INSIDE THE CLASSROOM: ENGLISH

Raquel Linares, Fourth-Grade teacher, P.S, 359 Concourse Village Elementary School, Bronx

The Common Core Learning Standards are at the center of everything we do in the classroom at Concourse Village Elementary School. Our fourth-grade scholars recently read “The Tiger Rising” by novelist Kate DiCamillo. Throughout the module, they read the text closely to identify and describe symbols the author used to demonstrate the characters’ thoughts and feelings. In addition, they analyzed the major events of the story in terms of the impact they had on the characters, and used these events to explain the characters’ individual traits, actions and emotions.

Students they read the text independently and in triads, acted out parts, and listened as certain passages were read aloud to the class. They frequently engaged in discussions surrounding the major events in each chapter. These discussions helped students listen to and express diverse perspectives, exchange new ideas and build confidence in their public speaking and writing skills.

To prepare for class and group discussions, students wrote responses to curriculum-aligned questions in booklets designed for that purpose. Students also used a special graphic organizer called a “thinking map” and annotations to help them gather evidence to support and organize their responses in preparation for discussions.

Each student wrote an extended essay to explain the significance of at least three symbols DiCamillo used in the story, using textual evidence gathered in their reading to support their ideas. They worked with their peers to complete each phase of the writing process, strengthening their ability to work as a team toward a common goal.

Sample questions:

Students will read 10 articles and fiction excerpts, then answer multiple-choice and essay questions.

1) Excerpt from “The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt” comes from a novel about a young cellist. Read these sentences from the story: “Willie is a fine musician, Minna. And he was a fine musician before he got his vibrato.” (Paragraph 12.) “And we will play it wonderfully. In tune. With or without a vibrato.” (Paragraph 26.) How do these sentences develop the story overall?

A. They explain why Willie returns Minna’s money.

B. They show Minna’s eagerness to play with a vibrato.

C. They show what Minna learns from Porch about Willie.

D. They suggest that Minna does not need a vibrato to play well.

2) “The Story of Chocolate” traces the thousand-year history of the sweet treat and its production. How does the author organize this article?

A. By showing the effects of chocolate on people around the world.

B. By comparing and contrasting different ways of eating chocolate.

C.By describing events connected to chocolate in the order they happened.

D. By presenting the problem with making chocolate and then giving the solution.

3) In “Beware of Frogs!” what feeling does the author create in paragraphs 1 and 2? Use two details from the article to support your response. ANSWERS: 1. D; 2. C; 3. Two points possible.