Throughout the four broadcasts, students in the classroom become better readers, writers and discussants as they help Marty with his difficult decisions and possible consequences. 1 - Building Connections Students make connections with Marty, the main character in Shiloh , as they explore how it feels to be lonely by reading and discussing the poem Alone Students use a double entry journal. 8 - Developing Understanding Students visualize to develop their understanding of the story. Students learn the elements of a good persuasive letter and begin their draft. Oct 15 - Expanding Meaning Students share their persuasive letters and collaborate on a project they would like to start in their classroom or neighborhood.
Students compose a tanka - a Japanese form of poetry.
24 - Writing to Learn Students share their initial response to the story in a Grand Conversation. Through personal writing and visualizations they start a literary mandala for Marty. The module is sequenced around the reading of the novel Letters from Rifka . This program introduces and familiarizes teachers with the content and teaching strategies specific to the novel. Teaching guides and procedures for implementing student programs are discussed.