Essential Question: What compels us to survive?

Enduring Understanding: Human vs nature is a classic - and compelling - conflict in literature.

Knowledge Focus

In this unit, students will read different works of fiction related to the theme of survival. They will build schema around the following concepts:

Literature

• All works of fiction contain a theme, or central underlying meaning, that is supported by the elements of setting, character, plot, and/or visual elements.

• Works of fiction may vary in tone, style, or structure, yet still explore similar themes.

Social Emotional Understanding

• The characters in a fictional work and their response to challenges allow readers to make connections to themselves, others, and the world around them.

Cultural Awareness

• The universal themes explored in literature are those that speak to the human condition and apply to all people, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity.