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Dream BIG ... We'll help you get there!
7th Grade ELA
Curriculum Guide 2017 - 2018
Adopted: September 2012
Updated: August 2017
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Red Bank Middle School 101 Harding Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701
7th Grade ELA Curriculum Guide
Mayra Velazquez 7th grade ELA teacher
Maria Iozzi Principal
Julius Clark Vice Principal
James Pierson Vice Principal
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Red Bank Borough Schools Language Arts Literacy Curriculum Unit Plan
Unit Title/Theme: Unit 1 Reading Fiction Grade 7
Essential Question(s) Enduring (Content) Understanding(s)
1. What are the characteristics of a fictional text? 2. What life lessons can be learned from literature? 3. How do the conflicts and themes presented in literature relate to our
lives? 4. What do stories teach us about human nature? 5. What reading strategies can readers use to help them comprehend
and analyze text? 6. How does reading affect your life?
▪ There are certain characteristics that are common to all stories. ▪ Stories can be interpreted on various levels. ▪ The conflicts and themes found in literature relate to our lives. ▪ Authors use a variety of writing techniques and literary devices to
engage the reader. ▪ Readers use before, during, and after reading strategies to aid in
comprehension and to construct meaning. ▪ Reading expands understanding of the world, its people, and
oneself. ▪ Literature addresses universal themes of human existence and
conflict.
NJSLS Standards Other
RL.7.1. Cite several pieces of textual evidence and make relevant connections to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. RL.7.2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text. RL.7.3. Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
RL.7.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
RL.7.5. Analyze how a drama’s or poem’s form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning. RL.7.6. Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of
Technology Standards ● 8.1.8.A.1 Demonstrate knowledge of a real world problem using
digital tools.
● 8.1.8.A.2 Create a document (e.g. newsletter, reports, personalized
learning plan, business letters or flyers) using one or more digital
applications to be critiqued by professionals for usability.
● 8.1.8.D.1 Understand and model appropriate online behaviors
related to cyber safety, cyber bullying, cyber security, and cyber
ethics including appropriate use of social media.
● 8.1.8.D.2 Demonstrate the application of appropriate citations to
digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.3 Demonstrate an understanding of fair use and Creative
Commons to intellectual property.
● 8.1.8.D.4 Assess the credibility and accuracy of digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.5 Understand appropriate uses for social media and the
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different characters or narrators in a text. RL.7.7. Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to 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 a film). RL.7.9. Compare, contrast and reflect on (e.g. practical knowledge, historical/cultural context, and background knowledge) 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. RL.7.10. By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at grade level text complexity band or above, scaffolding as needed. RI.7.7. Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of the text, analyzing each medium’s portrayal of the subject (e.g., how the delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words). SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. -Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion. -Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed. -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. -Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views. L.7.4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. -Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or
negative consequences of misuse.
● 8.1.8.E.1 Effectively use a variety of search tools and filters in
professional public databases to find information to solve a real
world problem.
21st Century Life and Careers 9.1.8.A.2 Relate how career choices, education choices, skills, entrepreneurship, and economic conditions affect income.
● 9.1.8.A.4 Relate earning power to quality of life across cultures. ● 9.1.8.A.6 Explain how income affects spending decisions. ● 9.1.8.B.6 Evaluate the relationship of cultural traditions and
historical influences on financial practice. ● 9.1.8.E.4 Prioritize personal wants and needs when making
purchases. 9.2 Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation Standards
● 9.2.8.B.4 Evaluate how traditional and nontraditional careers have evolved regionally, nationally, and globally
● 9.2.8.B.7 Evaluate the impact of online activities and social media on employer decisions
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phrase. -Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel). -Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech. -Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary). L.7.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. -Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context. -Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words. -Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending).
