Language Arts Instruction

Hello, once again, Readers:

This is a response to “Teaching to Exceed the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards: A Literacy Practices Approach for 6-12 Classrooms.”

            As usual I found this article to be extremely useful. Particularly in the explanation of how to use Common Core Standards yet tailoring them to your classroom’s specific needs. This text deals with developing and implementing a curriculum based on Common Cores State Standards’ high expectations, learning in the 21^st century, varying degrees of literacy, teaching online, the use of role play as a learning tool, homogenization of instruction, acknowledgement of cultural diversity, and economic inequities’ influence on student performance. All of these issues directly affect a teacher’s curriculum and methods in a classroom. To do this seamlessly is a task today’s teaching are continuously learning and striving for.

           

            One section that helped calm my nerves of teaching to Standards was “Developing Curriculum Specific to your Classroom.” It reiterated that because they were skill based standards they became guidelines or a “road map to developing curriculum that is relevant to your unique students…”

            But how do I tailor curriculum based on prior knowledge and diverse social/cultural settings? This piece showed me that there are many places to look in order to find what suits a classroom demographic. For instance looking to previous state or district curriculum for inspiration. Also the breadth of online resources that other teachers and education professionals share is amazing. Chances are if you are having trouble meeting certain needs and perspectives in the classroom, another teacher has dealt with the same or a similar issue and is willing to offer advice. (And most likely already have matched them up with Common Core)

           

            Another section that I found very useful was “A Literary Practices Approach.” It obviously called to my Lit major nerd self in that is used what I love about the connection of literature to life in order to draw on the complex diversities and worldviews of students. Which would allow them to find something deeper in the text that they connect with and will be “create an openness to keep learning and changing in acquiring new forms of expertise.”

            As always this article will be a useful tool in my own learning and professional development.

Cheers,

Halee