Monday, May 12, 2014

Surviving the Angel of Death

Surviving the Angel of Death

Bibliographic Information
Kor, Eva Mozes; Buccieri, Lisa Rojany. Surviving the Angel of Death. Tanglewood Publishing, Terre Haute, IN. 2009.

Description 
Eva Mozes and her sister Miriam  were born on January 31, 1934 in the village of Portz in Transylvania, Romania. She was the youngest of four girls born to Alexander and Jaffa Mozes. The twins had two older sisters, Edit and Aliz. They were the only Jewish family in Portz. Her father had urged her mother to move with the girls to Palestine, but she refused stating that she could not move with four small children. Rumors of Jewish families being deported to labor camps spread, but her mother insisted that they were safe in Portz.  In March of 1944 the family was sent to a transportation center. A few months later they were sent to Auschwitz. When they arrived Miriam and Eva were separated from their family because they were twins. Their sisters, mother and father were sent to the gas chamber. Miriam and Ava were taken to Birkenau with the other twins. There they would be subjected to cruel medical experiments at the hands of Dr. Mengele.  On January 27, 1945 they were free. Once free, Miriam and Eva began their journey to happiness, forgiveness and freedom.

Quantitative Reading Level
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 9.2
Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 62.3
ATOS Level: 8.0

Qualitative Reading Level
Purpose: Low. The purpose is explicitly stated.  

Structure: Low. The organization is simple, there are explicit connections between ideas and conforms to the conventions of the genre.  The use of photographs is not necessary for understanding the text, however they do help the reader connect with her story.  
Language: Low/Middle Low. The language used is contemporary and conversational. It is clear, explicit, easy-to-understand, and rarely discipline-specific and overly academic.

Knowledge Demands: Low/Middle Low. Subject matter knowledge requires only everyday, practical knowledge and familiarity with conventions of the genre. There are few references to/citations of other texts or outside ideas or theories. 

Content Area
Social Studies, English

Subject Area Tag
Social Studies, English, Weekly Requirement

Content Area Standard
NYS Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies
Key Ideas and Details
1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.
2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
3. Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.
 Craft and Structure
4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social studies.
5. Analyze how a text uses structure to emphasize key points or advance an explanation or analysis.
6. Compare the point of view of two or more authors for how they treat the same or similar topics, including which details they include and emphasize in their respective accounts.
 Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
7. Integrate quantitative or technical analysis (e.g., charts, research data) with qualitative analysis in print or digital text.
8. Assess the extent to which the reasoning and evidence in a text support the author’s claims.
9. Compare and contrast treatments of the same topic in several primary and secondary sources.
 Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
10. By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend history/social studies texts in the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

New York State Content Area Standard (Grades 6-12)
1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical,  connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse formats and media, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a 
text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the 

relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. 
9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
11. Respond to literature by employing knowledge of literary language, textual features, and forms to read and comprehend, reflect upon, and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres and a wide spectrum of American and world cultures. 

Curriculum Suggestions
  • Use as text with WW II lesson. 
  • Use in lesson on biographies/autobiographies 


Links to Supporting Digital Content

CANDLES Museum

Josef Mengele

*obtained photo from Goodreads


Troublemaker

Troublemaker

Bibliographic Information
Evanovich, Janet; Evanovich, Alex. Troublemaker. Dark Horse Books, Milwaukie, OR. 2010.

Plot Description
Alex Barnaby, A.K.A. Barney is a NASCAR mechanic and spotter for the Metro Motor Oil Team. She once stole an eighteen-wheeler and her friend Felicia helped her hide it. Her friend Rosa helped her remove the dead body that was in the storage compartment. Alex didn’t kill him, she just found him. Alex receives a Voodoo doll that looks like Rosa with a note attached “I’ve got the floozy, her blood will be on your hands. You have three days”.  With the help of Sam Hooker (handsome NASCAR driver, also Alex’s boyfriend) they need to figure out who took Rosa and find her fast. What does the kidnapper want? Will they find Rosa in time?

Quantitative Reading Level
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 5.1
Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 81.2
ATOS Level: 5.5

Qualitative Reading Level

Meaning: Middle Low. Text contains single complex layer of meaning.

Structure: Middle Low. The narrative structure is largely simple, more explicit than implicit and is largely conventional. Narration does not shift in point of view. The order of events is chronological, there is some use of flashbacks.

Language: Middle Low: Text contains use of figurative language or irony. The language is largely contemporary, familiar, conversational language that is explicit. The text is rarely unfamiliar, archaic, domain-specific or overly academic.

Knowledge Demands: Middle Low. Explores a single complex theme, experiences portrayed are common to many readers. There is no use of intertexuality. The text requires some cultural/literary knowledge. 

Content Area
English, Art

Subject Area Tag
English, Art, Reading for Pleasure: Chapter Books, Middle School or High School

Content Area Standard
NYS Art Standards
Standard 1—Creating, Performing, and Participating in the Arts
1. Students will make works of art that explore different kinds of subject matter, topics, themes, and metaphors. Students will understand and use sensory elements, organizational principles, and expressive images to communicate their own ideas in works of art. Students will use a variety of art materials, processes, mediums, and techniques, and use appropriate technologies for creating and exhibiting visual art works.
Standard 2—Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources
2. Students will and use a variety of visual arts materials, techniques, and processes. Students will know about resources and opportunities for participation in visual arts in the community (exhibitions, libraries, museums, galleries) and use appropriate materials (art reproductions, slides, print materials, electronic media). Students will be aware of vocational options available in the visual arts.
New York State Content Area Standard (Grades 6-12)
1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical,  connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse formats and media, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
11. Respond to literature by employing knowledge of literary language, textual features, and forms to read and comprehend, reflect upon, and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres and a wide spectrum of American and world cultures.

Curriculum Suggestions

  • Compare and contrast a graphic novel mystery with a standard mystery
  • Use as an example for an art class

Links to Supporting Digital Content
Author website


*obtained photo from Goodreads

Separate is Never Equal

Separate is Never Equal

Bibliographic Information
Tonatiuh, Duncan. Separate is Never Equal. Abrams Books for Young Readers, New York. 2014

Description
On Sylvia’s first day at the Westminster school she was very unhappy. The kids were mean. When she got home, she told her mother that she didn’t want to go to that school anymore. Her mother reminded her that that is what they fought for three years. Sylvia goes on to remember that when they moved to the farm she had to go to Hoover Elementary, the Mexican school. She could not go to Westminster because Mexicans weren’t allowed there. Her parents tried to get a petition together, but that didn’t work. Then someone suggested that they file a lawsuit. Sylvia’s dad contacted a lawyer that had a case just like his. Together they filed a lawsuit. The case went to court and then was appealed, and it went to court again. Finally, Governor Earl Warren  signed into law that all children in California were allowed to go to school together. After thinking about why her parents fought so hard to make sure she could go to a good school, will Sylvia go back for her second day of school at Westminster?

Quantitative Reading Level
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 2.4
Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 90.1
ATOS Level: 3.0

Qualitative Reading Level

Purpose: Low. The purpose is explicitly stated.  

Structure: Low. The organization is simple, there are explicit connections between ideas and conforms to the conventions of the genre.  Graphics are simple and mostly unnecessary for the text.

Language: Low. The language used is contemporary and conversational. It is clear and explicit and easy-to-understand.  There is some text in Spanish, but it is followed by the translation.

Knowledge Demands: Middle Low.  Everyday practical knowledge is largely necessary, Discipline-specific knowledge is helpful, but not necessary.

Content Area
Social Studies, English

Subject Area Tag
Social Studies, English, Weekly Requirement

Content Area Standard
NYS Social Studies Standards
2.2 People share similarities and differences with others in their own community and with other communities.
2.2a People living in urban, suburban, and rural communities embrace traditions and celebrate holidays that reflect both diverse cultures and a common community identity.
*Students will examine the ethnic and/or cultural groups represented in their classroom.
*Students will explore the cultural diversity of their local community by identifying activities that have been introduced by different culture groups.
*Students will identify community events that help promote a common community identity.
2.2b A community is strengthened by the diversity of its members with ideas, talents, perspectives, and cultures that can be shared across the community.
 *Students will explore how different ideas, talents, perspectives, and culture are shared across their
community.
New York State Content Area Standard (Grades K-5)
1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text. 
7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a 
text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the 
relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. 
9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
11. Respond to literature by employing knowledge of literary language, textual features, and forms to read and comprehend, reflect upon, and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres and a wide spectrum of American and world cultures.

