#2ndaryELA Archive
#2ndaryELA is a group of middle and high school English Language Arts teachers looking to share ideas and best practices. We chat every Tuesday night at 8 pm EST using #2ndaryELA. We'd love for you to join us!
Tuesday October 4, 2016
Welcome to tonight’s chat! Please introduce yourself. Tell what & where you teach. Share your blog link if you have one.
Welcome to tonight’s chat! Please introduce yourself. Tell what & where you teach. Share your blog link if you have one.
Tonight's chat will be hosted by so look for questions from her
Hi! Gerily, 8th gr. ELA T from Long Island, NY.
Jason Salhaney Romulus Middle School, Romulus, MI, Principal, dipping in.
Don't forget: use on responses & replies to others, label your responses w/A1, A2, & follow anyone chatting with us
Don't forget: use on responses & replies 2 others, label your responses w/A1, A2, & follow anyone chatting w/us 2night
Kristin east central IL. Eng 10, Eng 11, & dual cr comp (lit 2nd sem). Haven't updated blog in a while. https://t.co/nTIu7krRHI
Kristin east central IL. Eng 10, Eng 11, & dual cr comp (lit 2nd sem). Haven't updated blog in a while. https://t.co/m82VnBGYto
Hello! I'm Katie, an undergrad studying secondary English ed. at University of Northern Iowa. https://t.co/H95iWhvvvi
Good evening! My name is Jennifer and I teach Grades 7&8 ELA in SW Ontario. So happy to be here again!
O'neika 7th Grade English NYCDOE
Tonight’s chat will be hosted by Jennifer Wolfe so look for questions coming from her.
our Facebook group is 1900+ members strong. Join us to continue the conversation all week long https://t.co/5Vm1hu3Eqs
I'm Brynn Allison, chat co-host. 8 yrs teaching HS English & reading interventions in Philly. Blog: https://t.co/cyx1WlwPgI
Hi everyone. I'm Meghan. 9th gr. ELA and 12th gr. Myths and Legends teacher.
Hi Jennifer! Looking forward to learning a lot! :)
check out our FB group to continue the conversation all week long. 1,800+ members & growing! https://t.co/w6efwWilVK
Q1 How do you use non-fiction texts/media in your classroom?
A1 As a literacy coach, encourage teachers 2 do more NF pairings w/novels. Just connected national anthem protests w/The Misfits
A1: I use Article of the Week each week to get students exposed to non-fiction. In each unit I teach I try to add in NF readings.
Just recommended the FB group to some teachers. It's great!
A1 My teachers utilize an article of the week that is relevant to what is happening in the world around them. Great exposure
Hi! Megan Gordon--7th grade from Midlothian, TX. You can find weekly posts from the co-op I run at https://t.co/Abv4Jbk1MW
A1/2 Most nonfiction is supplemental texts to accompany literature: context, background, real life examples.
A1: My dept. has started typing nonfiction into all of our units. I think it helps Ss see validity when they see it in context.
Do you have a specific format, outline of responsibilities, etc.? We are looking to start one, any help would be :)
A1 My students LOVE to debate - non-fiction with an argument is my favorite!
I LOVE AOW...but don't have time for it with my freshman curriculum. Bummer 'cause they LOVE it.
A1 Where do you find the articles?
A1 Recently read "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote and would love to teach his work in my future classroom
Many primary sources in Am Lit: speeches, essays, journals, etc. I also connect curric texts to news articles for relevancy
A1 pt2 I do Article of Week w/my comp students. Keeps them wrtg most weeks & they have to choose one of those topics for research
Are the NF pieces current events?
So sad! Is your curriculum written by someone other than you?
A1: Just got hooked onto AoW. Looking to see how I can incorporate effectively.
Nice - what do they do with the article?
The use and are able to incorporate various lexile levels so all Ss can access
A1 we read about cockroaches this week - and cloning our pets!
I had a student read it last year and she did a great project on it.
Where does everyone find resources for their article of the week besides
Q2 What is your favorite resource for finding current/applicable non-fiction texts to use in your teaching?
What do they do with the article? Is this like what does?
they read the article in class, write a response and we have a discussion from the ideas in their responses.
I just read news and choose what 18 yr olds should be aware of as they become adults.
Q1: We have a units on both, but we try to incorporate them at least once a week through our Google Assignments.
A2 Often find good pieces in Time, Sports Illustrated, Entertainment Weekly, etc. Scope also good
A1: Make connections to/add to DOK for lit/media/writing. Some Ss prefer reading NF texts too. Will be starting AOTW in 2 weeks.
