7th- Third 9 weeks 

For the third nine weeks, students will be reading "A Long Walk to Water" as a class, as well as focusing on vocabulary, analyzing writing, plot/setting/ character development,  comparing and contrasting fictional and nonfictional portrayals of events, and creating predictions and inferences.  Students will also be participating in a Socratic Seminar to share their thoughts and analyses of the book.  Students will be reading "A Long Walk to Water" as a class, as well as focusing on vocabulary, analyzing writing, plot/setting/ character development,  and creating predictions and inferences. Students will be studying argumentative writing. The writing unit includes four-squares, research, reliable and unreliable resources, citations, as well as writing their own argumentative essays and projects. Students will complete a variety of Read Works assignments in order to develop skills in finding and citing pieces of evidence to support their claims or responses to the nonfiction articles.  

• Literature (Fiction)

  • Learning Outcome

    • 7.RL.1

      • I can read and understand different texts. 

  • Key Ideas and Textual Support

    • 7.RL.2.1

      • I can analyze what a text says explicitly.

      • I can draw inferences from a text.

      • I can cite several textual evidence to support my analysis of a text. 

    • 7.RL.2.2

      • I can analyze how a theme or central idea is developed  in a work of literature.

      • I can provide a detailed summary of a work of literature that supports my analysis of the theme or central idea.

      • I can identify key events and details that support the theme or central idea. 

    • 7.RL.2.3

      • I can analyze how elements interact in a work of literature.

      • I can analyze how the settings shapes the characters.

      • I can analyze how the setting shapes impacts the plot.

      • I can use the setting to help determine what the conflict is in the work of literature.

      • I can determine the effect that one character's action has on another character.

    • 7.RL.2.4

      • I can make inferences and predictions based on evidence from the text.

  • Structural Elements and Organization

    • 7.RL.3.1

      • I can analyze the structural elements of a story text, such as subplots, parallel episodes, climax, and conflict to determine how they contribute to the meaning and plot.

      • I can identify the climax of a in a work of literature.

      • I can identify the conflict and resolution in a work of literature.

      • I can analyze how the subplots contribute to the overall plot of a text.

    • 7.RL.3.2

      • I can determine the point(s) of view of a work of literature.

      • I can analyze how an author develops and contrasts the different points of view in a story. 

  • Synthesis and Connection of Ideas

    • 7.RL.4.1

      • I can compare and contrast a written text with its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia versions. 

      • I can identify and analyze the techniques used form different mediums to explain the effects on the story. 

      • I can cite textual evidence to compare and contrast a written text with the audio, staged, or multimedia version.

    • 7.RL.4.2

      • I can compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and the historical account it is based on.

      • I can use a historical account of a time, place, or character as a means of understanding how authors of fiction alter history.

      • I can determine when historical events have been altered in a fictional text.

• Literature (Nonfiction) 

  • Key Ideas and Textual Support

    • 7.RN.2.1

      • I can identify what is explicitly stated in a text.

      • I can make inferences based on textual evidence.

      • I can identify and quote passages from a text to support my response.

      • I can cite several pieces of textual evidence to support my inferences.

  • Structural Elements and Organization

    • 7.RN.3.2

      • I can analyze how an author structures a nonfiction text.

      • I can analyze how a particular section contributes to development of ideas in the overall structure of a nonfiction text.

    • 7.RN.3.3

      • I can determine an author’s perspective and purpose in a nonfiction text.

      • I can analyze how the author’s perspective and purpose is distinguished from that of others.

  • Synthesis and Connection of Ideas

    • 7.RN.4.1

      • I can trace and evaluate an author’s argument.

      • I can identify and evaluate the author’s reasoning.

      • I can evaluate the author’s evidence.

      • I can identify instances of bias and stereotyping in a nonfiction text.

• Vocabulary 

  • Vocabulary Building

    • 7.RV.2.1

      • I can use context to determine the meaning of words and phrases.

