ELA

Unit 1: Multiple Perspectives

Multiple Perspectives examines the different perspectives people have based on their backgrounds and experiences. This unit challenges students to consider and respect differing perspectives, which will lead them to become open-minded and accepting of others. Students will read realistic fiction and informational text about the unit theme, participate in collaborative discussions, and integrate their ideas in all three types of writing.

Essential Questions:

  1. How can I learn from others’ perspectives?
  2. How can I be open-minded and accepting of others?

Unit 2: Making a Difference

Making a Difference introduces students to activism by learning how others make a difference in their communities. This unit will encourage students to make a positive difference in the classroom community and beyond through their actions. Students will read several pieces of text in order to draw comparisons and reflect on the effects of innovative thinking. Students will be able to write an opinion piece using their understanding of the theme to support a point of view with reasons.

Essential Questions:

  1. How can I contribute to my community through activism?
  2. How can I use my qualities to make a difference in the lives of others?

Unit 3: Stories Worth Telling Again and Again

Stories Worth Telling Again and Again exposes students to stories with valuable lessons that can be applied to their own lives. Students will appreciate literary heritages and compare cultures through the use of folklore. Students will read traditional literature in order to identify similarities and differences across cultures and apply this analysis to a variety of tasks. Students will have an opportunity to use the common themes of traditional literature to better understand themselves.

Essential Questions:

  1. What is revealed through storytelling that helps me understand myself better?
  2. How can reading folklore help me appreciate other cultures?

Unit 4: Inspiration and Discovery

Inspiration and Discovery inspires students by learning about people who used their talents and overcame challenges to become key contributors to our world. Students discover they, too, have strengths, interests, and qualities, which can be developed to make future contributions. During the unit, students will read informational texts that show students how perseverance and dedication can help overcome obstacles or lead to discovery. Students will identify strengths people used to accomplish amazing feats and look for those strengths in themselves.

Essential Questions:

  1. How can others’ accomplishments inspire me?
  2. How can challenges be conquered for positivity?
  3. How can I use my talents, strengths, and interests in a positive way?