Monday, July 10, 2017

(Review) Project Based Literacy: Fun Literacy Projects for Powerful Common Core Learning

“Overall, this book is a fantastic guide for the teacher wanting to engage their students in real-world, authentic learning.”


“Easing the struggle of implementation, Gura and Reissman provide a practical guide for teachers to not only get their feet wet, but also dive into PBL with a specific focus on literacy... Additionally, they make the case that PBL is an essential part of the literacy classroom, as it reaches cross-curricular goals of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).”


“This book makes a meaningful contribution to teacher/practitioner literature. It is organized to first motivate teachers to consider a new approach to standards-based teaching, and the authors provide strong rationale for incorporating viable and authentic projects into the literacy classroom. Twenty easy-to-follow guides assist teachers with starting their journey to PBL activities.”

Cite This Article as: Teachers College Record
Date Published: May 22, 2017
http://www.tcrecord.org  / http://www.tcrecord.org/Content.asp?ContentID=21986
ID Number: 21986, Date Accessed: 7/10/2017 7:00:15 PM


Project Based Literacy: Fun Literacy Projects for Powerful Common Core Learning

Project Based LITERACY 


reviewed by Jason Trumble — May 22, 2017
Title: Project Based Literacy: Fun Literacy Projects for Powerful Common Core Learning
Author(s): Mark Gura, Rose Reissman
Publisher: Information Age Publishing, Charlotte
ISBN: 1681232928, Pages: 214, Year: 2015
Search for book at Amazon.com
or from its publisher @ http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Project-Based-Literacy

As I work with preservice and in-service teachers, I challenge them to consider how their teaching and curriculum engages students in authentic ways while also increasing their digital age competencies. We explore how real world, digital age learning must include communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Project based learning (PBL) exemplifies these skills and promotes real-world learning for students of all ages, but it is difficult to do, and do well. Easing the struggle of implementation, Gura and Reissman provide a practical guide for teachers to not only get their feet wet, but also dive into PBL with a specific focus on literacy.

Project based literacy: Fun literacy projects for powerful common core learning begins with an explanation and rationale for incorporating PBL with literacy, and then the authors provide practical tips for teachers, followed by twenty detailed projects. Finally, they wrap up the book with tips for incorporating technology into PBL. This logical progress allows the reader to develop a conceptual understanding of the concept and contextualize the pedagogy before putting it into practice.

 Readers get their feet wet in the introduction as the authors propose PBL as a viable alternative to the humdrum test-centric curriculum dominating many schools. Gura and Reissman suggest that moving literacy teaching to well-designed PBL activities allows students to be self-motivated in naturally and authentically achieving essential literacy competencies. Throughout the introduction, they reiterate that during well-designed literacy projects, student motivation increases as students invest in the process of learning through doing. They propose that teachers will enjoy teaching through PBL as well.

Additionally, they make the case that PBL is an essential part of the literacy classroom, as it reaches cross-curricular goals of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
 Chapters One, Two, and Three define PBL and refine the reader’s understanding of what differentiates a classroom activity from a PBL exercise by identifying core elements of the project based approach. This approach finds its foundation in the English Language Arts mentioned in Chapter One, and is expanded upon in Chapter Three. Four of the language arts are identified in this book: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Although the authors do not include seeing and visual representation, given they are not part of the common core literacy standards, there is an implicit understanding that PBL is effective at engaging all the essential elements of the English Language Arts. The core elements for PBL are derived from the ELA standards, and are supplemented by the eight essential elements listed on www.bie.org. This book was published in 2016, and bie.org has updated their PBL frameworks to look a little different from what is presented in this work. Much of these changes are semantical, and Gura and Reissman sufficiently explain what must be analyzed for a teacher to successfully implement PBL activities. The explanations in Chapter Three identify the Common Core literacy standards and discuss how this pedagogical and curricular shift in the classroom meets all four literacy categories with rigor and authenticity. These chapters all discuss how PBL is a natural fit for the Common Core and the literacy classroom.

 In Chapters Four and Five, the authors discuss some practical benefits of literacy projects. They discuss how PBL activities create intrinsic motivation, because they focus on the students’ real world. Students can find purpose in learning about and impacting their community beyond the classroom as they engage in the project. This naturally moves into the tools and competencies for digital age learners. These are skills that incorporate technology and collaboration, and prove essential for the 21st century learner. The connections between these skills and PBL experiences are detailed in Chapter Five.
Chapters Six, Seven, and Eight move to support the development of teachers’ pedagogies as they offer practical solutions to general questions for PBL experiences. They address the elephant in the room and the reason many teachers stay away from PBL instruction: classroom management. They discuss four strategies for understanding how to manage the learning environment. The authors then provide strategies for teachers to procure an authentic audience for students’ performances. Then, before delving into the practicality of a proposed project, the authors discuss assessment in relation to Common Core standards and learning goals of literacy projects. The practical strategies in these chapters set the stage for Part Two.