Student Learning Objectives (WAL To/That…)
RL.7.1. WALT make inferences based on textual evidence and our prior knowledge WALT locate direct evidence in the text to support our thinking about what the text says WALT use the “Right in the Text” strategy WALT identify explicit textual support for an analysis of text WALT properly quote text to support our thinking RL.7.2. WALT identify and analyze recurring themes (life lessons) and central ideas as they appear throughout a text WALT summarize text with objectivity (without opinions or judgment) RL.7.3. WALT setting, characters, and plot are directly related to one another WALT setting and characters influence plot
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WALT analyze how events drive the action of the story and impact the characters RL.7.4. WALT use context clues to determine the meanings of words and phrases WALT identify the figurative and connotative meanings of words and phrases WALT analyze how the use of alliteration impacts a text RL.7.5. WALT analyze how the structure of a text contributes to its meaning RL.7.6. WALT analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators RL.7.7. WALT compare and contrast textual material to an adaptation RL.7.9. WALT compare and contrast and reflect on a fictional text to a historical account of the same period—to understand how authors use history as a grounds for fictional works WALT identify parallels between modern day fiction and historical accounts WALT interpret the author’s use of history to influence and create present day literature RL.7.10. WALT read and comprehend literature with proficiency RI.7.7. WALT compare and contrast a text to its audio, video, or media version WALT analyze how the delivery of speech impacts words SL.7.1. WALT engage in collaborative discussions WALT come to discussions prepared WALT follow rules for discussions, track progress, goals, and deadlines, and define individual roles
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WALT pose higher level questions WALT respond to others’ questions and comments with ideas that bring the discussion back on topic WALT acknowledge new information expressed by others and make adjustments to our own views after considering this information L.7.4. WALT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words WALT use context clues to determine the meaning of a word or phrase WALT use known affixes and roots to determine the meaning of a word or phrase WALT to use reference materials (print and digital) to clarify meanings and parts of speech WALT to verify the perceived meaning of a word by checking its meaning in context or a resource L.7.5. WALT interpret figurative language and figures of speech WALT use word relationships to better understand each of the words WALT distinguish between connotations and denotations of words
Learning Activities Resources Formative Assessments Summative Assessments
Within the reading fiction unit, students can demonstrate their comprehension of this genre by engaging in the following learning activities:
● Identify and explain plot structure (i.e. exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) of short stories/texts—Create plot diagram
● Analyze how authors create the setting in a short story through the use of imagery, figurative language, and literary techniques—Literary technique analysis
● Maintain character analysis, figurative language, and vocabulary charts for review and evaluation—Character, figurative language, vocabulary analysis
● Develop/respond to leveled questions—3 Levels of Reading
● Define the concept of theme and identify the theme(s) in stories read—Thematic analysis
Grade appropriate/district approved novels, articles, and short stories which may include the following: The Outsiders S.E. Hinton The Pigman Paul Zindel Monster Walter Dean Myers Number the Stars Lois Lowry Gathering Blue Lois Lowry Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck
Quick Write GIST—20 word summary One Pager Sticks and Stones 10 Critical Points—10 point list of the most essential elements in a chapter HMT—Highlight, Mark Text Cornell Notes Cornell Notes Summary Quizzes Response to Literature Questions
Unit Assessment Written response to text: OEQ-RACE Evidence Essay Dialectical Journal Response- DJR-Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
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● Identify and explain characterization techniques in short stories—Close readings-Analysis of characterization
● Trace character development throughout the course of a written work—Character analysis
● Identify and explain the use of figurative language/ figurative expressions in short stories—Leveled responses
● Analyze how authors create mood and tone in short stories through the use of imagery, figurative language, and literary techniques—Close readings-Mood/Tone
● Identify the point of view in a short story and analyze how point of view affects the reader’s interpretation of the story.
● Write a passage from the point of view of a character.
● Write a coherent essay of literary analysis with a clear thesis statement, evidence from texts, and a strong introduction and conclusion.
● Respond critically to literature through discussions that connect to and make reference to text.
● Respond critically to literature through written responses that connect to and make reference to text.
● Apply narrative strategies and literary techniques learned to story writing projects.
Prentice Hall Literature AVID Critical Reading NJ Holistic Scoring Rubric for Writing NJ OEQ Rubric
OEQ AVID 5-Point Summary
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Differentiation
To accommodate the needs of diverse learners, the following differentiation strategies can be utilized where appropriate within the unit activities:
● Assess students’ prior knowledge—Pre-test/KWL/survey
● Provide students with leveled vocabulary/individualized vocabulary
● Provide students with fragmented notes
● Allow students to self-select texts
● Provide students with adapted texts
● Provide students with audio versions of texts
● Provide students with a tiered assignment
● Provide students with a fragmented assignment
● Compact or extend the curriculum according to students’ readiness levels
● Pair students with peers-at, below, or above their learning levels
● Incorporate a variety of cooperative learning activities: TPS, Jigsaw, Numbered Heads
● Use a variety of grouping strategies: flexible, random, student-selected
● Provide students with a variety of graphic organizers to choose from
● Use leveled questions as a form of assessing understanding
● Allow students to create mnemonic devices or provide when necessary
● Vary the task or prompt when using the Question Formulation Technique
● Adjust the instructional focus or activity based on students’ proficiency on a specific skill
● Customize RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) tasks to the individual student
● Tailor learning log responses to the individual student
● Provide students with a variety of reading/writing prompts
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Red Bank Borough Schools Language Arts Literacy Curriculum Unit Plan
Unit Title/Theme: Unit 2 Reading Non-Fiction
Essential Question(s) Enduring (Content) Understanding(s)
1. Why do people read? 2. What do people read? 3. What are the benefits of reading? 4. How does reading affect your life? 5. How do readers prepare for reading? 6. What are readers thinking about as they read? 7. What can a reader do when they don’t understand?
▪ Reading expands understanding of the world, its people and oneself. ▪ Authors use a variety of writing techniques and literary devices to
engage the reader. ▪ Readers use before, during, and after reading strategies to aid in
comprehension and to construct meaning. ▪ The future can be shaped by understanding the past.
NJSLS Standards Other
RI.7.1. Cite several pieces of textual evidence and make relevant connections
to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn
from the text.
