1-Pager
All grades  Project 4 weeks

"Knights & Castles: A Tale for Tiny Readers"

BRETT S
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to immerse 7th-grade students in the historical context of Medieval Europe by creating engaging storybooks for 3rd graders. Students will explore the daily life of children during this era, using storytelling and illustrations to convey their findings. Through collaboration with peers, teachers, and community partners, students will develop critical thinking, self-directed learning, and academic mindset skills. The project culminates in an exhibition where students present their storybooks to 3rd graders, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of Medieval Europe by creatively illustrating and narrating the daily life of a child from that era. They will enhance their writing skills through planning, revising, and editing their storybook, focusing on audience engagement and purpose. Through collaboration with peers and feedback from teachers, students will cultivate self-directed learning and critical thinking, while establishing a sense of identity and belonging in their academic community. Additionally, students will gain confidence in presenting their work by reading their completed storybooks to third graders, fostering a connection between different grade levels.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.7 - Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of books by a favorite author and express opinions about them).
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5 - Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.5 - With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
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

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively create a Children's book that accurately and creatively depicts the daily life of a child in Medieval Europe, complete with engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations. Students will engage in peer and teacher critiques to refine their drafts, ensuring their work meets the established rubric criteria. The final product will be presented and read aloud to third-grade students, offering an authentic audience for their work and an opportunity to showcase their learning and creativity.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive literacy talk where students explore the significance of storytelling and literacy for third graders. Invite a local children's author or librarian to discuss the impact of engaging narratives and illustrations on young readers. Engage students in a brainstorming session to identify key themes and elements of daily life in Medieval Europe that could captivate the third-grade audience. Encourage students to reflect on their own reading experiences and how stories have shaped their understanding of different cultures and time periods.

Exhibition

The exhibition will culminate in a storytelling event where 7th grade students present their completed children's books to the 3rd graders. During this event, students will read their stories aloud, showcasing their understanding of Medieval Europe through creative narratives and illustrations. This interactive session will include a Q&A where 3rd graders can engage with the authors, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. The exhibition will be an opportunity for students to reflect on their work and receive feedback from both peers and younger audiences, reinforcing the importance of literacy and storytelling.