About the Book
Created specifically for middle school teachers, Pam Allyn’s dynamic Core Ready Program provides a complete toolkit for navigating and thriving with the core standards. In it teachers see clearly how to take complex concepts of the literacy standards and turn them into practical, specific, everyday instruction. The series is organized around the author’s Four Doors to the Core:
The Journey to Meaning: Comprehension and Critique
The Shape of Story: Yesterday and Today
The Road to Knowledge: Information and Research
The Power to Persuade: Opinion and Argument
Each book in the series includes powerful reading, writing, speaking, and listening sets; assessment rubrics; support for ELLs and diverse learners; and tips for doing high tech variations for literacy instruction for grades 6, 7, and 8.
Visit http://pdtoolkit.pearson.com to purchase access to the PDToolkit for Pam Allyn's Core Ready Series. The PDToolkit access does not come with the print book.
PDToolkit for Pam Allyn's Core Ready Series is a supplemental online subscription-based resource that provides the tools that educators need to implement the Common Core Standards effectively, fluidly, and successfully. The PDToolkit, together with the texts, provides the tools you need to ensure a standards-aligned year of joyful, effective, research-based literacy curriculum.
Table of Contents:
About the Author iii About the Core Ready Series iii Acknowledgments iv Welcome xii Walk Through a Lesson Set xv FAQs About the Core Ready Lesson Sets xxiv Grade 6 The Obligation of Citizenship: Comparing and Contrasting Speeches and Biographies 2 Introduction 3 Common Core State Standards Alignment 4 Core Questions 5 Lesson Set Goals 5 Choosing Core Texts 6 Teacher’s Notes 7 Questions for Close Reading 8 Building Academic Language 8 Recognition 9 Complementary Core Methods 9 Core Connections at Home 10 Reading Lessons 11 The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Reading Instruction at a Glance 12 Lesson 1 Readers define the genre of biography and summarize sample texts. 13 Lesson 2 Readers analyze how an individual is portrayed through the details of a biography. 16 Lesson 3 Readers integrate information about a person from a biography with information from a speech delivered by the same individual. 20 Lesson 4 Compare how the same event is presented in a speech and a biography. 22 Lesson 5 Readers determine the author’s purpose and explain how it is conveyed in the text. 25 Lesson 6 Readers trace the argument in a persuasive speech. 27 Lesson 7 Readers evaluate the strength of an argument by determining how a claim is supported by reasoning and evidence. 29 Lesson 8 Readers analyze how a persuasive speech is organized and how each section advances the argument. 32 Lesson 9 Readers examine the meaning and impact of words and phrases on historic speeches. 34 Lesson 10 Readers use multimedia components and visual displays to clarify and enhance the message of a famous speech. 37 Writing Lessons 40 The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Writing Instruction at a Glance 41 Lesson 1 Writers define the elements of argument writing. 42 Lesson 2 Writers identify a topic on which to compose a persuasive speech. 45 Lesson 3 Writers plan to research their argument topic in search of evidence and reasons to support a claim. 47 Lesson 4 Writers research their argument topic in search of evidence and reasons to support a claim. 49 Lesson 5 Writers draft persuasive speeches. 52 Lesson 6 Writers compose effective introductions and conclusions. 56 Lesson 7 Writers revise and edit their speeches using a checklist of requirements. 57 Lesson 8 Writers include multimedia components to use in presenting persuasive speeches. 60 Lesson 9 Writers practice the delivery of persuasive speeches. 62 Lesson 10 Writers present their speeches and evaluate the soundness of others’ arguments. 64 Glossary 67 Grade 7 Becoming Active Citizens: Debating and Comparing Points of View 68 Introduction 69 Common Core State Standards Alignment 70 Core Questions 71 Lesson Set Goals 71 Choosing Core Texts 72 Teacher’s Notes 73 Questions for Close Reading 73 Building Academic Language 73 Recognition 74 Core Connections at Home 74 Reading Lessons 75 The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Reading Instruction at a Glance 76 Lesson 1 Readers examine four types of argumentative texts. 77 Lesson 2 Readers identify elements of argumentative text. 79 Lesson 3 Readers evaluate the strength of a written argument in an editorial. 82 Lesson 4 Readers trace and evaluate the argument in a blog post. 85 Lesson 5 Readers analyze how authors of argumentative text refute counterclaims. 88 Lesson 6 Readers identify how ideas, individuals, and events interact in cause and effect relationships. 91 Lesson 7 Readers examine how emphasis of evidence shapes point of view in a text. 93 Lesson 8 Readers analyze how word use affects the meaning and tone of an argumentative text. 96 Lesson 9 Readers examine the purpose, point of view, and effectiveness of a social media post. 99 Lesson 10 Readers evaluate and compare the effectiveness of argumentative texts. 