When you are planning lessons using the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), it’s beneficial to visualize them as an integrated whole. Gone are the days where lessons focus on one standard. Instead, the Core allows teachers to delve deep into literacy by teaching the four strands in an integrated way. When reading a text, write about the text in a narrative, informative, or argument piece, discuss the text, and learn about the use of language from closely reading and writing. Repeated close reads provide additional opportunities to read through different lenses and revise writing. Below is an image I created that may help you to think about how the Core fits together like a puzzle using the Anchor Standards for ELA. Examine the standards in each color and think about how you can work toward all standards using the provided protocol.
As you can see, one unit can allow students to delve deeply into the standards, which results in in-depth literacy instruction.
After exploring the visual, reflect on the following prompt:
Choose one piece of text you teach. Using the protocol above, and your grade-level Common Core standards, plan how you could integrate all aspects of literacy as you plan your unit.
