Multi-Modal Language Unit

Hello everyone,

This is a copy of the letter sent home with students yesterday (or today, if you're in Mr. Bax's class) about our upcoming multi-modal text Language unit. The letter home is intended as information, rather than permission. The portion that needs to be signed is just my way of ensuring that you (at home) are aware of our lesson content. If you have any questions, please contact me at skelton.fes@gmail.com or sskelton@mail1.scdsb.on.ca.

Thanks for your attention to this,
Miss Skelton

Dear Parents and Guardians,

     We are beginning a Language Arts unit on multi-modal text.  Multi-modal text is text that includes written, auditory, and visual components. For example, students will be asked to read the lyrics to a song, record their ideas and thoughts, and determine what the main idea is.  Once we have completed that task, we will read the lyrics again, this time with music. Again, students will record thoughts and ideas – this time, they will identify which thoughts have changed with the addition of the auditory component.  Lastly, we will read the text while watching the video associated with the song.  Students will once again complete the task of determining the message, and will hopefully realize that with new information (such as auditory and/or visual cues), opinions and perceptions can change.

     Some of the videos and songs that we will be investigating will cover issues that tie in to our Health units, and that are serious in nature. These topics will be approached with tact and sensitivity. Some of the topics we will be discussing include:
- self-esteem                                           - poverty and homelessness

- bullying                                                - mental health issues

- weapon use                                          - drug use

- suicide                                                 - sexuality

     The purpose of this activity is to entrust students with mature concepts and to equip them with higher-order thinking and decision-making skills. We also want students to feel safe and comfortable talking about difficult issues, as having a good understanding of them will empower students with the knowledge they will need to make informed decisions.

     If your child has questions regarding any of these topics, they are welcome to speak to me or to discuss the issues with you; if they feel uncomfortable asking these questions, Kids Help Phone is an anonymous helpline where students can ask questions or simply talk to someone.  The number is 1-800-668-6868 and the website is www.kidshelpphone.ca. 

Thank you,
Miss Skelton