Part Two is where Gura and Reissman provide actual projects that are ready to be implemented in the literacy classroom. Each of the twenty chapters begins with an activity summary followed by specific procedures leading to the student learning project. The authors predict the amount of time a project will take, and then comprehensively align the PBL activity to both common core standards and the ISTE Standards for Students.

Assessment suggestions are outlined and the authors describe possible avenues for authentic sharing of students’ work. Each project chapter ends with technology connections, literacy connections, suggested texts, and project extensions. The logic of instruction for each of the projects allows teachers to quickly read and reference as they implement PBL activities. The final chapter includes tips and tricks for incorporating technology, and serves as a guide for teachers who may be less comfortable with digital technologies.

This book makes a meaningful contribution to teacher/practitioner literature. It is organized to first motivate teachers to consider a new approach to standards-based teaching, and the authors provide strong rationale for incorporating viable and authentic projects into the literacy classroom…

Overall, this book is a fantastic guide for the teacher wanting to engage their students in real-world, authentic learning. For those teachers anxious about change and technology use, Gura and Reissman provide scaffolds and supports for reference. As teachers, we consider how to make learning real and authentic for our students, and while it can be difficult, resources like Project-based literacy: Fun literacy projects for powerful common core learning, help facilitate the exploration of new pedagogies and approaches to teaching in the digital age.

Read the full article at its source: http://www.tcrecord.org/Content.asp?ContentID=21986


Literacy Special Interest Podcast (Episode #16)

A Conversation with Dr. Rose Reissman on
Project Based LITERACY: Part I

This episode centers on Dr. Reissman’s and Mr. Gura’s recently published book Project Based Literacy: Fun Literacy Projects for Powerful Common Core Learning and the body of Education Theory and Practice behind it. 


player may take a few seconds to load on page

Project Based LITERACY – more information on the concept and the book can be found at http://projectbasedliteracy.blogspot.com/

Literacy Special Interest Podcast (Episode #17)

A Conversation with Dr. Rose Reissman on
Project Based LITERACY: Part II

This episode centers on Dr. Reissman’s and Mr. Gura’s recently published book Project Based Literacy: Fun Literacy Projects for Powerful Common Core Learning and the body of Education Theory and Practice behind it.  


player may take a few seconds to load on page

Project Based LITERACY – more information on the concept and the book can be found at http://projectbasedliteracy.blogspot.com/

LINKs for Cheryl Wills, Author:

Official Site for Cheryl Wills
http://www.cherylwills.org/


BOOK: The Emancipation of Grandpa Sandy Wills
http://www.amazon.com/The-Emancipation-Grandpa-Sandy-Wills/dp/1617178861  


BOOK: Die Free - A Heroic Family Tale http://www.amazon.com/Die-Free-Heroic-Family-Tale/dp/1935098403

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Released and Available! New Book Introduces Project Based LITERACY to Teachers!


Project Based Literacy

Fun Literacy Projects for Powerful Common Core Learning

Published 2015
Project‐Based Learning; it’s a term that most educators have heard and probably have heard good things about, Often, though, they aren’t quite sure precisely what its defining characteristics are other than involving students in projects that are supposed to somehow result in their learning things of value.

A great many teachers are reluctant to make it part of what they do with their students due to unfounded fears of unrealistic workloads and classroom management issues associated with it. This book should help change that, making the nature of PBL (Project‐Based Learning) clear and illustrating how it can be a manageable, effective, and very enjoyable aspect of instruction.

