Ideas for Language Arts Curriculum Unit

Pen-Pals
I am planning on making a language arts unit for a 5th grade classroom on journal writing. By using the web to connect to students from other countries, the students could set up a pen-pal network. They could send emails and regular mail, share blogs, send photos, and even send videos. This would be a great way for students to begin practicing narrative writing. They can share their experiences. This will get students excited about writing because they will love learning about what other kids have to say all around the world. It is also a good way to incorporate the learning of culture into this unit.

Kidspiration
The program Kidspiration is a great way to incorporate computers and language arts. Students can use the program to help jumpstart their writing process. They can make story webs and then transform them into outlines. It is a great way to help students organize their ideas and makes it fun for them to create! Kidspiration can also be used for learning vocabulary and its uses. For instance, each student can research a new word, and make a web putting links such as synonyms, acronyms, and example sentences. It is a way for them to practice building vocabulary and it also makes the learning process more exciting.

Making a Newspaper
I think that creating a classroom newspaper is a great way to integrate technology into language arts. Students can each write a piece for the newspaper. Then it can be compiled online, using pictures students have found from the web, and printed into a newspaper. Students will like this project because they have the freedom to write about what they want. Also, it is a great way to share information with other classrooms and even parents. The newspaper can even be used to integrate another subject with language arts. For instance, in the subject of history, students can all write a report about a president. They are practicing writing skills, but still learning about history.

Researching Important People
Students will read The Diary of Anne Frank, a biography. They will then research more about her life online. Students will then be able to pick another important figure in history that they are interested in learning more about. They will research their topic online and after gathering sufficient information, they will make their own web page describing the life of the person they chose. Students will be able to practice their research skills, while also learning how authors provide details in their biographies and are able to record events in a memorable way.

Blogging
Students will be asked to make an online blog that can be viewed by the teacher, as well as students. They will make weekly entries into their online journal. Some days, topics will be assigned for the students to respond to. Other days, the students will write about an experience that happened to them. It is a good way to brainstorm ideas for narrative writing later on. The students will then have a chance to read each other’s writing and see how their life experiences were described. They can post feedback as well.