RI.7.2. Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their
development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of
the text.
RI.7.3. Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a
text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals
influence ideas or events). RI.7.4. Determine the meaning of words and
phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and
technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning
and tone.
RI.7.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a
text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the
impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone
Technology Standards ● 8.1.8.A.1 Demonstrate knowledge of a real world problem using
digital tools.
● 8.1.8.A.2 Create a document (e.g. newsletter, reports, personalized
learning plan, business letters or flyers) using one or more digital
applications to be critiqued by professionals for usability.
● 8.1.8.D.1 Understand and model appropriate online behaviors related
to cyber safety, cyber bullying, cyber security, and cyber ethics
including appropriate use of social media.
● 8.1.8.D.2 Demonstrate the application of appropriate citations to
digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.3 Demonstrate an understanding of fair use and Creative
Commons to intellectual property.
● 8.1.8.D.4 Assess the credibility and accuracy of digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.5 Understand appropriate uses for social media and the
negative consequences of misuse.
● 8.1.8.E.1 Effectively use a variety of search tools and filters in
professional public databases to find information to solve a real world
problem.
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RI.7.5. 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.
RI.7.6. Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze
how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others.
RI.7.7. Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version
of the text, analyzing each medium’s portrayal of the subject (e.g., how the
delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words).
RI.7.8. 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.
RI.7.9. Analyze and reflect on (e.g. practical knowledge, historical/cultural
context, and background knowledge) how two or more authors writing about
the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing
different evidence or advancing different interpretations of facts.
RI.7.10. By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at
grade level text-complexity or above, scaffolding as needed.
SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and
issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under
study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the
topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and
21st Century Life and Careers: ● 9.1.8.A.2 Relate how career choices, education choices, skills,
entrepreneurship, and economic conditions affect income. ● 9.1.8.A.4 Relate earning power to quality of life across cultures. ● 9.1.8.A.6 Explain how income affects spending decisions. ● 9.1.8.B.5 Explain the effect of the economy on personal income,
individual and family security, and consumer decisions. ● 9.1.8.B.6 Evaluate the relationship of cultural traditions and historical
influences on financial practice. ● 9.1.8.B.11 Evaluate the appropriate financial institutions to assist
with meeting various personal financial needs and goals. ● 9.1.8.C.1 Compare and contrast credit cards and debit cards and the
advantages and disadvantages of using each. ● 9.1.8.C.3 Compare and contrast debt and credit management
strategies. ● 9.1.8.C.9 Summarize the causes and consequences of personal
bankruptcy. ● 9.1.8.E.4 Prioritize personal wants and needs when making
purchases. ● 9.2.8.B.4 Evaluate how traditional and nontraditional careers have
evolved regionally, nationally, and globally
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deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
-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.
-Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted,
modify their own views.
L.7.4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning
words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly
from a range of strategies.
-Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s
position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or
phrase.
-Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to
the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel).
-Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both
print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify
its precise meaning or its part of speech.
-Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase
(e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
L.7.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships,
and nuances in word meanings.
-Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions)
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in context.
-Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym,
analogy) to better understand each of the words.
-Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar
denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic,
condescending).
L.7.6. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and
domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when
considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Student Learning Objectives (WAL To/That…)
RI.7.1. WALT make inferences based on textual evidence and our prior knowledge WALT locate direct evidence in the text to support our thinking about what the text says WALT use the “Right in the Text” strategy WALT identify explicit textual support for an analysis of text WALT properly quote text to support our thinking RI.7.2. WALT identify and analyze central ideas as they appear throughout a text WALT summarize text with objectivity (without opinions or judgment) RI.7.3. WALT analyze the interactions between individuals, events and ideas WALT analyze how societal perceptions influence the ideas of others
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WALT individual’s ideas are shaped by opinions and facts RI.7.4. WALT determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases WALT determine the meaning of figurative language in text WALT differentiate between the literal and connotative meanings/ implied meanings in text WALT analyze literal, connotative, and technical meanings of words WALT analyze the author’s word choice and how if effects the meaning of text RI.7.5. WALT recognize organizational patterns in text WALT use critical reading strategies of chunking text to comprehend information WALT analyze how sections contribute to the overall development of ideas RI.7.6. WALT identify an author’s point of view/an author’s purpose in text WALT identify how an author addresses opposing viewpoints RI.7.7. WALT compare and contrast a text to its audio, video, or media version WALT analyze how the delivery of speech impacts words RI.7.8. WALT identify the argument and claims made by an author WALT to determine whether an author’s reasoning is strong and supported by relevant evidence WALT evaluate strong claims and weak claims WALT to recognize relevant and irrelevant evidence and how this evidence impacts specific claims RI.7.9. WALT recognize how two author’s writings about the same topic present different evidence to support their own opinions WALT compare and contrast how two or more authors present key information about the same topic RI.7.10. WALT read and comprehend grade appropriate text with proficiency
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SL.7.1. WALT engage in collaborative discussions WALT come to discussions prepared WALT follow rules for discussions, track progress, goals, and deadlines, and define individual roles WALT pose higher level questions WALT respond to others’ questions and comments with ideas that bring the discussion back on topic WALT acknowledge new information expressed by others and make adjustments to our own views after considering this information L.7.4. WALT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words WALT use context clues to determine the meaning of a word or phrase WALT use known affixes and roots to determine the meaning of a word or phrase WALT to use reference materials (print and digital) to clarify meanings and parts of speech WALT to verify the perceived meaning of a word by checking its meaning in context or a resource L.7.5. WALT interpret figurative language and figures of speech WALT use word relationships to better understand each of the words L.7.6. WALT use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases
Learning Activities Resources Formative Assessments Summative Assessment
Within the reading non-fiction unit, students can demonstrate
their comprehension of this genre by engaging in the following
learning activities:
● Identify and explain the characteristics of nonfiction- Locate
evidence in texts read.
