her actual friend group is.

Kraft, J. (2019). New kid. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

YA Universal Theme(s): Fitting In

Lexile level/ Grade range: GN320L/ Grades 4-7

Short summary of the highlights: Jerry Kraft’s graphic novel tells of the complex situation when the main character Jordan, an African American, starts at a prestigious private school, where Jordan is among the few minority students in his grade. He remains friends with the kids from his neighborhood while being stuck in this new world at Riverdale Academy Day School. Trying to fit in at school or home brings a variety of different challenges for Jordan.

Annotated Bibliography #2

Historical Fiction: Annotated Bibliography

Paulsen, G. (2011). The wood runner. New York: Random House Children’s Books.

YA Universal Theme(s): Survival

Lexile level/ Grade range: 840L/ Secondary: Middle School

Short summary of the highlights: Paulsen’s Historical fiction novel takes place in 1776 during the revolutionary war. The main character is a 13-year-old boy named Samuel Smith, who has grown up on the frontier in Pennsylvania. He is very in tune with the forest brush around this area since he hunts often. After his home gets burned down by British soldiers, Samuel goes on an expedition to New York, using his tracking skills to find his parents, who he believes are being held as prisoners for war.

Frank, A. (2003). The diary of a young girl. London:Puffin.

YA Universal Theme(s): Survival

Lexile level/ Grade range: 1020L/ Secondary (ages 14-17)

Short summary of the highlights:This diary is from the perspective of a young Jewish girl, Anne Frank, who chronicles her life from ages 13 through 15. This time in her life is challenging and terrifying because she and her family hid from the Nazis in Frankfort, Germany, during World War II. Anne shares her day-to-day life living in the annex, her feelings, her wants and desires, and the many struggles her family, the van Daan family, and an acquaintance Mr. Drussel face while in hiding.

Boyne, J. (2020). The boy in the striped pajamas. New York: Random House Children's Books

YA Universal Theme(s): Survival

Lexile level/ Grade range:1000L/Secondary Grades 7-9.

Short summary of the highlights:This historical fiction novel takes place during World War II and focuses on a nine-year-old German boy Bruno. His father serves as an officer in Germany's Nazi Party. One day he comes home from school and learns that they must move because his father is getting a new job. There are soldiers everywhere at this new house. Bruno looks out the window from his new bedroom and sees a large wire fence with boys and men wearing matching striped pajamas and caps. Bruno struggles to keep himself occupied and goes out to explore. He walks along the fence and meets a boy named Shmuel. Shmuel's family has been forced out of their home and made to get on a train to Poland. Bruno is happy to have this new friend and goes and visits daily. One day his mother insisted that they move back to Berlin. Bruno is sad that he and Shmuel had never played together, so they plan to have Bruno dress in striped pajamas, so he blends in with the rest of the boys and men in the camp. This story of friendship and survival through a young child's eye is painfully innocent and honest.

Curtis, C.P.(2013). The watsons go to birmingham - 1963.New York: Random House Children’s

Books.

YA Universal Theme(s): Survival

Lexile level/ Grade range: 920L/5th-8th grades

Short summary of the highlights: This historical fiction novel takes place in Flint, Michigan, and focuses on the Watson Family. Kenny, the middle child who is in 4th grade, gets picked on and bullied. His older brother Byron is a bully himself and is always getting into big trouble. The family heads to Birmingham, Alabama, to visit Grandma Sands, who is very strict, and she might be able to straighten Byron out. Kenny disobeys his grandmother's warning to stay away from Collier's Landing because of the whirlpool, goes swimming, and almost drowns. Bryon saves Kenny. There is a bombing at the church, and the family is frantically looking for the youngest, Watson. The south is a very tense and dangerous place, but Kenny and Byron survive these experiences and learn to grow and change for the better.

Draper. S. (2016). Stella by starlight. New York: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books.

YA Universal Theme(s): Survival

Lexile level/ Grade range: 740L/ Grades 4th-7th

Short summary of the highlights: This historical fiction novel takes place during the Great Depression in the segregated south, specifically North Carolina. The main character, Stella Mills, is an 11-year-old African American girl. The Klu Klux Klan is in her community and is making itself known by burning crosses, homes, etc. Stella and her community begin to face many challenges. One evening she witnesses a violent attack, and she sees the blatant racism when the white only doctor refuses to help. As time goes on, Stella finds a temporary distraction by typing stories in a newspaper she creates called Stella’s Star Sentinel. She enters an essay writing contest where she compares the KKK to Dragons. Stella is an inspirational character who is motivated, persistent, and optimistic during this challenging time period in our history.

Annotated Bibliography #1

Contemporary/Classic Novels: Annotated Bibliography

Hinton, S. E. (2016). The outsiders. Harlow England: Penguin Books.

YA Universal Theme(s): Friendship

Lexile level/ Grade range: 750L/Secondary(HIgh School)

Short summary of the highlights: This story takes place in 1965 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The main character Ponyboy Curtis, who is 14 years old, struggles internally with figuring out who he is. He is a "Greaser," which means you come from the poor side of town. The wealthier kids in town are called "Socs." It is evident that the more money you have, the more you can get away. Ponyboy and his two brothers have lost their parents, and the oldest brother Darrel is in charge of his brother's well-being. The members of the "Greasers" have powerful bonds and loyalty to one another. Throughout the story, they help one another deal with the situations and conflicts that make them "outsiders" in their society.