    • 7.RV.2.2

      • I can use the relationship between particular words to better understand each word. 

    • 7.RV.2.3

      • I can distinguish among the connotations of words with similar denotations.

    • 7.RV.2.5

      • I can consult reference materials to find the pronunciation of a word.

      • I can consult reference materials to determine a word's precise meaning, part of speech, and origin. 

• Writing

  • Learning Outcome

    • 7.W.1

      • I can write different essays for different purposes. 

  • Writing Genres: Argumentative, Informative, and Narrative

    • 7.W.3.1

      • I can write arguments in a variety of forms.

      • I can introduce claims, acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and use appropriate organizational structures.

      • I can support claims with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

      • I can establish and maintain a consistent style and tone appropriate to purpose and audience.

      • I can use effective transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claims, reasons, and evidence.

      • I can provide a concluding statement or section that follow from and supports the argument presented. 

  • The Writing Process

    • 7.W.4

      • I can apply with writing process.

      • I can plan and develop a draft.

      • I can revise my writing using appropriate reference materials.

      • I can edit my writing.

      • I can use technology to interact and collaborate with others, and to generate, produce, and publish writing.

  • The Research Process: Finding, Assessing, Synthesizing, and Reporting Information

    • 7.W.5

      • I can conduct short research assignments and tasks to build knowledge.

      • I can formulate a research question.

      • I can gather relevant information from multiple sources.

      • I can assess the credibility and accuracy of each source.

      • I can quote or paraphrase the information and conclusions of others.

      • I can avoid plagiarism and follow a standard format for citation.

      • I can present research information in a variety of formats. 

• Speaking and Listening

  • Discussion and Collaboration

    • 7.SL.2.1

      • I can build on ideas of others.

      • I can express my personal ideas and beliefs.

      • I can ask my peers questions about their opinion of the topic, text, and issue at hand.

      • I can respond to my peer’s questions about my opinion of the topic, text, and issue at hand.

    • 7.SL.2.2

      • I can investigate and reflect on ideas in a discussion using evidence.

    • 7.SL.2.3

      • I can follow rules and define individual roles for considerate discussions.

      • I can track progress toward specific goals and deadlines in a discussion.

    • 7.SL.2.4

      • I can pose questions that elicit elaboration.

      • I can respond to the questions and comments of others with relevant observations and ideas.

      • I can help keep a discussion on topic. 

    • 7.SL.2.5

      • I can acknowledge new information expressed by others in a discussion.

      • I can consider how new information relates to my own view. 

  • Comprehension

    • 7.SL.3.1

      • I can analyze main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats.

      • I can explain how the ideas presented in diverse media and formats clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

    • 7.SL.3.2

      • I can delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims.

      • I can evaluate the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. 

  • Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

    • 7.SL.4.1

      • I can present claims and findings.

      • I can emphasize the most important points in a focused, coherent manner.

      • I can use pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples.

      • I can use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation while presenting. 

    • 7.SL.4.2

      • I can create engaging presentations.

      • I can use multimedia components and visual displays to clarify claims and findings and emphasize important points in presentations.

• Media Literacy 

  • Learning Outcome

    • 7.ML.1

      • I can analyze information from different sources. 

• Literature (Fiction)

  • Learning Outcome

    • 7.RL.1

      • Read a variety of literature within a range of complexity appropriate for grades 6-8. By the end of grade 7, students interact with texts proficiently and independently at the middle of the range and with scaffolding as needed for texts at the high end of the range.

  • Key Ideas and Textual Support

    • 7.RL.2.1

      • Analyze what a text says explicitly as well as draw inferences from the text through citing several pieces of textual evidence.

    • 7.RL.2.2

      • Analyze the development of a theme or central idea over the course of a work of literature; provide a detailed summary that supports the analysis.

    • 7.RL.2.3

      • Analyze the interaction of elements in a work of literature (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).