● Distinguish between various types of nonfiction texts (ie.
Memoir and autobiography).
Grade appropriate/district approved novels, articles and essays which may include the following: Number the Stars Lois Lowry The Outsiders S.E. Hinton
GIST—20 word summary 10 Critical Points—10 point list of the most essential elements in a chapter HMT—Highlight, Mark Text
Unit Assessment Written response to text: OEQ-RACE Evidence Essay
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● Identify and explain the effect of stylistic devices used in
nonfiction (ie. persuasive techniques, statistics, fact opinion)
● Identify and explain the characteristics of various types of
essays (e.g., literary and narrative).
● Identify and analyze the effect of rhetorical strategies in
speeches such as alliteration, repetition, extended
metaphors, and parallelism.
● Engage with non-fiction text using the Question Formulation
Technique.
● Respond critically to nonfiction through discussions that
connect to and make reference to text.
● Respond critically to nonfiction through written responses
that connect to and make reference to text.
● Apply rhetorical strategies learned to essay writing projects.
Monster Walter Dean Myers Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck AVID Critical Reading AVID Weekly articles AVID Elementary articles Scholastic Upfront articles Junior Scholastic articles TeenBiz articles Prentice Hall Literature NJ Holistic Scoring Rubric for Writing NJ OEQ Rubric
Cornell Notes Cornell Notes Summary Quizzes Response to Literature Questions OEQ AVID 5-Point Summary
Differentiation
To accommodate the needs of diverse learners, the following differentiation strategies can be utilized where appropriate within the unit activities:
● Assess students’ prior knowledge—Pre-test/KWL/survey
● Provide students with leveled vocabulary/individualized vocabulary
● Provide students with fragmented notes
● Allow students to self-select texts
● Provide students with adapted texts
● Provide students with audio versions of texts
● Provide students with a tiered assignment
● Provide students with a fragmented assignment
● Compact or extend the curriculum according to students’ readiness levels
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● Pair students with peers-at, below, or above their learning levels
● Incorporate a variety of cooperative learning activities: TPS, Jigsaw, Numbered Heads
● Use a variety of grouping strategies: flexible, random, student-selected
● Provide students with a variety of graphic organizers to choose from
● Use leveled questions as a form of assessing understanding
● Allow students to create mnemonic devices or provide when necessary
● Vary the task or prompt when using the Question Formulation Technique
● Adjust the instructional focus or activity based on students’ proficiency on a specific skill
● Customize RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) tasks to the individual student
● Tailor learning log responses to the individual student
● Provide students with a variety of reading/writing prompts
Dream BIG ... We'll help you get there!
Red Bank Borough Schools Language Arts Literacy Curriculum Unit Plan
Unit Title/Theme: Unit 3 Reading Historical Text
Essential Question(s) Enduring (Content) Understanding(s)
1. Why do people read? 2. What do people read? 3. What are the benefits of reading? 4. How does reading affect your life? 5. How do readers prepare for reading? 6. What are readers thinking about as they read? 7. What can a reader do when they don’t understand?
▪ Reading expands understanding of the world, its people and oneself. ▪ Authors use a variety of writing techniques and literary devices to
engage the reader. ▪ Readers use before, during, and after reading strategies to aid in
comprehension and to construct meaning. ▪ The future can be shaped by understanding the past.
NJSLS Standards Other
RI.7.1. Cite several pieces of textual evidence and make relevant connections
to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn
from the text.
RI.7.2. Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their
development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of
the text.
RI.7.3. Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a
text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals
influence ideas or events). RI.7.4. Determine the meaning of words and
phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and
technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning
and tone.
RI.7.5. 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
Technology Standards ● 8.1.8.A.1 Demonstrate knowledge of a real world problem using
digital tools.
● 8.1.8.A.2 Create a document (e.g. newsletter, reports, personalized
learning plan, business letters or flyers) using one or more digital
applications to be critiqued by professionals for usability.
● 8.1.8.D.1 Understand and model appropriate online behaviors related
to cyber safety, cyber bullying, cyber security, and cyber ethics
including appropriate use of social media.
