1. Based on our discussions and research this week, as well as what you have learned in other classes, identify at least three ways to develop curriculum in the language arts classroom.

2. Essential Questions Themes and essential questions help to frame student inquiry and promote critical thinking. Themes and essential questions help to frame student inquiry and promote critical thinking. Reside at the top of Blooms taxonomy. Reside at the top of Blooms taxonomy. They also provide a helpful framework for organizing a unit of study using a multi-genre approach. They also provide a helpful framework for organizing a unit of study using a multi-genre approach.

3. Good essential questions have the following criteria in common: Good essential questions have the following criteria in common: Can be revisited throughout the unit to engage students in evolving dialogue and debate Lead to other essential questions posed by students

4. Good essential questions have the following criteria in common: Good essential questions have the following criteria in common: Open-ended questions that resist a simple or single right answer Deliberately thought-provoking, counterintuitive, and/or controversial Require students to draw upon content knowledge and personal experience

5. Guidelines for Essential Questions 1.Students must be able to understand the essential question(s). 2.The language of the questions should be in broad terms. 3.If there are multiple essential questions within a unit, use a logical sequence when guiding students through the questions and unit. 4.Post essential questions in your classroom. 4.Post essential questions in your classroom.

6. American Literature Unit The American Dream What is the American Dream, and to what extent is it achievable for all Americans? In what ways does the American Dream mean different things for different Americans? How has the American Dream changed over time?

7. American Dream Unit What is the perspective of a given nature, culture, or region in regard to the American Dream and what factors create those perceptions? What are the responsibilities and consequences of being a "world superpower"? Are independence and dependence separable or inseparable?

8. Speech Instruction How does understanding the communication process affect our lives?

9. How does learning to use critical listening and speaking skills enhance our interpretation of messages?

10. How does using efficient language increase our ability to speak effectively?

11. How does studying various forms of public speaking enhance our effectiveness as communicators?

12. How do research skills help us present our ideas more skillfully?

13. How does understanding the nature of group discussion help us become more productive members of society?

14. How can I apply my speaking skills to different situations?

15. Other Language Arts Essential Questions Why should I be able to identify different genres in literature? What is the relationship between literature and history? How can writing help me communicate my feelings and express my creativity? What is the impact of other people's lives on our culture?

16. References Greece Central School District, New York http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/instruction/ela/ 6-12/Essential%20Questions/Index.htm http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/instruction/ela/ 6-12/Essential%20Questions/Index.htmhttp://www.il-tce.org/present04/flesser.pdf