Justin Hendrickson

Seattle University Master in Teaching Program

TEED 521

Themed Literature Unit

 

            Following Your Dreams is a theme that should be introduced and reinforced throughout childhood.  Every child has dreams, although much too often these dreams are discouraged and eventually forgotten.  Many kids dream of growing up to be a professional athlete or perhaps a doctor or an actor.  People also have many dreams that do not include fame and fortune.  People dream of owning their own business, house or maybe even just a bicycle.  Personal dreams are as diverse as the people who own these dreams.  Some dreams are short term and donÕt require much sacrifice to achieve.  On the other hand, some dreams are long term and require perseverance, hard work and sacrifice. In other words, blood, sweat and tears.  Through the exploration of several incredible picture and a few chapter books, our class will begin to find their own courage.  They will begin to explore the sacrifices and rewards that accompany those who are brave enough to pursue personal dreams despite the odds. As a class we will explore some generalizations that accompany ÒFollowing Your Dreams.Ó

Learning Targets

1. The students will be able to identify different community members who have achieved their dreams and the obstacles they overcame to become successful.

 

2. The students will use and apply an inference strategy while working in Literature Circles.

 

3. The students will be able to create an artistic representation of a favorite character and a visual representation of their own dreams.

 

4. The students will understand and be able to apply a self-questioning strategy to help understand that obstacles often stand in the way of dreams.

 

5. The students will value and understand the importance of people following their dreams.

 

6. Each student will participate, co-operate and contribute their own ideas about the pursuit dreams in literature circles during this unit.

 

 

Annotated Bibliography

Burleigh, R.,  illustrated by Jenkins, L. (2004). Langston's Train Ride. New York, N.Y: Orchard.

A beautiful artistic book that describes Langston Hughes life.  It has a great story of a artist who followed and achieved his dreams.  It will be available for independent reading.

 

Krull, K., illustrated by Diaz, D. (1996). Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph

Became the WorldÕs Fastest Woman. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace & Co.

Great book about following dreams despite incredible odds. A inspiration to all. We will use this book in Literature Circles.

 

Lasky, K., illustrated by Fellows, S. (2006). John Muir: AmericaÕs First Environmentalist. Cambridge, Mass: Candlewick Press

An incredible story that describes how a young man followed his dream to explore and save the wilderness. Good connections to some of the kids in the class. The book may be a bit difficult for some readers

 

Lindbergh, R., illustrated by Paparone, P., (1998). Nobody Owns the Sky. Cambridge,

Mass: Candlewick Press.

A story of pioneer spirit and the power of following your dreams.  It will be available for independent reading and Literature Circles.

 

Mannis, C., illustrated by Hyman, M. (2006). Julia Morgan Built A Castle. New York, N.Y: Viking Press.

This is a story of perserverance and reaching for your goals.  My friend will read this when he visits class.  Also available for independent reading.

 

Mitchell, M. K., illustrated by Ransome, J. (1993). Uncle JedÕs Barbershop. New York, N.Y: Simon & Schuster.

A great book that describes the reward of perseverance and never giving up on your dreams.  A great intro. to the unit. Also available for independent reading.

 

Mollel, T.M., illustrated by Lewis, E. B. (1999). My Rows and Piles of Coins. New York, N.Y: Clarion Books

A lovely book that tells the story of a young man saving his money to buy a bike.  Kids should be able to relate to a familiar interest, riding bikes.  Also shows that not all kids can get exactly what they want. We will use this book in Literacy Circles.

 

Sullivan, G. (2002). Helen Keller: In Their Own Words. New York, N.Y: Scholastic Publishing.

I will read this book a loud during the unit.  I want to share this amazing story with the class and inspire them to dream big dreams.

 

Tallchief, M and Wells, R., illustrated by Kelley G. (1999). Tallchief: AmericaÕs Prima Ballerina. New York, N.Y: Viking

Heartwarming story of the sacrifice to become a ballerina. We will use this book for Literacy Circles.