● 8.1.8.D.2 Demonstrate the application of appropriate citations to
digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.3 Demonstrate an understanding of fair use and Creative
Commons to intellectual property.
● 8.1.8.D.4 Assess the credibility and accuracy of digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.5 Understand appropriate uses for social media and the
negative consequences of misuse.
● 8.1.8.E.1 Effectively use a variety of search tools and filters in
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ideas.
RI.7.6. Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze
how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others.
RI.7.7. Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version
of the text, analyzing each medium’s portrayal of the subject (e.g., how the
delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words).
RI.7.8. 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.
RI.7.9. Analyze and reflect on (e.g. practical knowledge, historical/cultural
context, and background knowledge) how two or more authors writing about
the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing
different evidence or advancing different interpretations of facts.
RI.7.10. By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at
grade level text-complexity or above, scaffolding as needed.
SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and
issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under
study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the
topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and
deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
professional public databases to find information to solve a real world
problem.
21st Century Life and Careers: 9.1.8.A.4 Relate earning power to quality of life across cultures.
● 9.1.8.A.6 Explain how income affects spending decisions. ● 9.1.8.B.5 Explain the effect of the economy on personal income,
individual and family security, and consumer decisions. ● 9.1.8.B.6 Evaluate the relationship of cultural traditions and historical
influences on financial practice. ● 9.1.8.C.3 Compare and contrast debt and credit management
strategies. ● 9.1.8.C.9 Summarize the causes and consequences of personal
bankruptcy. ● 9.1.8.E.1 Explain what it means to be a responsible consumer and the
factors to consider when making consumer decisions. ● 9.1.8.E.4 Prioritize personal wants and needs when making
purchases. ● 9.1.8.E.8 Recognize the techniques and effects of deceptive
advertising. ● 9.1.8.F.3 Relate the impact of business, government, and consumer
fiscal responsibility to the economy and to personal finance. ● 9.2.8.B.4 Evaluate how traditional and nontraditional careers have
evolved regionally, nationally, and globally
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-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.
-Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted,
modify their own views.
L.7.4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning
words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly
from a range of strategies.
-Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s
position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or
phrase.
-Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to
the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel).
-Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both
print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify
its precise meaning or its part of speech.
-Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase
(e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
L.7.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships,
and nuances in word meanings.
-Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions)
in context.
-Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym,
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analogy) to better understand each of the words.
-Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar
denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic,
condescending).
L.7.6. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and
domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when
considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
RH.6-8.1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources. RH.6-8.2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions. RH.6-8.3. Identify key steps in a text’s description of a process related to history/social studies (e.g., how a bill becomes law, how interest rates are raised or lowered). RH.6-8.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies. RH.6-8.5. Describe how a text presents information (e.g., sequentially, comparatively, causally). RH.6-8.6. Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts). RH.6-8.7. Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
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RH.6-8.8. Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text. RH.6-8.9. Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source
on the same topic.
Student Learning Objectives (WAL To/That…)
RI.7.1. WALT make inferences based on textual evidence and our prior knowledge WALT locate direct evidence in the text to support our thinking about what the text says WALT use the “Right in the Text” strategy WALT identify explicit textual support for an analysis of text WALT properly quote text to support our thinking RI.7.2. WALT identify and analyze central ideas as they appear throughout a text WALT summarize text with objectivity (without opinions or judgment) RI.7.3. WALT analyze the interactions between individuals, events and ideas WALT analyze how societal perceptions influence the ideas of others WALT individual’s ideas are shaped by opinions and facts RI.7.4. WALT determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases WALT determine the meaning of figurative language in text WALT differentiate between the literal and connotative meanings/ implied meanings in text WALT analyze literal, connotative, and technical meanings of words WALT analyze the author’s word choice and how if effects the meaning of text RI.7.5. WALT recognize organizational patterns in text
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WALT use critical reading strategies of chunking text to comprehend information WALT analyze how sections contribute to the overall development of ideas RI.7.6. WALT identify an author’s point of view/an author’s purpose in text WALT identify how an author addresses opposing viewpoints RI.7.7. WALT compare and contrast a text to its audio, video, or media version WALT analyze how the delivery of speech impacts words RI.7.8. WALT identify the argument and claims made by an author WALT to determine whether an author’s reasoning is strong and supported by relevant evidence WALT evaluate strong claims and weak claims WALT to recognize relevant and irrelevant evidence and how this evidence impacts specific claims RI.7.9. WALT recognize how two author’s writings about the same topic present different evidence to support their own opinions WALT compare and contrast how two or more authors present key information about the same topic RI.7.10. WALT read and comprehend grade appropriate text with proficiency SL.7.1. WALT engage in collaborative discussions WALT come to discussions prepared WALT pose higher level questions WALT follow rules for discussions, track progress, goals, and deadlines, and define individual roles WALT respond to others’ questions and comments with ideas that bring the discussion back on topic WALT acknowledge new information expressed by others and make adjustments to our own views after considering this information L.7.4.
