G7 Unit 1 Module 1
What do I value?
Key Reading Standards
Use Key Ideas and Details to:
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (CCSS RL.7.1; CAS 7.2.1.a.i)
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments. (CCSS RL.7.2; CAS 7.2.1.a.ii)
Use Craft and Structure to:
Analyze how a drama's or poem's form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning. (CCSS RL.7.5; CAS 7.2.1.b.ii)
Key Writing Standards
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (CCSS W.7.2; CAS 7.3.1.a)
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (for example: headings), graphics (for example: charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. (CCSS W.7.2a)
Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. (CCSS W.7.2b)
Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. (CCSS W.7.2c)
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. (CCSS W.7.2d)
Establish and maintain a formal style. (CCSS W.7.2e)
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented. (CCSS W.7.2f)
Unit Texts & Tasks
Routine Writing
Extended Texts
at least 1
Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (DMS)
Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes (DMS)
Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass (DMS)
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech (DMS) + exploration of the poetry contained in this book
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (DMS & Overdrive)
Peak by Roland Smith (DMS & Overdrive)
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (DMS & Overdrive)
Taking Sides by Gary Soto (DMS)
Tamarack Tree: A Novel of the Siege of Vicksburg by Patricia Clapp (DMS)
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech (DMS)
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt (DMS & Overdrive)
Short Literary Texts
at least 2-3
"Gren's Ghost" by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (use with On Demand task)
"Casey at the Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer (use with Poetry Analysis)
"Most Valuable Player" by Sarah Van Arsdale
“Akron at Night” by Teri Ellen Cross Davis
“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
"Mariam Finds Her Wings" by Elisabeth Greenberg
“Momentum”by Catherine Doty
“A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Short Informational Texts
at least 1-2
“First Woman to Wear a Boston Bib Races Again, 50 Years Later” by Camila Domonoske
"How the Need to Belong Influences Human Behavior" by Kendra Cherry
“Lessons from Failure: Why We Try, Try Again” by Bethany Brookshire
"Malala Yousafzai: A Normal Yet Powerful Girl" by NPR Staff
"Marley Dias: The 13-Year-Old Activist & Author" by Barrett Smith
“Watch Out: Cell Phones Can Be Addictive” by Kathiann Kowalski
“Why I Refuse to Say I ‘Fight’ My Disability” by Karin Hitselberger
"What Abraham Lincoln Was Carrying in His Pockets the Night He Was Killed" (Biography.com) (use with Every Day Carry)
Analytical Writing Tasks
at least 4-6
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT - Literary Analysis: An essay that explores the theme of a literary text as it relates to the essential question. (aDoc) (Writable)
On Demand - Literary Analysis: An essay that explores the theme of a given text. Designed to be a formative check of students' understanding prior to completing the summative assessment. (Doc) (Writable)
Answer the Question in One Paragraph: A repeated writing opportunity to reflect on the essential question of the module. (Doc) (Writable)
Going Against Values: An argument that explores the values of a character or individual. (Doc) (Writable)
Character Values Analysis: An essay that analyzes how the the elements of the text impact the values of the character or individual. (Doc) (Writable)
Every Day Carry: The writer analyzes the items Lincoln carried the night he was assassinated and the reasoning behind its importance. (Doc) (Writable)
Identity Webs: An exploration of values and beliefs. (Doc) (Writable)
What Matters to Me: A letter/email or presentation where the student shares about themselves. (Doc) (Writable)
Poetry Analysis: An analysis of poetry structure and theme with an opportunity for paired text analysis. (Doc) (Writable)
The Importance of Objects: An exploration of what we carry with us and why it is important. (Doc) (Writable)
Narrative Writing Tasks
at least 1-2
Research Task
at least 1
Research Blitz - Technology Use: A research task in which students explore different ways people use technology. Designed as either a stand alone task or used with a larger research task of the module. (Doc) (Writable)
Tracking Technology: A research task in which students analyze their technology usage over a given period of time. (Doc) (Writable)
Planning
Each unit’s tasks will be a general week-by-week outline of the flow of learning tasks for students. Realizing the cultures and schedules at each site will vary and place unique demands on class time, these outlines are to be seen as generally flexible. Also in recognition of school and classroom cultures, expectations, and practices, unit plans will offer templates for tasks, but will not list daily lessons. This is to allow enough certainty of district alignment while allowing for features such as co-teaching, integrated ELA and social studies, and other unique programmatic designs.
Sample Module Design
WIDA ELD Standards
Reflection & Feedback
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