Due to the recent closings to limit the spread of COVID-19, we’ve moved to online learning.
During the months of March and April, we were expecting to conduct a literature circle unit, and it’s understandable that this might be a confusing process through this new medium. Many of the questions and answers below are centered on this unit, but due to the MDE’s announcement that our focus should shift to enrichment activities until the state can determine how we move forward, this unit is on hold.
I am adding in information regarding the enrichment activities that we started the week of March 23rd.
As I see that students are asking the same questions, I will update this list with answers to those questions.
Enrichment
Q: Why do I get a score of “0” on the mentor sentences practices?
A: This is because the Google Form can’t actually assess written responses. If you’re receiving a score of “0,” that’s not necessarily because you wrote your sentences incorrectly. Disregard that score.
Q: I’m having a difficult time logging into Newesela using my school Google Account. What do I do?
A: You can’t just type in your info and log in. You have to “create an account” and then click “sign in with Google.” If this doesn’t work with you, I’m not sure.
Q: How do I highlight roadblocks on a Newsela article?
A: “You just highlight whatever sentence with your cursor and when it turns blue an option in a square will pop up. You click on any color you want and you could add text under it to annotate if you want.” — Thanks Nuh Abdelbaki! I appreciate you helping out!
Literature Circle Responsibilities
Q: What am I responsible for during the literature circle unit?
A: You must complete three main components every week over the course of this unit:
- Complete the reading assignment for your assigned novel
- Complete your assigned role sheet by WEDNESDAY of that week
- Respond to the discussion prompt by FRIDAY of that week and then respond to each of your peers’ answers
Q: If this is online, how are we supposed to talk to or work with our groups?
A: Unfortunately, due to the current situation, this aspect of the literature circle unit is limited. While you are grouped, and you will be interacting during the Friday discussion posts, you don’t have to meet to talk about your books in any other way for the time being. While this is not ideal, this is what we have to do.
Accessing Materials
Q: If we were going to receive our books the day they closed schools, how do I access my book?
A: On Google Classroom, I have assigned each of you, individually, to the correct book. Look for an assignment that is titled something along the lines of “Animal Farm Group #1 – Week 1.” This will provide you with a PDF version of the book. Also read the instructions on that GC assignment — it tells you how many pages/chapters to read for that week!
Q: Which role am I responsible for? How do I access my role sheet?
A: Just like with the novels, I’ve assigned you to specific assignments on Google Classroom depending on which role you’ve been assigned for this week. You were assigned to one of four assignments for week 1:
- Fearless Leader – Week 1
- Insightful Identifier – Week 1
- Connection Captain – Week 1
- Question Commander – Week 1
You must type your responses directly onto the role sheet attached for that week and turn it in on the WEDNESDAY of that week. Each Tuesday, I will post the new role assignments for you.
Readings
Q: How many pages/chapters am I supposed to read?
A: Every week I will update you on your reading assignments for that week, just to make sure you’re consistently updated and reminded, but here is the complete chart for all 4 books:
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | |
| Animal Farm | Ch. 1-2 | Ch. 3-4 | Ch. 5-7 | Ch. 8-10 |
| Fahrenheit 451 | Pg. 1-39 | Pg. 40-79 | Pg. 80-118 | Pg. 119-158 |
| Lord of the Flies | Ch. 1-2 | Ch. 3-5 | Ch. 6-8 | Ch. 9-12 |
| Uglies | New Pretty Town – Last Trick | Operation – Bug Eyes | Lies – In Case of Damage | Run – Down the River |
Q: When should I have my reading done by?
A: You should at the very least have your reading done for the week by every Friday. However, keep in mind that role sheets are due on Wednesdays, so it’s in your best interest to read heavily on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday so that you can do your best work with those.
Role Sheets
Q: I’m confused. How do I do my role sheet?
A: Read the directions a few times and look over all of the different parts of the role sheet. Then, if you’re still confused, reach out over email and ask either Mrs. A or me for further help. However, you MUST have specific questions in mind — otherwise, all we will do is repeat the directions that are already written on the role sheet!
Q: The role sheet asks me to write in my group number. What is my group number?
A: This is a part of this process left over from when we held it in person. Ignore it — your group numbers don’t matter.
Q: I don’t have a printer. How do I complete my role sheet?
A: Good thing we’re doing this completely online then, huh? Type your responses directly onto the role sheet and turn that in on Google Classroom.
Q: I’m the Connection Captain and I’m not sure how to annotate an article to go along with my real world connection. How do I do that without printing it?
A: You need to highlight the source text, copy it, and paste it into a Google Doc. Then, use the highlighter function to highlight any important information, and use the comment function to add your annotations. I will try to make a video to help with this, but we’ll see. It might take me some time to figure out. I’m somewhat tech savvy, but…the keyword there is somewhat.
Discussions
Q: I’m confused. How do I do the discussion?
A: The discussion is posted as a “question” on Google Classroom. Respond to the “question” with your response, which should be the most important take away from completing your role for that week. Once you’ve made your post, if any of your group members have responded, you should reply in a meaningful way that promotes an actual discussion on the topic. If there are group members that haven’t responded yet, check back later. The discussion posts are due on Fridays before midnight. Read this document to see an example discussion that Mrs. McGladdery made.
Q: What if my fellow group members don’t respond to the discussion?
A: That’s on them, not you. I won’t hold you accountable for replying to a post that doesn’t exist. That’d be unfair to you. However, if they have responded and you neglect to reply, that’s when you’re not fulfilling your responsibilities.