The book will present an exciting, alternative approach to literacy instruction that its authors call Project Based Literacy. This will principally be done through the presentation of 20 appealing projects, all of them carefully designed to engage and inspire students (grades 3 – 8) in literacy activities that are both core to the required curriculum and deeply in‐synch with the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts. The book will also present support material for this, providing sufficient theory, instructional and classroom management tips, and technology and other ‘How To’ information to ensure that rank and file classroom teachers can adopt, adapt, and enjoyably and successfully implement the projects and maximize learning in relation to the Common Core Standards for ELA.
This book provides teachers: 
  1. Clear explanations of Project Based Learning: what it is, how it works, why it is such an advantageous approach to instruction and how it can be applied to Literacy learning, within the context of LA classes and across the curriculum.
  2. Plans and resources needed to finally get started with Project Based Learning,
  3. Rationales and approaches for integrating technology that are relevant and that translate into richer instruction. The ‘How To’ section of the book explains the use of many varieties of easy, user-friendly technology resources in detail.
  4. Deep support for Science and Social Studies teachers who need to bring Literacy into their teaching.
  5. Opportunities to make learning exciting, interesting, and relevant.
  6. Guidance on how to produce classroom and school-based exhibits of rich, impressive learning products (posters, videos, podcasts, class books, etc.) to share at parent, community, and fund raising events.
  7. Activities to develop student as citizens, well prepared as savvy consumers, engaged citizens, and responsible social activists right now.
  8. Activities that will transform students from passive consumers to active producers of sparkling content items – students become real writers communicating their own important insights on subjects like family history, community improvement, and contemporary culture.
  9. Projects that will give students a portfolio of their own creative products to reflect on, save, and proudly share with others.
  10. Projects that teach for Real World Outcomes and engage students in all of the following:
    - Writing Skills: descriptive writing, argumentative  and persuasive writing, functional document  writing,    poetry, etc
    -  Student Publishing: class books, gallery style exhibits, etc.
    - Student Products (print, digital, and performance): author fan and book review sites, informational brochures, trading cards, etc.
    - Creating Functional Visual Art: illustration, info-graphics, graphic design, etc.
    - Technology Skills: blogging, easy websites, word processing/desktop publishing, etc.)
    - Media Authoring: podcasting, video production, websites, etc.
    - Literacy Skills Across the Curriculum: author study, procedural narrative, informational research and analysis skills, etc.
     All learned though highly engaging, exciting projects! 
See samples and table of contents below!

Click here for more information and to purchase...



  
CONTENTS
Introduction 
PART I. What is Project‐Based Literacy? - Core Elements of Literacy Projects - Project‐Based Literacy and the Common Core - Authenticity in Literacy Projects - Project‐Based Literacy and 21st Century Teaching and Learning - Classroom Management and Project‐Based Literacy - Sharing the Work: Publishing and Presenting Student Products -  Assessment and Feedback of Literacy Projects.

PART II: Literacy Learning Projects.

1) Non Fiction Book Map:
Students plot important places in a book they read on a Google map, writing explanatory captions and identifying images to illustrate it.  
2) Student Created Anti‐Bullying Blog:  Student Writing and Blogging on Bullying, Being Bullied, and Being a Bystander
3) Sandwich Science: Class Cookbook and Nutritional Guide to Student Sandwich Creations.
4) Label Literacy: Students imagine a healthy version of a common food and then research, write, and illustrate an information label/packaging for it.
5) Curating a Museum Exhibit: Student Created Public Learning Displays.
6) Famous Scientists Trading Cards: Students research and summarize the life of a selected scientist and design and self publish a trading card based on it.
7) Student Designed Author Fan Web Sites: Students investigate a favorite author and write and publish a website to share their insights and discoveries
8) Interactive Endangered Species Map: Students research an animal they select to focus on and then write and illustrate a map the includes links to information they curate from the web
9) Where I’m From—Poetry Self Portraits.
10) Game Changer Inventions: Class Exhibit on Inventions That Have Changed Our Lives.
11) Print to Podcast: Students select a print article or story and write a script for a podcast.  version that they perform, record, and share.
12) Public Service Announcements: Students select an important social issue and then script, perform. Record a PSA to inform others about it
13) Class Alphabet Book Publication: Mastery of Research, Content, and Collaboration—Easy as A, B, C
14) Rights Report: Student Reporting on the State of Constitutional Rights. Good Thing or Bad?
15) When Science Fiction Becomes Science Fact, What’s the Impact?
16) Neighborhood Guide Brochure: Students create a 3 fold information bearing, illustrated brochure to inform others about their town or neighborhood.
17) School Network News: The News—Of, For, and by Students.
18) Illustrated Family Stories: The Ones We Hear, the Ones We Tell, and the Ones We Capture in Art.
19) Class Survey: Students plan and create a survey to poll others about issues they identify, then write a report, prepare it for publishing, and share it with an audience.
20) Painted History: Understanding Our World through Works of Art.

PART III: Technology “How To”
Technology How To for Projects.

Click here for more information and to purchase...


Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Important Podcasts on PROJECT BASED LITERACY

From Literacy Special Interest the Podcast and Blog of the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Professional Learning Network - 2 Important Podcasts:

Click here>>> Literacy Special Interest Podcast (Episode #16)

A Conversation with Dr. Rose Reissman on
Project Based LITERACY: Part I
Host/Interviewer: Mark Gura
This episode centers on Dr. Reissman’s and Mr. Gura’s recently published book Project Based Literacy: Fun Literacy Projects for Powerful Common Core Learning and the body of Education Theory and Practice behind it.


and


Click here>>> Literacy Special Interest Podcast (Episode #17)


A Conversation with Dr. Rose Reissman on
Project Based LITERACY: Part II

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Released and Available! New Book Introduces Project Based LITERACY to Teachers!

