EL Education

Reading, writing, and speaking that is grounded in textual evidence...

The main tasks of this module allow students to develop reading and writing skills and strategies that will help them throughout Grade 7 and beyond. Students learn strategies for figuring out the meanings of unfamiliar words. They determine the central ideas and important details of early chapters in the book and write summaries of shorter texts related to topics in the book. Students also develop their narrative writing skills to include dialogue, description, and pacing in a story about a Lost Boy or Girl of Sudan.

Researching to build and present knowledge...

In this module, students focus on researching to build and present knowledge. Inspired by the research methods and mindsets of the scientists described in Patient Zero, students choose a social or medical epidemic for their own investigation. Research lessons across the module —searching for sources, deciding whether they are credible and useful, and paraphrasing and quoting them — help students become more effective investigators. Students build their informational writing skills as they work through the stages of the essay-writing process: crafting a focus statement, presenting evidence, using transitional words, and developing a conclusion that reflects on the essay.

Analyzing, interpreting and evaluating text...

Students explore drama, poetry, song, art, stories, and dance to understand and appreciate this cultural renewal. Students read articles and short biographies to build knowledge about the collaboration between writers, musicians, and artists; the social and political context of the 1900s for African Americans; and the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. Students write literary argument essays about themes across several works from the Harlem Renaissance. Then, they develop a Harlem Renaissance exhibit of several works connected by theme and including one contemporary work that students choose or create themselves to demonstrate the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance.

Researching to write and present arguments...

The main task of this module is researching to write and present arguments. Students conduct research about possible solutions to reducing plastic pollution at different points of the plastic life cycle. They develop a stance based on their learning and defend their position in a debate with classmates. Students then transform their understanding into their own personal action plans, which involve research and crafting narrative, informational, and argument pieces to communicate their personal actions, evidence, and message.