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WALT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words WALT use context clues to determine the meaning of a word or phrase WALT use known affixes and roots to determine the meaning of a word or phrase WALT to use reference materials (print and digital) to clarify meanings and parts of speech WALT to verify the perceived meaning of a word by checking its meaning in context or a resource L.7.5. WALT interpret figurative language and figures of speech WALT use word relationships to better understand each of the words L.7.6. WALT use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases RH.6-8.1. WALT cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources RH.6-8.2. WALT determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source WALT provide an accurate summary of a source RH.6-8.3. WALT identify key steps in a text’s description of a process related to history/social studies RH.6-8.4. WALT determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to history/social studies RH.6-8.5. WALT describe how a text presents information RH.6-8.6. WALT identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view or purpose
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RH.6-8.7. WALT incorporate visual information with other information RH.6-8.8. WALT distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text RH.6-8.9. WALT analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic
Learning Activities Resources Formative Assessments Summative Assessments
Within the reading historical text unit, students can demonstrate their comprehension of this genre by engaging in the following learning activities: ● Analyze excerpts from texts noting how events echo
sentiments of time period. ● Analyze historical fiction noting differences between
historical fact and literary fiction. ● Analyze how historical fiction draws on themes, patterns of
events, or character types from traditional stories. ● Compare and contrast story characters, plots, themes, and
settings from stories about history. ● Determine the author’s point of view in two texts about the
same topic and discuss the effect it has on the work. ● Respond critically to historical texts through discussions that
connect to and make reference to text. ● Respond critically to historical texts through written
responses that connect to and make reference to text. ● Engage with non-fiction text using the Question Formulation
Technique. ● Conduct an in-depth research project on a historical event of
Grade appropriate/district approved novels, articles and essays Number the Stars Lois Lowry The Boy Who Dared Susan Campbell Bartoletti The Outsiders S.E. Hinton Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck AVID Critical Reading AVID Weekly articles AVID Elementary articles Scholastic Upfront articles Junior Scholastic articles TeenBiz articles Prentice Hall Literature NJ Holistic Scoring Rubric for Writing
GIST—20 word summary One Pager Sticks and Stones 10 Critical Points—10 point list of the most essential elements in a chapter HMT—Highlight, Mark Text Cornell Notes Cornell Notes Summary Quizzes Response to Literature Questions OEQ AVID 5-Point Summary Timeline
Unit Assessment Written response to text: OEQ-RACE Evidence Essay Dialectical Journal Response-DJR— Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
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choice, followed by an analysis that includes insights from
historical fiction.
NJ OEQ Rubric
Differentiation
To accommodate the needs of diverse learners, the following differentiation strategies can be utilized where appropriate within the unit activities:
● Assess students’ prior knowledge—Pre-test/KWL/survey
● Provide students with leveled vocabulary/individualized vocabulary
● Provide students with fragmented notes
● Allow students to self-select texts
● Provide students with adapted texts
● Provide students with audio versions of texts
● Provide students with a tiered assignment
● Provide students with a fragmented assignment
● Compact or extend the curriculum according to students’ readiness levels
● Pair students with peers-at, below, or above their learning levels
● Incorporate a variety of cooperative learning activities: TPS, Jigsaw, Numbered Heads
● Use a variety of grouping strategies: flexible, random, student-selected
● Provide students with a variety of graphic organizers to choose from
● Use leveled questions as a form of assessing understanding
● Allow students to create mnemonic devices or provide when necessary
● Vary the task or prompt when using the Question Formulation Technique
● Adjust the instructional focus or activity based on students’ proficiency on a specific skill
● Customize RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) tasks to the individual student
● Tailor learning log responses to the individual student
● Provide students with a variety of reading/writing prompts
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Red Bank Borough Schools
Language Arts Literacy Curriculum Unit Plan
Unit Title/Theme: Unit 4 Reading Drama
Essential Question(s) Enduring (Content) Understanding(s)
1. How does drama differ from other types of text? 2. What life lessons can be learned from drama? 3. How do the conflicts and themes presented through drama relate to
our lives? 4. What does drama teach us about human nature? 5. What reading strategies can readers use to help them comprehend
and analyze text? 6. Why do people read? 7. How does reading affect your life?
▪ There are certain characteristics that are particular to drama. ▪ The conflicts and themes found in drama relate to our lives. ▪ Authors use a variety of writing techniques and literary devices to
engage the reader. ▪ Readers use before, during, and after reading strategies to aid in
comprehension and to construct meaning. ▪ Reading expands understanding of the world, its people, and oneself. ▪ Literature and drama address universal themes of human existence,
and conflict.
NJSLS Standards Other
RL.7.2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its
development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of
the text.
RL.7.3. Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g.,
how setting shapes the characters or plot).
RL.7.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a
text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of
rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific
verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
RL.7.5. Analyze how a drama or poem’s form or structure (e.g., soliloquy,
sonnet) contributes to its meaning.