101 Writing Lessons 104 The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Writing Instruction at a Glance 105 Lesson 1 Writers select issues for argumentative texts and write claim statements. 106 Lesson 2 Writers research to gather information, carefully considering the credibility and accuracy of sources. 109 Lesson 3 Writers refute counterclaims in argumentative text. 114 Lesson 4 Writers establish tone through purposeful word choice. 116 Lesson 5 Writers establish a formal style in their argumentative text. 118 Lesson 6 Writers include the elements of argumentative text in an editorial or blog post. 121 Lesson 7 Writers craft a concluding statement that supports a claim in argumentative text. 123 Lesson 8 Writers revise and edit their blog posts and editorials, adding transition words to create cohesion between the claim, reasoning, and evidence. 125 Lesson 9 Writers craft a persuasive social media post. 128 Lesson 10 Writers publish argumentative texts for an authentic audience. 130 Glossary 133 Grade 8 Becoming Global Citizens: The Power of the Spoken and Written Word 134 Introduction 135 Common Core State Standards Alignment 136 Core Questions 137 Lesson Set Goals 137 Choosing Core Texts 138 Teacher’s Notes 140 Questions for Close Reading 140 Building Academic Language 140 Recognition 141 Complementary Core Methods 141 Core Connections at Home 142 Reading Lessons 143 The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Reading Instruction at a Glance 144 Lesson 1 Readers synthesize information from across a text to determine a central idea. 145 Lesson 2 Readers identify the claim and relevant evidence in an argumentative text. 147 Lesson 3 Readers identify the elements of argumentative text. 150 Lesson 4 Readers identify cause and effect relationships in argumentative text as a strategy for supporting a claim. 153 Lesson 5 Readers determine the meaning of technical vocabulary in an argumentative text. 155 Lesson 6 Readers identify three classic argumentative techniques. 158 Lesson 7 Readers navigate a web page using key features to find key information. 160 Lesson 8 Readers draw important conclusions from information presented visually. 163 Lesson 9 Readers evaluate the use of alternate media to present an idea. 165 Lesson 10 Readers evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using film to present information. 167 Writing Lessons 170 The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Writing Instruction at a Glance 171 Lesson 1 Writers explore the relationship between an author’s purpose, point of view, and chosen text type. 172 Lesson 2 Writers identify environmental topics for argumentative speeches. 174 Lesson 3 Writers use and create questions to begin researching environmental topics. 177 Lesson 4 Writers gather multiple sources on a topic, considering credibility and identifying bias. 179 Lesson 5 Writers use strategies for paraphrasing factual information and practice using these strategies in the research process. 182 Lesson 6 Writers use an outline to construct and draft their arguments. 184 Lesson 7 Writers use Aristotle’s Appeals to strengthen their argumentative writing. 187 Lesson 8 Writers plan text features and visuals to clarify the information in their arguments and publish their texts. 189 Lesson 9 Writers adapt their writing to oral presentations, selecting visuals to enhance their speeches. 192 Lesson 10 Writers develop public service announcements that address their environmental issues. 194 Glossary 197 Appendixes Grade 6 Appendixes Appendix 6.1 Summary Characteristics and Process 199 Appendix 6.2 Biographies 200 Appendix 6.3 Analyzing Biography graphic organizer 210 Appendix 6.4 Close Reading and Listening Protocol for Speeches 211 Appendix 6.5 Transcripts of Speeches 212 Appendix 6.6 Tracing and Evaluating an Argument in Historic Speeches graphic organizer 218 Appendix 6.7 Advancing an Argument graphic organizer 219 Appendix 6.8 Sample Speeches #1 and #2 220 Appendix 6.9 The Power of Words and Phrases Worksheet 224 Appendix 6.10 Key Terms in Argument Writing 226 Appendix 6.11 Argument Analysis Worksheet 227 Appendix 6.12 List of Argument Topics 228 Appendix 6.13 The Power of Persuasive Speeches 229 Appendix 6.14 Persuasive Speech Checklist 230 Appendix 6.15 Introductions, Conclusions, and Transitions Menu 231 Appendix 6.16 Respond to the Argument Guide 233 Appendix 6.17 Power Speaker Checklist 234 Grade 7 Appendixes Appendix 7.1 Sample Argumentative Writing Pieces 235 Appendix 7.2 Elements of Argumentative Text Graphic Organizer 243 Appendix 7.3 Three Tests for Analyzing Argumentative Text 244 Appendix 7.4 5Ws and 1H to Determine Source Credibility 245 Appendix 7.5 Refuting a Counterclaim in Argumentative Text Graphic Organizer 251 Appendix 7.6 Analyzing Emphasis in Argumentative Text 252 Appendix 7.7 Characteristics of a Well- Written Social Media Post 253 Appendix 7.8 Will I Be Persuaded? Graphic Organizer 254 Appendix 7.9 Sample Argumentative Text: Genetically Modified Foods: Healthy Enough to Eat 255 Appendix 7.10 Argumentative Text Revising and Editing Checklist 257 Appendix 7.11 List of Transitional Words and Phrases 258 Appendix 7.12 Rules for Collegial Sharing of Writing 259 Appendix 7.13 Three Compliments and a Suggestion Feedback Form 260 Grade 8 Appendixes Appendix 8.1 ”I Wonder” 261 Appendix 8.2 Sample Argumentative Texts #1—8 262 Appendix 8.3 Tracing an Argument 276 Appendix 8.4 Reading Visuals Graphic Organizer 277 Appendix 8.5 Reading Editorial Cartoons Graphic Organizer 278