Lowry, L. (2011). Number the stars. Paramount: Clarion.

YA Universal Theme: Friendship

Lexile Level/Grade range: 670L/4th-8th grade

Short Summary of the highlights: This historical fiction novel takes place in 1943 in

Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II. The main character, Annemarie Johansen, and her family help their friends, the Rosens, escape from the Nazis. Through trust and true friendship, the Johansen family does everything to help the Rosens while avoiding being caught by the Nazi army.

Steinbeck, J. (2000). Of mice and men. London: Penguin Classics.

YA Universal Theme(s): Friendship

Lexile level/ Grade range: 630L/Secondary(High School)

Short summary of the highlights: Steinbeck’s historical fiction novel takes place in

California during the Great Depressions. It follows two main characters, Lennie Small

and George Milton, who are poor migrant workers who head together to a ranch to find

work. They become close friends with the same dream: to own a piece of land.

Lennie has a mental disability. George takes care of him and helps him navigate the

day-to-day expectations, and most importantly, the issues that arise during their time at

the ranch.

Twain, M. ( 2010). The adventures of Tom Sawyer. New York :Library of

America.

YA Universal Theme(s): Friendship

Lexile level/ Grade range: 560L/Secondary(High School)

Short summary of the highlights: This historical fiction novel takes place in the 1840s in the Mississippi River town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. The main character is a

mischievous boy named Tom Sawyer. Since he is an orphan, he lives with his Aunt Polly,

brother Sid, and cousin Mary. The most important relationship is the one he has with

Huckleberry Finn, who is the son of the town drunk and does whatever he wants. This

friendship is set in motion one night when they witness a murder at the graveyard. Tom

and Huck go on numerous adventures, which in the end help change society's perception

of them.

Zusak, M. (2007). The book thief. New York :Alfred A. Knopf

YA Universal Theme(s): Friendship

Lexile level/ Grade range: 730L: Secondary(High School)

Short summary of the highlights: Zusak’s historical fiction novel is centered around a

a young orphaned girl named Liesel living in Germany during World War II. She doesn’t know how to read but steals her first book after her brother’s funeral. She goes to live with her foster parents Hans and Rosa, who are not Jewish, nor do they agree with the beliefs of the Nazis Party. Hans begins to teach Liesel how to read at midnight in the basement. She begins to steal books where she can find them. Liesel befriends the Jewish boy who they are hiding in the basement. She realizes that they have a lot in common. One day Max is sent away because it is no longer safe for him to hide at Hans and Rosa’s home. Max leaves behind a book that he wrote for Liesel called The Word Shaker, about their friendship and his hope to reunite someday. Sometime later, Liesel is given a blank

notebook to write her story in which she titled ‘The Book Thief.’

Week #2 Literacy Memories

I struggled to learn how to read. I had difficulty with decoding and comprehension. I don't think I read any real chapter books.

When I got to middle school, the amount of reading increased from my elementary school experience. I knew to be prepared to read novels, as well as textbooks. I remember having to read Johnny Tremain in 7th grade. I can think back to the feeling of defeat before I even began the book. It looked long, old (yellow pages), and the character on the cover did not look interesting to me at all.

A woman I used to go to in the resources room allowed me to use cassette tapes to listen to the story instead of struggling to read it. This strategy opened up the world of reading to me. It was probably the first book that I was able actually to visualize what the words were saying. I finished the book independently without having my mom read it aloud to me.

The summer going into high school was the first time I read a book for pleasure. My sister had been reading these novels by Danielle Steele (I know...not quality literature by any means), but the book held my interest. I started to read more books by her, and I had found a love of reading.

During the school year, I didn't have time to read for pleasure. I had to read what was assigned. There are some books that I can recall vividly and have stayed with me through the years.

One example is the book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. I think what struck me was the complex relationship between Lenny and George.

Another example from my senior year when I took the Course Women in Literature, The Awakening by Kate Shopin, opened up my eyes to foreshadowing and symbolism.

I read some Shakespeare novels during my high school career. I have memories of reading Romeo and Juliette and A Midsummer Night's Dream. They were challenging, but I enjoyed learning the "language." I especially like they were written as plays, and different people in the class could take on the various parts when reading excerpts aloud.

Introduction

I am currently an Instructional Coach for Humanities at Cider Mill School. Cider Mill School is in Wilton, CT and houses all of the students in Grades 3-5. I work with half of the teachers (20 teachers) to help support curriculum implementation, new initiatives, provide professional development and work in formal and informal coaching cycles.

I started my teaching career as a first grade teaching in Montgomery County, Maryland. I went on to be a reading specialists for many years. We moved to Connecticut in 2011, and got a job as a reading intervention teacher at Cider Mill. I was moved into a coaching roll about 6 years ago.

I LOVE BOOKS and reading, that is why I named my blog: bookgirljaf. I have a lot of experience with younger student literature, so I am excited to be reading and learning about the books students are reading in the upper grades.

I have been married for 21 years and I have twin 16 year old daughters.