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5th Grade  Project 7 weeks

Shiloh Adventures: Read, Reflect, Repeat!

Patterson, A
Updated
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.10
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 2 more
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Purpose

The purpose of the learning experience is to immerse 5th-grade students in an authentic novel study of "Shiloh" to enhance their comprehension through a daily, interactive reading routine that supports ongoing analysis and reflection. Students will explore complex themes of loyalty, empathy, and conflict resolution, applying them to real-world situations while building self-directed learning skills. Throughout the 7-week period, students will actively engage in collaborative discussions and projects, honing their abilities in effective communication, problem-solving, and developing content expertise by co-designing and leading their learning experiences.

Learning goals

This project aims to engage students actively with the themes in "Shiloh," fostering an understanding of loyalty, integrity, empathy, and conflict resolution. Students will explore and analyze characters' actions and decisions, applying these concepts to real-world situations. They will develop competencies in self-directed learning, critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration, while enhancing their ability to comprehend complex literature at grade level as per Common Core standards. Practical activities will involve students working in teams to co-design projects, reflect on their reading, and experience decision-making through role-play and discussion.

Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.10 - By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, at the high end of the grades 4—5 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
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.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Throughout the study of "Shiloh," students will create a digital empathy journal where they reflect on the emotions and motivations of characters, exploring empathy's impact on decision-making. Upon completing the novel, they will design a multimedia presentation that showcases how loyalty and integrity influence personal decisions and propose real-world solutions to conflicts derived from the book. Additionally, students will collaboratively produce a video or role-play demonstrating conflict resolution strategies, connecting the storyline's themes with everyday situations.

Launch

Invite students to engage in a role-playing activity where they are presented with moral dilemmas similar to those in "Shiloh." Encourage students to discuss and debate different approaches, emphasizing loyalty and empathy. Facilitate a collaborative brainstorming session where students identify key themes from the book, predicting how these might unfold, then explore how these themes apply to real-world situations. This will set the stage for deeper engagement throughout the project.

Exhibition

At the conclusion of the "Shiloh" novel study, students will host an exhibition in the media center where they present creative projects tied to the themes of loyalty, integrity, empathy, and conflict resolution. Students can choose from a variety of formats, such as producing a short video exploring a related real-world dilemma, designing interactive storytelling sessions that reflect character traits, or organizing debates to discuss moral decisions faced by the characters. The exhibition will feature peer-led discussions, allowing students to showcase their critical thinking and teamwork skills while engaging with visitors on meaningful insights gained from the study. Attendees will include family members and faculty, providing students with broader community feedback and interaction.