About the Author :
Pam Allyn is an authority in the field of literacy education and the world’s expert in home and school literacy connections. As a renowned motivational speaker, expert consultant, author, teacher, and humanitarian for children, she is transforming the way we think about literacy as a tool for communication and knowledge building. She is the executive director of LitLife, a national literacy development organization providing research-based professional development for K-12 educators. She founded and leads LitWorld, a groundbreaking global literacy initiative, reaching children across the United States and in over 60 countries. Her methods for helping all students achieve as literacy learners, including the most diverse learners, has brought her acclaim both in the United States and internationally. Pam is the author of eleven books for educators and parents including the award-winning What To Read When: The Books and Stories To Read With Your Child-And All The Best Times To Read Them (Penguin Avery), Pam Allyn's Best Books for Boys (Scholastic) and Your Child’s Writing Life: How to Inspire Confidence, Creativity, and Skill at Every Age (Penguin Avery). Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, the Huffington Post, Al Jazeera English, NBC News, CNN, The New York Times and across the blogosphere.
Review :
Praise for the CORE READY series: ""[T]his is a great way to teach ELA.... a group of teachers could use this to change their core reading program... I see this as a way to truly become a reader and writer for today's world.""-- Edward Karl Shultz, Midwestern State University ""This book is so inspiring! I hope many districts adopt your program! It will change the lives of many students for the better!""-- Elizabeth Smith, Madison Elementary School (VA) ""Pam Allyn's impressive book, Be Core Ready, provides practical, useful, and insightful advice on how to implement the Common Core State Standards. Her conversational tone, passion for literacy, and, above all else, her unwavering commitment to doing what is best for all learners will help educators build core strengths in every student. Multiple copies belong in every school's professional development collection."" -John Schumacher, Teacher-Librarian ""In this informative yet accessible book, Pam Allyn draws upon her extensive understanding of the Common Core State Standards and the changes they demand for literacy education to offer innovative strategies and implementation techniques that develop college and career readiness and inspire all students to become 'curators of ideas' and lifelong readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. I will definitely use the Core Ready Series in my ongoing work with teachers and city schools.""-Ernest Morrell, Teachers College, Columbia University " "An inspiring book; filled with thought-provoking insights into the Common Core standards. Pam alleviates "core anxiety " by providing innovative ways to fill any gaps that may exist in your current classroom practices. She takes a look at the everyday literacy skills utilized by a variety of professionals and weaves a link down to our youngest learners. Pam's explanations of the necessary "shifts" I need to make in my teaching are user- friendly and easy to implement. I love the Colleague Conversation starters designed to open dialog
CORE READY LESSON SETS: 3-5 Books ""[This is an] innovative text that effectively presents reading and writing as what they truly are: vital tools that our students need in order to live successful lives. It calls upon students to become active lifelong learners and challenges them to extend their reading and writing abilities. Its lessons give students the "hands on approach" that is needed to motivate them to become effective analysts and authors.... Most importantly, all literacy skills taught in this text are presented in the same way that our students will see them in their adult lives. This book will bring life into your reading and writing workshops. This is the text that all effective teachers have been asking and waiting for."" ""I love what this book stands for academically. I love how easy it is to follow. I love how it contains everything from the pre-assessment of a skill until the final rubric. This book would allow me to spend more time teaching and less time planning/preparing. A home run for both me and my students."" -- Elizabeth Smith, Madison Elementary School (VA) ""Inspiring. Genuine. Talking from down in the trenches not from up on high. Brings the Common Core down from the rafters for a more manageable understanding."" -- Wendy Fiore, Chester Elementary School (CT) ""I would strongly recommend it to colleagues and my administration because I feel it would be a resource series that would ultimately improve the way I teach literacy. I haven't felt that way about a PD book since grad school." "-- Katie Lynn Klaus, M.S.Ed