    • 7.RL.2.4

      • Make predictions about the context of text using prior knowledge of text features, explaining whether they were confirmed or not and why.

  • Structural Elements and Organization

    • 7.RL.3.1

      • Analyze how a work of literature’s structural elements such as subplots, parallel episodes, climax, and conflicts contribute to its meaning and plot.

    • 7.RL.3.2

      • Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a work of literature

  • Synthesis and Connection of Ideas

    • 7.RL.4.1

      • Compare and contrast a written story, play or poem with its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in film).

    • 7.RL.4.2

      • Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history.

• Literature (Nonfiction) 

  • Key Ideas and Textual Support

    • 7.RN.2.1

      • Analyze what a text says explicitly as well as draw inferences from the text through citing several pieces of textual evidence.

  • Structural Elements and Organization

    • 7.RN.3.2

      • Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.

    • 7.RN.3.3

      • Determine an author’s perspective or purpose in a text, and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from the positions of others.

  • Synthesis and Connection of Ideas

    • 7.RN.4.1

      • Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims, noting instances of bias and stereotyping.

• Vocabulary 

  • Vocabulary Building

    • 7.RV.2.1

      • Use context to determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases.

    • 7.RV.2.2

      • Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.

    • 7.RV.2.3

      • Distinguish among the connotations of words with similar denotations.

    • 7.RV.2.5

      • Consult general and specialized reference materials, both print and digital (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, style guide), to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, part of speech, or origin. 

• Writing

  • Learning Outcome

    • 7.W.1

      • Write routinely over a variety of time frames for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences; apply reading standards to support analysis, reflection, and research by drawing evidence from literature and nonfiction texts.

  • Writing Genres: Argumentative, Informative, and Narrative

    • 7.W.3.1

      • Write arguments in a variety of forms that –

        • Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and use appropriate organizational structures.

        • Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

        • Establish and maintain a consistent style and tone appropriate to purpose and audience.

        • Use effective transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.

        • Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

  • The Writing Process

    • 7.W.4

      • Apply the writing process to all formal writing including but not limited to argumentative, informative, and narrative –

        • Plan and develop; draft; revise using appropriate reference materials; rewrite; try a new approach; and edit to produce and strengthen writing that is clear and coherent, with some guidance and support from peers and adults.

        • Use technology to interact and collaborate with others to generate, produce, and publish writing and link to sources.

  • The Research Process: Finding, Assessing, Synthesizing, and Reporting Information

    • 7.W.5

      • Conduct short research assignments and tasks to build knowledge about the research process and the topic under study.

        • Formulate a research question.

        • Gather relevant information from multiple sources, using search terms effectively, and annotate sources.

        • Assess the credibility and accuracy of each source.

        • Quote or paraphrase the information and conclusions of others.

        • Avoid plagiarism and follow a standard format for citation.

        • Present information, choosing from a variety of formats. 

• Speaking and Listening

  • Discussion and Collaboration

    • 7.SL.2.1

      • Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (e.g., one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) on grade- appropriate topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing personal ideas clearly.

    • 7.SL.2.2

      • Investigate and reflect on ideas under discussion by identifying specific evidence from materials under study and other resources

    • 7.SL.2.3

      • Follow rules for considerate discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

    • 7.SL.2.4

      • Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed.

    • 7.SL.2.5

      • Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and consider it in relation to one's own views. 

  • Comprehension

    • 7.SL.3.1

      • Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

    • 7.SL.3.2

      • Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning, relevance, and sufficiency of the evidence.

  • Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

    • 7.SL.4.1

      • Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

    • 7.SL.4.2

      • Create engaging presentations that include multimedia components and visual displays to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.

• Media Literacy 

  • Learning Outcome

    • 7.ML.1

      • Critically analyze information found in electronic, print, and mass media used to inform, persuade, entertain, and transmit culture.

• Criterion

• ReadWorks

• Novels

  • A Long Walk to Water

  • The Outsiders

• Notes and assignments on Canvas