RL.7.6. Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of
Technology Standards ● 8.1.8.A.1 Demonstrate knowledge of a real world problem using
digital tools.
● 8.1.8.A.2 Create a document (e.g. newsletter, reports, personalized
learning plan, business letters or flyers) using one or more digital
applications to be critiqued by professionals for usability.
● 8.1.8.D.1 Understand and model appropriate online behaviors related
to cyber safety, cyber bullying, cyber security, and cyber ethics
including appropriate use of social media.
● 8.1.8.D.2 Demonstrate the application of appropriate citations to
digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.3 Demonstrate an understanding of fair use and Creative
Commons to intellectual property.
● 8.1.8.D.4 Assess the credibility and accuracy of digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.5 Understand appropriate uses for social media and the
negative consequences of misuse.
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different characters or narrators in a text.
RL.7.10. By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including
stories, dramas, and poems, at grade level text complexity band or above,
scaffolding as needed.
SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and
issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under
study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the
topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and
deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
-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.
-Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted,
modify their own views.
L.7.4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning
words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly
from a range of strategies.
-Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s
position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or
phrase.
● 8.1.8.E.1 Effectively use a variety of search tools and filters in
professional public databases to find information to solve a real world
problem.
21st Century Life and Careers:
● 9.1.8.A.2 Relate how career choices, education choices, skills, entrepreneurship, and economic conditions affect income.
● 9.1.8.A.4 Relate earning power to quality of life across cultures. ● 9.1.8.A.6 Explain how income affects spending decisions. ● 9.1.8.B.5 Explain the effect of the economy on personal income,
individual and family security, and consumer decisions. ● 9.1.8.B.6 Evaluate the relationship of cultural traditions and historical
influences on financial practice. ● 9.1.8.B.11 Evaluate the appropriate financial institutions to assist
with meeting various personal financial needs and goals. ● 9.1.8.C.1 Compare and contrast credit cards and debit cards and the
advantages and disadvantages of using each. ● 9.1.8.C.3 Compare and contrast debt and credit management
strategies. ● 9.1.8.C.9 Summarize the causes and consequences of personal
bankruptcy. ● 9.1.8.E.1 Explain what it means to be a responsible consumer and the
factors to consider when making consumer decisions. ● 9.1.8.E.4 Prioritize personal wants and needs when making
purchases. ● 9.1.8.E.8 Recognize the techniques and effects of deceptive
advertising. ● 9.1.8.F.3 Relate the impact of business, government, and consumer
fiscal responsibility to the economy and to personal finance. ● 9.2.8.B.1 Research careers within the 16 Career Clusters and
determine attributes of career success ● 9.2.8.B.2 Develop a Personalized Student Learning Plan with the
assistance of an adult mentor that includes information about career
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-Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to
the meaning of a word (e.g., belligerent, bellicose, rebel).
-Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both
print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify
its precise meaning or its part of speech.
-Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase
(e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
L.7.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships,
and nuances in word meanings.
-Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions)
in context.
-Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym,
analogy) to better understand each of the words.
-Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar
denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic,
condescending).
areas of interest, goals and an education plan ● 9.2.8.B.3 Evaluate communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
that can be developed through school, home, work, and extracurricular activities for use in a career
● 9.2.8.B.4 Evaluate how traditional and nontraditional careers have evolved regionally, nationally, and globally
● 9.2.8.B.5 Analyze labor market trends using state and federal labor market information and other resources available online
● 9.2.8.B.6 Demonstrate understanding of the necessary preparation and legal requirements to enter the workforce
● 9.2.8.B.7 Evaluate the impact of online activities and social media on employer decisions
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Student Learning Objectives (WAL To/That…)
RL.7.2. WALT identify and analyze recurring themes (life lessons) and central ideas as they appear throughout a text WALT summarize text with objectivity (without opinions or judgment) RL.7.3. WALT setting, characters, and plot are directly related to one another WALT setting and characters influence the plot of a story WALT analyze how events drive the action of the story and impact the characters RL.7.4. WALT use context clues to determine the meanings of words and phrases WALT identify the figurative and connotative meanings of words and phrases WALT analyze how the use of alliteration impacts a text RL.7.5. WALT analyze how the structure of a text contributes to its meaning RL.7.6. WALT analyze how an author shows the points of view of different characters RL.7.10. WALT read and comprehend literature with proficiency SL.7.1. WALT engage in collaborative discussions WALT come to discussions prepared WALT pose higher level questions WALT follow rules for discussions, track progress, goals, and deadlines, and define individual roles WALT respond to others’ questions and comments with ideas that bring the discussion back on topic
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WALT acknowledge new information expressed by others and make adjustments to our own views after considering this information L.7.4. WALT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words WALT use context clues to determine the meaning of a word or phrase WALT use known affixes and roots to determine the meaning of a word or phrase WALT to use reference materials (print and digital) to clarify meanings and parts of speech WALT to verify the perceived meaning of a word by checking its meaning in context or a resource L.7.5. WALT interpret figurative language and figures of speech WALT use word relationships to better understand each of the words WALT distinguish between connotations and denotations of words
Learning Activities Resources Formative Assessments Summative Assessments
Within the reading drama unit, students can demonstrate their
comprehension of this genre by engaging in the following
learning activities:
● Identify and explain plot structure (i.e. exposition, rising
action, climax, falling action, resolution) in drama—Create
plot diagram
● Label the stylistic elements found within drama –Literary
technique analysis
● Analyze how the stylistic elements found in drama impact
the written work –Literary technique analysis
● Trace the multiple settings in a drama and analyze how they
contribute to the overall plot and theme.
