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All grades  Project 4 weeks

Southwest Language Sleuths: A Literacy Adventure

Johnathan F
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to enable students to explore and document their unique linguistic journeys, fostering a deeper understanding of their own language practices and transitions. By engaging with local community partners and reflecting on their code-switching experiences, students will develop a meta-awareness of language styles and the role of oral and written communication in their lives. This project encourages critical thinking, self-directed learning, and a strong academic mindset, empowering students to articulate their language stories through creative digital storytelling and collaborative presentations.

Learning goals

Students will develop a meta-awareness of their personal language practices and the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on communication. They will engage in critical reflection on their experiences with code-switching and the transition to academic English, fostering self-directed learning and academic mindset. Through collaboration with local native speakers and community partners, students will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring authentic language questions relevant to their communities. The project aims to culminate in a digital storytelling exhibition, where students articulate their language journeys using hybrid discourse, demonstrating their synthesis of oral and written language analysis.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7 - Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7 - Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create digital stories or short films that showcase their personal language journeys, incorporating elements of both oral and written language styles. These projects will be crafted in hybrid discourse, allowing students to explore and express their experiences with code-switching and language transitions. Each group will collaboratively produce a narrative that highlights their unique linguistic landscapes, which will be shared during the 'Cultural Storytelling Night.' Individual contributions will be assessed, ensuring each student actively participates and reflects their understanding of language practices.

Launch

Kick off the project with a "Language Mapping Expedition," where students collaborate to create visual maps of their personal language landscapes. Encourage them to identify and plot significant linguistic influences, transitions, and code-switching moments in their lives. This activity sets the stage for self-reflection and exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of their unique language journeys.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Cultural Storytelling Night,' where they present digital stories or short films that capture their language experiences and moments of code-switching. This event will invite community members, including local Navajo speakers, and family to participate in a storytelling circle, fostering a shared appreciation of linguistic diversity. Students will share their group projects, crafted in hybrid discourse, highlighting their personal language journeys and reflections on language practices.