Project Based Literacy

Fun Literacy Projects for Powerful Common Core Learning

Published 2015
Project‐Based Learning; it’s a term that most educators have heard and probably have heard good things about, Often, though, they aren’t quite sure precisely what its defining characteristics are other than involving students in projects that are supposed to somehow result in their learning things of value.

A great many teachers are reluctant to make it part of what they do with their students due to unfounded fears of unrealistic workloads and classroom management issues associated with it. This book should help change that, making the nature of PBL (Project‐Based Learning) clear and illustrating how it can be a manageable, effective, and very enjoyable aspect of instruction.

The book will present an exciting, alternative approach to literacy instruction that its authors call Project Based Literacy. This will principally be done through the presentation of 20 appealing projects, all of them carefully designed to engage and inspire students (grades 3 – 8) in literacy activities that are both core to the required curriculum and deeply in‐synch with the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts. The book will also present support material for this, providing sufficient theory, instructional and classroom management tips, and technology and other ‘How To’ information to ensure that rank and file classroom teachers can adopt, adapt, and enjoyably and successfully implement the projects and maximize learning in relation to the Common Core Standards for ELA.


This book provides teachers:
1)      Clear explanations of Project Based Learning: what it is, how it works, why it is such an advantageous approach to instruction and how it can be applied to Literacy learning, within the context of LA classes and across the curriculum.
2)      Plans and resources needed to finally get started with Project Based Learning,
3)      Rationales and approaches for integrating technology that are relevant and that translate into richer instruction. The ‘How To’ section of the book explains the use of many varieties of easy, user-friendly technology resources in detail.
4)      Deep support for Science and Social Studies teachers who need to bring Literacy into their teaching.
5)      Opportunities to make learning exciting, interesting, and relevant.
6)      Guidance on how to produce classroom and school-based exhibits of rich, impressive learning products (posters, videos, podcasts, class books, etc.) to share at parent, community, and fund raising events.
7)      Activities to develop student as citizens, well prepared as savvy consumers, engaged citizens, and responsible social activists right now.
8)      Activities that will transform students from passive consumers to active producers of sparkling content items – students become real writers communicating their own important insights on subjects like family history, community improvement, and contemporary culture.

9)      Projects that will give students a portfolio of their own creative products to reflect on, save, and proudly share with others.

10)  Projects that teach for Real World Outcomes and engage students in all of the following:
-
Writing Skills: descriptive writing, argumentative  and persuasive writing, functional document writing,  poetry, etc.
-  Student Publishing: class books, gallery style exhibits, etc.
-  Student Products (print, digital, and performance): author fan and book review sites, informational brochures, trading cards, etc.
- Creating Functional Visual Art: illustration, info-graphics, graphic design, etc.
 - Technology Skills: blogging, easy websites, word processing/desktop publishing, etc.)
- Media Authoring: podcasting, video production, websites, etc.
- Literacy Skills Across the Curriculum: author study, procedural narrative, informational research and analysis skills, etc.

All learned though highly engaging, exciting projects!  See samples and table of contents below!





CONTENTS
Introduction.  
PART I. What is Project‐Based Literacy? - Core Elements of Literacy Projects - Project‐Based Literacy and the Common Core - Authenticity in Literacy Projects - Project‐Based Literacy and 21st Century Teaching and Learning - Classroom Management and Project‐Based Literacy - Sharing the Work: Publishing and Presenting Student Products -  Assessment and Feedback of Literacy Projects.

PART II: Literacy Learning Projects.

1) Non Fiction Book Map.

2) Student Created Anti‐Bullying Blog:
Student Writing and Blogging on Bullying, Being Bullied, and Being a Bystander
3) Sandwich Science: Class Cookbook and Nutritional Guide to Student Sandwich Creations.
4) Label Literacy.
5) Curating a Museum Exhibit: Student Created Public Learning Displays.
6) Famous Scientists Trading Cards.
7) Student Designed Author Fan Web Sites.
8) Interactive Endangered Species Map.
9) Where I’m From—Poetry Self Portraits.
10) Game Changer Inventions: Class Exhibit on Inventions That Have Changed Our Lives.
11) Print to Podcast.
12) Public Service Announcements.
13) Class Alphabet Book Publication: Mastery of Research, Content, and Collaboration—Easy as A, B,  14) Rights Report: Student Reporting on the State of Constitutional Rights. Good Thing or Bad?
15) When Science Fiction Becomes Science Fact, What’s the Impact?
16) Neighborhood Guide Brochure
17) School Network News: The News—Of, For, and by Students.
18) Illustrated Family Stories: The Ones We Hear, the Ones We Tell, and the Ones We Capture in Art.
19) Class Survey.
20) Painted History: Understanding Our World through Works of Art.

PART III: Technology “How To”
Technology How To for Projects.


Click here for more information and to purchase...