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Summary
After reading the nonfiction text Extraordinary People from the textbook Shining Star, level A, a book, Matthew Henson by Maryann N. Weidt, an online cyber-hunt activity, and online sites, the students completed an extension activity. They worked in pairs to write a personal narrative in the form of a journal entry from the perspective of Matthew Henson, an entry upon or after reaching the North Pole. The students then shared their entries with the class.
TIPC Ratings
Developing
In order to write their entries students had to analyze, organize, evaluate, and synthesize information from different sources, but they also had to put themselves into Matthew Henson’s shoes and combine facts with emotions and thoughts.
Developing
Students worked in pairs throughout the lesson: research, cyber-hunt, and the entire writing process making each partner equally responsible for the assignment and then by sharing their entries thus building communication and collaboration skills. Communication was partially directed by the teacher especially with lower level students so that they could understand what parts of Matthew’s life were important to reflect upon, challenges and successes in his life.
Approaching
Students had to think critically about what information they would like to include and how to choose and present the relevant details from Matthew Henson’s life. The entries gave them the freedom to move away from the facts, but also challenged them to write from Matthew Henson’s perspective.
Approaching
Since a journal entry is personal and the students wrote it from Matthew Henson’s point of view, it allowed them to show the elements of originality and innovative thinking. Their creativity was shown by how they conveyed not only the facts they learned but fiction, the reflections, feelings, sentiments.
Student Artifact
