4th, 5th Grades  Project 9 weeks

4th/5th ELA Intervention Group: RACE strategy

Savannah P
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.4
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 2 more
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Purpose

This project aims to enhance struggling readers and writers' comprehension and communication skills by using the R.A.C.E. strategy integrated with speech-to-text technology. Through hands-on activities, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, while fostering self-directed learning and collaboration. By the end of the project, students will confidently demonstrate their understanding and application of the R.A.C.E. strategy through digital storytelling and community exhibitions.

Learning goals

Students will develop the ability to read with accuracy and fluency, supporting comprehension through the R.A.C.E. strategy. They will learn to restate questions, provide answers, cite evidence, and explain their reasoning using speech-to-text technology. Additionally, students will engage in self-directed learning by using feedback to improve their writing and communication skills, while fostering collaboration and critical thinking through peer interactions and community exhibitions.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.4 - Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Throughout the learning experience, students will create a digital story that showcases their mastery of the R.A.C.E. strategy, integrating speech-to-text technology and predictive text. By the end of the project, students will compile a writing portfolio that includes initial drafts and final polished pieces, demonstrating their growth in reading comprehension and writing skills. Additionally, students will contribute to a classroom exhibition, presenting their digital stories and portfolios to peers, teachers, parents, and community members, highlighting their learning journey and achievements.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic 'R.A.C.E. Relay Challenge,' where students work in teams to complete R.A.C.E. strategy tasks at various stations. Each station will focus on one component of the R.A.C.E. method, encouraging students to restate questions, answer them, cite evidence, and explain their reasoning. This interactive event promotes teamwork, collaboration, and excitement for the learning journey ahead, setting the stage for the skills and competencies they will develop throughout the project.

Exhibition

At the conclusion of the project, students will host a classroom exhibition where they present their writing portfolios, showcasing their journey from initial attempts to final mastery of the R.A.C.E. strategy. This exhibition will be open to parents, general education teachers, and the school principal, providing an opportunity for students to articulate their learning process and demonstrate their growth in reading and writing skills. Students will also collaborate to create a digital story that highlights their learning journey, which will be shared during the exhibition to further engage the audience and celebrate their achievements.