A2 The "news" tab on social media sites like Facebook can generate interesting discussion about reliable "nonfiction" sources
A1 I use non-fiction articles mixed in with the fiction we read on related topics.
My dept. did it together, and truthfully its GREAT. But doesn't leave a lot of time for individual side projects.
Yes, so do mine and I love it when they do! They are SO passionate!
We just read an excerpt from Colin Beavan's No Impact Man today to connect w/NA Myths. Video clip too. Great website.
Like the terrorizing clowns going around now....ugh.
A1 I teach 8th, so my Ss also love Wonder of the Day on
A2: & & & random twitter articles that appear in my feed!
A2 NewYorkTimes Learning Network
A2 If you're an AVID school, you likely get a subscription to weekly - great resource!
they read and write a response, depending on the student various ?'s are posed to them.
YES! They are rdg that this week to explore mass hysteria, urban legends, internet rumors.
Just got some subscriptions this year - Ss love it!
A2 SCOPE and Jr. Scholastic are great resources
A2: Washington Post, NY Times Learning Network, Time, TED talks
It is a little free flowing ;) I can give you more info on how we run in and the types of activities we do
We love Scholastic's Scope Magazine, and then use anything we can tie into what we're already teaching.
fantastic idea. We had a instagram post today we had to deal with at our middle school.
A3: Students gain background knowledge from reading non-fiction. This helps them understand content area materials better.
A2: Text and Lessons are great reseources
Q3 What benefits do you find short/long term from using real life non-fiction materials in your classroom?
I call mine mini-inquiry and require them to research info & include it in response.
A2: Scholastic Scope, new Sela, NY Times online subscription
amazing. I would appreciate any guidance. you can email me at jpsalhaney@romulus.k12.mi.us I will give credit you.
A3 Short term = Ss more knowledgable about current issues Long term = Ss more well-rounded, better citizens
A3 Inspire students to create *their own* non-fiction pieces, like memoirs, for fun
Me too! Such great, high interest materials
Wonder if I could connect mass hysteria with Crucible later this week. Did you find a good article? https://t.co/ULxZ4KWPpS
YES! They are rdg that this week to explore mass hysteria, urban legends, internet rumors.
A2I also strongly suggest Reading Nonfiction Notice & Note by for strategies to teach Ss.
A3: Builds background knowledge
A3: Great for reaching those students who DON'T love fiction. Shows real world connections to what we do.
A3 Ss need to see the relevance and then the historical impact of issues they might be reading about.
A2 has great resources to use with Ss, specifically teens
A3: being able to converse about something real and relevant in connection to classic or contemporary lit.
A3 Lessons/conversation always changing. Core topics stay same, but "outside" influences effect. Share dff w/Ss yr-yr. Seminar!
A3 I find students who never get 'into' reading love to choose their own news articles!
I have my Jrs research mass hysteria w/Crucible by these Srs are rdg abt the clown hoaxes.
Q2: Love using conspiracy theories too. I found an article about The BerensSTAIN/STEIN Bears last year. It was amazing.
A3: NF reading helps to teach expository/argument writing, too
Absolutely. It always amazes me the depth of knowledge some kids have about random things!
oooooh ... what did u connect that to? Never heard of this ...
A3 I've also noticed kids get curious and want to dig deeper into the topic
A3 Benefits-- I want my Ss to be skeptics, learn to verify, and form own opinions. Don't regurgitate what they've heard.
My myths class are following the clown story too! We talked about it while discussing urban legend.
Totally agree. My goal is to help them become better human beings.
A4: I teach 8th grade so I consider the content carefully of each NF piece I use to ensure it aligns with the curriculum.
(Amy in GB,WI joining late after kiddo gymnastics) A3 Enjoy that reading/assessing such sources models lifelong skills
And T-ing NF isn't what it used to be. New outlets/insights/views. We need savvy Ss to become edu/smart Adults!
Q4 How do you handle sensitive topics in non-fiction/real life materials that you use in the classroom?
Are AoWs only based on some sort of bias? Pro/con argument?
Totally agree!!! https://t.co/tmpCNCTMSV
And T-ing NF isn't what it used to be. New outlets/insights/views. We need savvy Ss to become edu/smart Adults!
A3 Also love mentor text options are endless and students can easily find their own
A4 I think you have to be very careful. know and understand your students and the community. certain topics may not be ok
You choose whatever news event you want. The recommendation is current news to make them aware of world.
