How do cultural and geographical influences shape the oral and written language of a society?
Students trace the evolution of recorded communication. Problem-solving activities, short stories, and discussions support student analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of symbol systems used by various civilizations. Through this unit, students will recognize that language is an invention that has evolved over thousands of years and continues to change over time. Students explore the concept that written language is a symbol system and that written language reflects the culture of a society as well as geographical influences. Finally, students come to realize that our understanding of history is based, in large measure, on written records.
How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy?
Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the Wordmasters Challenge. Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.