My 8th grade ELA global classroom
Global Competencies can be (and should be) integrated into every content area. In my 8th grade language arts class, we use the HMH Florida Connections 8 textbook as our primary resource; but I also use a variety of articles from NewsELA.com, ReadWorks.org, Scholastic Scope, CommonLit.org, and National Geographic. In addition to texts, I provide learning opportunities through virtual exchange, virtual field trips, documentaries, and web explorations. Every day students are reading, writing, thinking, and communicating to meet the ELA standards, but we continuously investigate the world, recognize perspectives, and communicate our ideas in different ways to build our global competencies. For more information and examples of global lessons, see the lessons portion of my blog.
Classroom Remodel - summer 2019
In order to reinforce the integration of global education, I felt my classroom needed to reflect my passion. Therefore, I remodeled my classroom with paint, artwork, and posters so that any visitors coming through would know they are in a global classroom. I'm so happy with how it turned out. Feel free to use any ideas for your classroom, too!
Example Unit: Infusing global competencies into the state's curriculum
Textbook: HMH Florida Collections 8
Collection 1: Culture & Belonging
From the textbook:
"My Favorite Chaperone" by Jean Davies Okimoto - recognize perspective of immigrants or refugees, discuss how traumatic events or different cultures cause people to act "differently." Instead of laughing or criticizing, respond with compassion and understanding.
"Bonne Annee" by Jean Pierre Benoit - investigate the world by discussing a brief history on Haiti, and looking at current events in Haiti. Recognizing perspective of the main character who feels he has no home.
"What to Bring" by Naisha Jackson - recognize perspective on what people value the most, consider what you would do in their situation (refugees). Begin investigating the world refugee crisis.
Ancillary Materials:
Scholastic Scope "Escape from a War Zone"
youtu.be/__btyYMCzIw
Google Earth exploration of towns in Syria discussed in articles
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Formative/Summative Assessments
Guided reading questions during reading
Close reading and marginal notes
comprehension checks
Finstagram (fake instagram) template from the perspective of one of the characters https://www.teachingtechnix.com/2019/03/updated-instagram-template-for-google.html
Skype interviews of an American living abroad & a foreigner living in America - with journal prompts to record thoughts, feelings, information learned