1. The presentation will give you a look into what we are currently learning in our class about giving back to our community! Learning to Give Back!

2. Summary of our Upcoming Unit Plan During this project, students will be creating, editing and artistically designing a phonics book. Our project is called “Learning to Give Back” and will teach students fundamental phonics lessons while teaching about the importance of giving back. Essential Question: How do we use our talents to reach children who are in the hospital? Unit Question: How can we teach word sounds through pictures? Content Question: What are phonics?

3. Role of Teacher As the teacher, I will assist students in the following ways: I will discuss project rules and guidelines with students. I will assist students individually and in groups. Evaluate each group book.

4. Roles of Parents and Students Students will be responsible for planning, designing, editing and completing a 10 page book that includes but is not limited to the following: a coherent story line involving at least one main character, at least one picture on every page, basic phonics knowledge, a title page, a dedication page and an about the author section. At the end of the project the books will be shared at an “Author’s Tea” where parents can come see their child read their books and then donated to a local children’s hospital. Parents are more than welcome to come volunteer at anytime during the duration of the project. We will need help taking digital pictures and binding the books. If any of you have a job that helps the community (firefighter, police officer, etc) we are always looking for guest speakers!

5. Benefits of Unit and Standards to be Met Benefits: Gives students a hands-on learning opportunity Teaches students sentences structure and the basic structure of a story Presents students with a better understanding of the effort a book takes to produce Allows students to give back to others in needs. Standards: Apply the concept of sentence structure, use of capitalization, and punctuation. Research and find appropriate pictures to go along with the story

6. Objectives for Unit Students will complete the books keeping the following objectives in mind: Incorporate technology (clip art, digital pictures, etc) into the book Students will work with peers to edit and complete books. Your child will complete a 10 page book incorporating a story and pictures revolving around what we learn about phonics and community service.

7. Project Based Learning Project based learning promotes student centered learning Helps with organizational skills Collaborate 21st Century skills like creativity, thinking and problem solving skills Encourage students to work in groups

8. Contact Information Please do not hesitate to Skype or e-mail me if you have any questions. The best time to reach me is Monday 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. or Friday 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. Skype: elizabeth.loftin E-mail: elizabeth.loftin4@gmail.com