Learning Differently: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Lesson 1
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ELA

Alternate Unit 5

4th Grade

Lesson 1 of 23

Objective


Explain what ADHD is and how having ADHD can influence a person's life.

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

What is ADHD? How does having ADHD influence a person's life?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • What is ADHD?

  • What are some of the symptoms of ADHD? Name 5 symptoms for inattentive and hyper-active impulsive presentation.

  • How is a person diagnosed with ADHD?

  • What are the treatment options for a person with ADHD?

Vocabulary


inattentive

adj.

(p. 1)

lack of attention

Notes


  • The key for this lesson is to build student background and empathy around what it means to have attention deficit disorder (ADD) or ADHD. This understanding is critical for being able to relate to and connect with Joey and his condition.
  • The article provided for this lesson is at an advanced level. It introduces various professions, such as psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, neurologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians, along with a diagnostic tool called DSM-5. While these terms hold significance, they are not essential for immediate student comprehension. Avoid spending excessive time on these details. The goal is for students to gain a fundamental understanding of ADHD, including its symptoms, as well as a broad overview of its diagnosis and treatment. This foundational knowledge will equip students to engage more effectively with the core text of this unit, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.
  • This article should also be used as a reference throughout the entire unit, especially when reflecting on Joey's relationship with other characters. Using what they learned from the article, students should grapple with the following questions: Are other characters helping to make things more equal for him? Or are they making things more challenging based on what we know about ADHD or ADD?
  • Teachers should be mindful that some students in their class may have personal experience with ADD or ADHD. Teachers should make a plan for what they'd like to do if students want to share their experiences. As always, teachers should respect students' privacy if they do not want to share their own experiences.
  • While there are shared aspects of ADD and ADHD, everyone's experience is different. Teachers should keep this in mind while reading the article with students.

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.4.3 — Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

Supporting Standards

L.4.4
L.4.4.b
SL.4.1
W.4.10
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Lesson 2

Lesson Map

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