Curriculum Suggestions
  • Use in lesson on non-fiction/ biographies
  • Unit on segregation

Links to Supporting Digital Content
Segregation

Sylvia Mendez website
http://sylviamendezinthemendezvswestminster.com/

*obtained photo from Goodreads

EPA for Teens

EPA for Teens






Bibliographic Information


Description
The Environmental Protection Agency has a website just for teens. There are three tabs on the top…Think, Act, and Resources. The main message of these three tabs is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. There are also some excellent resources for teens that would like to learn more about reducing waste and recycling, being an environmental steward, climate change, fact about your car, and recycling food scraps and yard trimmings. This website also provides a list of articles about what teens around the world are doing to help to protect the environment. The Tips tab provides useful and realistic tips for teens to reduce, reuse and recycle. The EPA also provides career and college information for those wishing to pursue a career in solid and waste management or with the EPA. There are many links to additional information, many of these links lead to the main EPA website. Lastly, there are games and puzzles available on this website.

Quantitative Reading Level
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 5.6
Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 70.9
ATOS Level: 6.3

Qualitative Reading Level

Purpose: Low. The purpose is explicitly stated.  

Structure: Low. The organization is simple, there are explicit connections between ideas and conforms to the conventions of the genre.  Graphics are simple and mostly unnecessary for the text.

Language: Low. The language used is contemporary and conversational. It is clear and explicit and easy-to-understand. High use of intertextuality, many of the links lead to other government websites.

Knowledge Demands: Low.  Requires only everyday practical knowledge. 

Content Area
Science: Earth Science, Health

Subject Area Tag
Science: Earth Science, Health, Media Item

Content Area Standards
NYS Science
Standard 1: Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
Standard 2: Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information, using appropriate technologies.
Standard 4: Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
Standard 6: Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning
Standard 7: Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions
NYS Health
Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment.
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Standard 3: Resource Management.
Students will understand and be able to manage their personal and community resources.

Curriculum Suggestions
  • How green are you?
  • Climate change
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle


Links to Supporting Digital Content
Teens Turning Green

NASA Global Climate Change

KidsHealth.org

KidsHealth.org: Kids

Bibliographic Information
Description
The main page offered three options: one for parents, one for kids, and the last for teens. For this blog I will be reviewing the kid’s part of the website. Highlighted on the main page were Learning to Loom, Kids Talk About Life, and How the Body Works. Recipes as well as the question of the day. Today the question was “Why do feet stink?” The side menu contained a total of fourteen categories ranging from feelings, the body, and people places and things that help. Also included are a kid’s dictionary of medical words and health problems of grown-ups. This website also had some fantastic educational videos. Some of the videos were: Getting a Blood Test, Getting a CAT Scan, and Getting a Strep Test, and Getting a Urine Test. The website also features quizzes on topics like organization and games about nutrition. Kidshealth.org also has some great experiments for kids to perform like No Flavor Without Saliva. The website also has teacher’s guides for lesson plans from pre-k through 12th grade. KidsHealth.org. is so chock full of information, it would be impossible for me to list everything. However, I would also like to point out that there is also great information about bullying available.

Quantitative Reading Level
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 5
Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 88
ATOS Level: 6.8

Qualitative Reading Level

Purpose: Low. The purpose of the information is explicitly stated.  

Structure: Low. The organization is simple, there are explicit connections between ideas and conforms to the conventions of the genre. Graphics are simple and mostly unnecessary for the text.

Language: Low. The language used is contemporary and conversational. It is clear and explicit and easy-to-understand. 

Knowledge Demands: Low. Requires only everyday practical knowledge.   

Content Area
Health

Subject Area Tag
Health, Media Item

Content Area Standard
NYS Learning Standards for Health, Physical Education, and Family and Consumer Sciences
Standard 1: Personal Health and Fitness
Students will have the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity, and maintain personal health.
Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment.
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Standard 3: Resource Management.
Students will understand and be able to manage their personal and community resources.

Curriculum Suggestions

  • Use in conjunction with all types of health lessons.

Links to Supporting Digital Content
StopBullying.gov
Super Healthy Kids

Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go

Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go

Bibliographic Information
      Basye, Dale E. Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go. Random House, New
      York. 2008.

