Rachel Sard

Dr. Burke
Childrens Literature
4 December 2014

Comprehensive Plan

1. Governing Principles:
I believe literature is a very important role in a 4th grade classroom.
Literature allows students to understand different ways they can in my
classroom should understand that literature is another form of
communication. Understanding and learning literature can allow for my
students to communicate through their writings and interpret their own
person views on different pieces of literature. It is important to get a variety
of different types of literature for students to understand and comprehend
different styles that they may enjoy.
2. Class Activities:
I would like to first introduce the students to different types of literature
(poems, short novels, picture books, etc.). I will take time in the classroom to
read aloud and allow students to read. I will split the classroom time and
spend roughly an hour of time to teach literature every day. I will use a chart
to place stickers by every student that successfully completes a book report.
Every week the student (or students if tied) that have the most stickers will
get to pick a tiny toy from the treasure chest (a simple, decorated container).
There will be a reading are in the room decorated and designed for students
to have a relaxing place to read and enjoy books. I will have a bookshelf in the

classroom with a variety of literature. To make sure students are learning

correctly I will occasionally add in reading comprehensions and time slots for
students to read a portion of a text or summarize a passage. This will allow
me to grasp the level that they are at with reading and comprehending. We
will also play popcorn reading, where each student takes a turn reading a
few sentences then passes the privilege to another student. This allows
students to become comfortable and confident with reading aloud the
different types of literature.
3. Classroom set up:
I will use many different areas in the classroom for students to practice and
learn literature. I wil have a relaxed setting area with beanbag chairs for
students to sit and read on. The area will be decorated with
educational/literature posters and a bookshelf. The bookshelf shall contain
poetry books, short stories, novels, picture books, etc. for students to pick a
book and enjoy. The books will be appropriate for ages 8 to 13 to give a good
range of difficulty for students. I will have classics and new books to add to
the collection for students to experience more variety. An open table in the
back of the classroom will be used for students to sit in a closer setting with
me to discuss and be tested on their reading ability. I will also teach students
from their desk designed into a circular shape to discuss and read aloud the
different types of text taught during class. If there is a school library we will
set aide time to take the class into the library and give them the choice to

pick their own book to do a book report on (books will be at an appropriate

age level).

4.

Teacher/Parent Relations:
First I would like to send a list of possible books we might be discussing in
class to each parent. This way I can gain feedback on the books that the
parents agree to and so they feel involved in the decision making process in
the classroom. I would like to stay in contact with parents to update them
every few weeks on their childs scores when reading allowed or
summarizing text. I would encourage the parents to express the importance
of literature at home. I will also explain the reward system for students that
complete the highest number of book reports every week or so.

5. Integrating Childrens Literature into other subjects:

Literature is a very important subject for students to learn. Although I will
occasionally handout text about a certain historical event, I will not force
literature into other subjects. Forcing/overwhelming students with literature
can have a negative response in the classroom. When possible I will include
fun activites from a literature perspective in different areas of study, such as
a book about how to multiply, or silly rhyming poems to remember an
important concept taught in class.
6. Resources:
The internet gives all teachers the chance to learn more about childrens
literature. I will continue to look for new resources on line to better my

teaching technique. I will also be on the lookout for new and beneficial books
to add into the classrooms collection.