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**Letter to families:** Dear Families,

We are excited to announce that we will be beginning a new themed literature and writing unit on “Finding Courage in Difficult Times.” Courage is an integral part of growing up. It pushes people to reach new milestones and can take many forms. Throughout the unit, we will read and discuss selected stories to better understand what it means to find courage in difficult times and what character traits it takes to be courageous.

By the end of unit, students will be able to infer character traits related to courage and make connections to the books to help them better understand the story. Students will choose one of three books to participate in literature circles discussions. For a list of books used in the unit to teach the theme and skills, click **HERE**. Themes that will guide our discussions include notions that 1) it is easier to find courage in difficult times when we stand up for what we believe in, 2) it is easier to find courage when you have hope of better life or situation, and 3) a courageous person acts even when the outcome is unknown. The final project for this unit is a fiction or nonfiction story written by your student about a time he or she showed courage! Students will learn what it takes to use the writing process to draft their story beginning with brainstorming, through revising and editing, and ending with their final draft.

We would love for you to be involved in your students learning! Click **HERE** to find a list of family activities you should participate in to help your student learn about courage and support them in their academic tasks in this unit.

If you have any questions and/or comments, please feel free to contact me. Any feedback you have for me would be greatly appreciated! The best way to reach me is by email: laura.schefter@gmail.com. As a reminder, please check the Source for announcements and more information about assignments. I look forward to working with you and your student throughout this unit.

Thank you, Mrs. Schefter