Plot Description
Milton had spent most of his time trying to avoid trouble. On the other hand, his older sister Marlo, lived for it; which is how Milton wound up in an unfortunate situation, cornered by mall security in front of a twenty-foot, marshmallow-covered bear. Unfortunately, Damian (the school bully) was there. And he was planning the best prank of all: to blow up the marshmallow bear.  The same bear that Marlo and Milton were standing next to. Milton heard a faint sizzling sound coming from the bear. When the sizzling stopped the bear exploded, covering Marlo and Milton in flaming, sweet goo. The next thing they knew, they were in Heck. Not H-E double hockey sticks. But the place that bad kids go until they turn eighteen. But, why was Milton there? He was a good kid. According to the Heck principle Bea “Elsa” Bubb he must have done something terrible in the last few moments of his life. Milton and Marlo knew they had to get out of Heck. But it wasn’t going to be easy, if it was even possible at all.

Quantitative Reading Level
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 7.6
Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 69.5
ATOS Level: 8.5

Qualitative Reading Level

Meaning: Middle Low. Text contains single complex multiple layer of meaning.

Structure: Middle Low. The narrative structure is largely simple, more explicit than implicit and is largely conventional. Narration does not shift in point of view. The order of events is chronological, there is some use of flashbacks.

Language: Middle High/Low: Text contains use of figurative language or irony. The language is largely contemporary, familiar, conversational language that is explicit. The text is rarely unfamiliar, archaic, domain-specific or overly academic.

Knowledge Demands: Middle Low/High. Explores a single complex theme, experiences portrayed are common to many readers or obviously fantasy. The use of intertexuality and numerous allusions to cultural elements requires some level of cultural and literacy knowledge. 

Content Area
English

Subject Area Tag
English, Reading for Pleasure: Chapter Books, Middle School or High School

Content Area Standard
New York State Content Area Standard (Grades K-5)
1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text. 
7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
11. Respond to literature by employing knowledge of literary language, textual features, and forms to read and comprehend, reflect upon, and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres and a wide spectrum of American and world cultures.

Curriculum Suggestions
  • Hero myth
  • Use in conjunction with other texts mentioned/Dante’s Inferno
  • Use as pleasure reading

Links to Supporting Digital Content

Book Blog:


*photo obtained from Goodreads

There Was an Old Lady That Swallowed Some Leaves

There Was an Old Lady That Swallowed Some Leaves

Bibliographic Information
Colandro, Lucille. There Was an Old Lady That Swallowed Some Leaves. Scholastic Inc., New York. 2010

Plot Description
There was an old lady that swallowed some really weird stuff! Why would she swallow some leaves, a shirt, a pumpkin, a pole, some pants, a rope, some hay? What happens when all of sudden she needs to sneeze?

Quantitative Reading Level
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 2.6
Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 95.7
ATOS Level: 3.5

Qualitative Reading Level

Meaning: Low. Text contains a single level/layer of simple meaning. 

Structure: Low. The narrative structure is mostly simple and is more explicit than implicit and is largely conventional. Narration does not shift in point of view. The order of events is chronological.

Language: Low: Text contains little or no use of figurative language or irony. The language is contemporary, familiar, conversational language that is explicit, literal and easy-to-understand.

Knowledge Demands: Low. Requires only everyday, practical knowledge.  No references to other texts. 

Content Area
Science: Elementary, English

Subject Area Tag
Science, English, Reading for Pleasure: Picture Book

Content Area Standard
NY State Science, Elementary
STANDARD 1—Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
STANDARD 2—Information Systems
Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.
STANDARD 6—Interconnectedness: Common Themes
Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology. and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.
STANDARD 7—Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.
PROCESS SKILLS: BASED ON STANDARD 4
Science is an ongoing process. Most often there is a question or problem that initiates an investigation searching for a possible solution or solutions. There is no single prescribed scientific method to govern an investigation. It is important that students practice the skills outlined below. For younger students, the emphasis is on discovery. For older students, the emphasis is on formulating and investigating their own questions.
Key Idea 1:
The Earth and celestial phenomena can be described by principles of relative motion and perspective.
New York State Content Area Standard (Grades K-5)
1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text. 
7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

11. Respond to literature by employing knowledge of literary language, textual features, and forms to read and comprehend, reflect upon, and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres and a wide spectrum of American and world cultures.

Curriculum Suggestions
  • Use as part of a unit on the seasons

Links to Supporting Digital Content

Seasons game

Science of the Seasons

Read along



*photo obtained from Scholastic