Reading Focus:

• Summarize narrative text (RL.7.2)

• Analyze literary texts for theme based on characterization and conflict (RL.7.1/7.2) 

Writing Focus:

• Write a theme analysis with evidence (RL.7.1/7.2)

• Build stamina and fluency through routine writing (W.7.10)

Supporting Skills:

• Analyze how particular literary elements interact (RL.7.3)

• Analyze how the author contrasts perspectives of different characters (RL.7.6)

• Explain functions of phrases and clauses (L.7.1.A)

• Produce simple, compound, complex sentences (L.7.1.B)

Commonly Assessed Standards: RL.7.1/7.2

Anchor Texts:  

• Novel: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

• Short Story Options: 

  • “Boar Out There” by Cynthia Rylant

  • "Fish Cheeks" by Amy Tan

  • “Fish Cheeks” by Amy Tan writing with evidence

  • “Heartbeat” by David Yoo

  • “Red Velvet Dress” by Naomi Shihab Nye

Culminating Summative Task: Trace a theme throughout The Outsiders using collected evidence and analysis & showcase in a creative product 

Reading Focus:

• Cite evidence to support inferences (RL/RI.7.1)

• Summarize and determine theme/central idea (RL/RI.7.2)

• Analyze how two authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of information (RI.7.9)

Writing Focus:

• Write analytical expository essay (W.7.2)

• Draw evidence from literary & informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research (W.7.9)

Supporting Standards:

• Use precise and concise language (L.7.3.A)

• Maintain consistency in style and tone (L.7.3.B)

Commonly Assessed Standard: W.7.2

Anchor Texts: 

• Articles: 

  • “Transcultural Identities” by Jhumpa Lahiri

  • “Am I Rootless or Am I Free?” by Ndela Faye

• Informational Book: Teen’s Guide to World Domination by Josh Shipp or Be a Changemaker by Laurie Ann Thompson

• Lit Circle Novels (including Inside Out & Back Again)

Writing Culminating Summative Task: Create a Google site to analyze & explain a passion topic.

Reading Culminating Summative Task: Lit Circle Analysis Projects