Now THAT makes me wish I taught HS Lit. I'd enjoy that project! (Bet Ss do too!)
A4 cont Also ask "what feelings might people have about this topic?" Start general before students share personal views
A4: I like these discussions the most. I begin building class culture of respect on Day1 so we can have these tough convos
A4 Honest discussion, debate, and let students ask and answer each others' questions. No point in beating around the bush
A4 I usually teach Jrs & Srs so I feel I have latitude. Am avoiding Trump/Hillary articles but did one on third parties.
A4 Setting an academic tone is important. Also, teaching Ss how to use langauge to agree/disagree respectfully helps.
A4 Gave a "trigger warning" annotation b4 optional text this wk. Mantra generally is: Ss can accept/reject ideas but must respect
A4: I always compliment my Ss & say that since they're Jrs, I expect them to be mature & show can handle "grown up" topics
A4: If we don't teach how to debate/disagree, be willing to listen/change our minds...we will end up citizens who who can't think
Love the mantra! I will stealhat or future use.
A4: In light of the we need to teach our Ss rational discourse now more than ever! lol.
A4 In JH (8th esp.) I do set boundaries/limits. We use school handbook as a guide. We tread into deep water, but don't go under!
I like the words tone and agree/disagree respectfully. too bad so many TV people and candidates aren't modeling it
yes -teaching "accountable talk" is important
A5: In November we read a lot of NF about the World Wars this aligns with Remembrance Day in Canada. https://t.co/ugJ0zq4M46
It is good to push the envelope and extend Ss thinking.
Q5 Describe your favorite lesson/unit that incorporates real life non-fiction material.
A5 Surrounding the Ray Rice domestic abuse issues, I did a mini unit on domestic violence, evaluated some PSAs
A5 Crucible unit--Ss do all background research, create Ignite presentations, and share throughout unit.
A5 cont Also compared treatment of Ray Rice with Hope Solo. Great convos about relationships, race, gender came out of it
A5 Before reading Roll of Thunder, we researched modern-day slavery and racial issues/police brutality
A5: When reading Anne Frank, sharing primary sources (news, ads, letters). When reading The Outsiders, researching social issues.
A5 Let students explore a non-fiction piece, "copy" the style of their author & create their own piece about their life
A5: Ss read and then debate whether the end was murder or euthanasia. They research non-fiction txt for support
how did the conversations with that go?
. I do a on the Salem Witch Trials before reading
A5 8th ELA-- PSAs. Research topics of interest to gen.ed public, prepare scripts & record. Playback on school info-monitors.
A5 Sort story unit dual cr lit--Ss research articles for context, such as Yellow Wallpaper, Flight Patterns.
My Ss LOVE doing PSAs related to their lit readings.
They were intense, insightful...respectful. Really made the text modern and relevant.
A5 IB English srs studied Orwell's "Politics+Lang" & applied standards to current political speeches - great insights on language
That's a cool connection ( and ) never thought about it before!
Thanks for chatting with us tonight. Next week's chat: Engaging Students with Non-Traditional Texts See you on Oct 11 at 8pm EST
I may do that novel this yr, so I will keep that in mind. Thanks!
A5: Another gr. in my district has Ss research non-profits, choose one meaningful to them, create psa's about it. Present to Ss.
Thank you for the great feedback to take back to my teachers. Please follow me so I can keep updated.
What an awesome chat! I'm full of new ideas and so inspired to teach tomorrow! Thanks all for your thoughtful responses.
A5 as a thematic group of nf essays called American Dreamless; I use them when teaching Gatsby.
A5: Fred Douglass w/ Malala on education, Story of Hour w/ news on cardiomyopathy, Midsummer w/NY Times on parents/love So many!
maybe the candidates should have that bulletin board at their headquarters!
Q5: We read Chew on This! A GREAT nonfiction text that also helps study bias and persuasive techniques.
A5 A Long Walk to Water has great non-fiction pieces that can be used with it - Lost Boys, etc
Glad I was able to jump in tonight! (Ya! for home soccer games!) Thanks for hosting!
I think there's only 1 Crucible webquest; many have shared. It's the basis for mine.
our Facebook group is 1900+ members strong. Join us to continue the conversation all week long https://t.co/5Vm1hu3Eqs
I've done something similar when doing A Long Walk to Water, it was so great what my Ss came up with
Thanks for ideas & inspiration tonight!
I agree. So cool to see them break out of the "apathetic teen" mode and really care about something.
