In Mrs. Cinquepalmi?s 6th grade language arts class, they are not talking about what they had for lunch. Rather, think of the fairytale Hansel and Gretel where the two main characters use bread-crumbs to navigate their way through the forest. Students in Mrs. Cinquepalmi?s class also steer their way through reading using Great Books Shared Inquiry learning. {{more}}
?Breadcrumbs? is what Mrs. Cinquepalmi and her 6th graders call bits of information or clues that allow readers to steer through a literary piece of work. Her students travel through literature by thinking, discussing, and reflecting.
Mrs. Cinquepalmi?s class is not the traditional language arts class. She and other 6th grade ELAR teacher Celi Chaves use the Great Books Shared Inquiry method. The components of the Shared Inquiry method include two readings of the text, note taking, discussions, and evidence based questioning in which critical thinking skills for reading comprehension are incorporated throughout. There are fiction, nonfiction, and poetry selections that are designed to enhance interpretive reading and discussions. The writing extensions are engaging and deepen the under-standing of the reading selection.
Mrs. Cinquepalmi states, ?As a teacher, it is fun to teach and I love how the kids enjoy it!?
What really catches your attention in Kelly Cinquipalmi?s language arts class is the engagement and enthusiasm. All over the room hands shoot up for a chance to pose their own thoughtful, ?Why? question to the class. Students quickly dig into their text to find evidence to support their responses.
Rich vocabulary is learned in the context of the text and the students? experiences rather than rote memory from a dictionary. Choice, risk taking, and respect are big parts of the learning. There are times during the lesson, when students choose from a variety of relevant assign-ments and whether they want to work in a group or independently. Differing ideas and opinions are met with acceptance by class-mates during discussions.
Besides learning to read and reflect upon literature, students learn vital life skills through the Shared Inquiry method. Students learn respect and cooperation by working with others and participating in civil discussions. They learn how to gather evidence to support an argument.
There?s no doubt that these 6th grade classes are in a great place. Mrs. Cinquepalmi?s English Language Arts class is a place where students want to read with Great Books.
