NIGHTJOHN SARNY

Unit Theme:

This literature circle unit was designed for use in a fifth grade classroom. The main focus is based around the Civil War and Slavery. Concepts of the Underground Railroad receive great emphasis, as well as the battle between Confederate and Union Soldiers. Abraham Lincoln’s importance during this time period is also taken into consideration.

This unit consists of five different literature circles, with each individual circle representative of a particular reading level. For the second to early third grade circle there is an array of information covering all of the previously mentioned topics. The fourth grade circle is basically focused around information involved with slavery and the Underground Railroad. Within the fifth grade circle the primary focus lies within the experiences of slaves during the Civil War. The sixth grade circle contends, for the majority, to concepts involved with the Underground Railroad.

The launch activity for our unit, The Civil War and Slavery, engages students in an authentic learning experience. The students will utilize their computer skills to access one of 5 linked web sites, which will take them on a journey back in time to read the life story of an African-American slave.

The teacher will preview and select the web sites for the students to access. Students will be divided into groups of four. One student from each group will choose a number to select the web site they will use. In the computer lab, each student will navigate to the web site to research the oral history of the former slave. Students will be encouraged to utilize their worksheets to take notes.

The students will return to the classroom at the conclusion of their computer lab time. The teacher will instruct the students to get into their groups to share notes from their oral history. The students will utilize collaborative learning roles of recorder, presenter, gopher, and task keeper to gather their research. The students will then be required to present their findings, along with a downloaded image of their former slave.