Author+Study+Implementation


 * Assignment: Author Study Implementation Plan **

My author study of Kenn Nesbitt will be taught as part of a 6 week poetry unit in second grade. It will require collaboration and co-teaching. In the past, I have enjoyed a close relationship with this team and we are excited to work together on this unit.

Week 0: One week before the author study and poetry unit starts, I will meet with the classroom teachers during one planning period. We will coordinate the form of poetry studied each week, the lessons to be taught in the library, in the computer lab, and in the classrooms. I see each class for an hour a week. The time is loosely divided into 15 minutes for book check out, 20 minutes for a lesson and 25 minutes for the computer lab. The lab is part of the library, which allows for great flexibility. Teachers will create the poetry binder and coordinate the Poetry Café. I will create the tri-fold display and the templates on both Wixie and Photostory for their presentations. I will gather our collection of Kenn Nesbitt books in a crate for use in the library and classrooms. I will create a Kenn Nesbitt wiki, including biographical information, a link to his poetry website, book reviews, a student Google Form questionnaire and photographs, and link it to my library website. I will teach Wixie and Photostory to the students before the unit begins (We begin in kindergarten during weekly computer lab lessons.). I will coordinate the artwork with our art teacher.

Week 1: I will co-teach the introductory lesson during both library and computer lab times. I will meet with the classroom teachers to coordinate and update each other.

Week 2: I will co-teach Lesson 2 during our weekly library time. Computer lab may be used as an extension if needed on rhyming. I will meet with the classroom teachers to coordinate and update each other.

Week 3: We will read more Kenn Nesbitt poetry, focusing on the poetry form of the week in the classroom unit, and write poetry during computer lab time and, more often, in the classrooms. I will meet with the classroom teachers to coordinate and update each other. I will coordinate parent volunteers and interventionists for Lesson 3 with the classroom teachers.

Week 4: We will read more Kenn Nesbitt poetry, focusing on the poetry form of the week in the classroom unit, and write poetry during computer lab time and, more often, in the classrooms. Students will create artwork using Wixie. I will meet with the classroom teachers to coordinate and update each other.

Week 5: We will read more Kenn Nesbitt poetry, focusing on the poetry form of the week in the classroom unit. Students will choose either their digital artwork or their paper artwork for their presentation. If using paper, I will scan their work and add it to their private folders. Students will choose to use either Wixie or Photostory. We will co-teach Lesson 3 and begin our projects. Students will have time to work on their presentations in their classrooms on iPads, in the computer lab, and, if appropriate, with their interventionists. I will meet with the classroom teachers to coordinate and update each other.

Week 6: We will read more Kenn Nesbitt poetry, focusing on the poetry form of the week in the classroom unit. Students will continue to work on their presentations during computer lab time. We will practice and voice record their poems for the Poetry Café. I will meet with the classroom teachers to coordinate and update each other.

Our school already has most of the resources we will need for this author study and poetry unit. We have the computers, iPads, and other hardware needed. We have access to the two presentation software choices (One is a paid subscription and one is free.). We have a collection of 4 Kenn Nesbitt books. I will acquire 2 more for our library, allowing each of our three 2nd grade classrooms to have 2 of his books at all times. Also, many of Mr. Nesbitt’s poems are online through his website. I will also use my library budget to purchase the tri-fold display and color printing.

The technology requirements for this unit include
 * access to the computer lab with internet
 * a pod of iPads
 * a laptop, projector and speakers
 * a subscription to Wixie
 * a scanner
 * color printer

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">There are many management issues to be considered throughout this author study and larger poetry unit. Students will be working as a classroom, in large groups, in small groups and as individuals. The classroom teachers and I will be co-teaching all of the library and computer lab lessons. Having two teachers present will allow us to work with students one on one as needed, monitor and correct behavior, and support and scaffold for students as needed.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The size of the groups and the group dynamics will change often. When we are working in the computer lab, each student will work on his or her own computer. We will use stations with the pod of iPads in the classrooms. Our students are familiar with this set up and the expectations are familiar and well practiced. Students who receive ESL or SPED support will also work in those groups as pull-outs and push-ins.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The technology in our building has increased and improved drastically over the past few years. Every classroom now has an overhead mounted projector with a document camera and speakers. We have pods of iPads available for check out. We currently have two computer labs, with a third lab opening next fall. One of the most helpful additions has been a wireless microphone system for each classroom. The teacher wears a microphone around their neck. It allows students to hear well without the teacher needing to raise their voice. Also, there is a second microphone that can be passed around. This has enabled even the shyest of students to be heard by their peers. Also, our school district has purchased an updated list of core software and is offering a wide variety of weekly trainings.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">