● Analyze how settings contribute to and impact the plot—
Literary technique analysis
Prentice Hall Literature: The Dream Bearer Walter Dean Myers Anne Frank-Play version Monster, Walter Dean Myers Monsters Are Due on Maple Street Junior Scholastic AVI D Critical Reading
Quick Write GIST—20 word summary One Pager Sticks and Stones 10 Critical Points—10 point list of the most essential elements in a chapter HMT—Highlight, Mark Text Cornell Notes Cornell Notes Summary Quizzes Response to Literature Questions OEQ
Unit Assessment Written response to text: OEQ-RACE Evidence Essay Dialectical Journal Response-DJR Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
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● Define the concept of theme and identify the theme(s) in
drama —Thematic analysis
● Identify and explain characterization techniques found in
drama –Analysis of characterization
● Trace character development throughout the course of a
drama—Character Analysis
● Identify and explain the use of figurative language/
figurative expressions in drama—Figurative language
analysis
● Analyze how authors create tone and mood in drama –Close
readings-Mood/Tone
● Identify the point of view and analyze how point of view
affects the reader’s interpretation of the piece.
● Develop/respond to leveled questions—3 Levels of Reading
● Write a coherent essay of literary analysis with a clear thesis
statement, evidence from texts, and a strong introduction
and conclusion.
● Respond critically to drama through discussions that
connect to and make reference to text
● Respond critically to drama through written responses that
connect to and make reference to text.
● Interact directly with text and characters through
reenactment of scenes.
AVID 5-Point Summary
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Differentiation
To accommodate the needs of diverse learners, the following differentiation strategies can be utilized where appropriate within the unit activities:
● Assess students’ prior knowledge—Pre-test/KWL/survey
● Provide students with leveled vocabulary/individualized vocabulary
● Provide students with fragmented notes
● Allow students to self-select texts
● Provide students with adapted texts
● Provide students with audio versions of texts
● Provide students with a tiered assignment
● Provide students with a fragmented assignment
● Compact or extend the curriculum according to students’ readiness levels
● Pair students with peers-at, below, or above their learning levels
● Incorporate a variety of cooperative learning activities: TPS, Jigsaw, Numbered Heads
● Use a variety of grouping strategies: flexible, random, student-selected
● Provide students with a variety of graphic organizers to choose from
● Use leveled questions as a form of assessing understanding
● Allow students to create mnemonic devices or provide when necessary
● Vary the task or prompt when using the Question Formulation Technique
● Adjust the instructional focus or activity based on students’ proficiency on a specific skill
● Customize RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) tasks to the individual student
● Tailor learning log responses to the individual student
● Provide students with a variety of reading/writing prompts
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Red Bank Borough Schools Language Arts Literacy Curriculum Unit Plan
Unit Title/Theme: Unit 5 Reading Poetry
Essential Question(s) Enduring (Content) Understanding(s)
1. What are the characteristics of poetry? 2. What life lessons can be learned from poetry? 3. How do the conflicts and themes presented in poetry relate to our
lives? 4. What does poetry teach us about human nature? 5. What reading strategies can readers use to help them comprehend
and analyze poetry? 6. How does reading affect your life?
▪ There are certain characteristics that make poetry different from any other literary genre.
▪ The conflicts and themes found in poetry relate to our lives. ▪ Authors use a variety of writing techniques and literary devices to
engage the reader. ▪ Readers use before, during, and after reading strategies to aid in
comprehension and to construct meaning. ▪ Reading expands understanding of the world, its people and oneself.
NJSLS Standards Other
RL.7.1. Cite several pieces of textual evidence and make relevant connections
to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn
from the text.
RL.7.2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its
development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of
the text.
RL.7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a
text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of
rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific
verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
RL.7.5. Analyze how a drama or poem’s form or structure (e.g., soliloquy,
sonnet) contributes to its meaning.
RL.7.6. Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of
different characters or narrators in a text.
Technology Standards ● 8.1.8.A.1 Demonstrate knowledge of a real world problem using
digital tools.
● 8.1.8.A.2 Create a document (e.g. newsletter, reports, personalized
learning plan, business letters or flyers) using one or more digital
applications to be critiqued by professionals for usability.
● 8.1.8.D.1 Understand and model appropriate online behaviors related
to cyber safety, cyber bullying, cyber security, and cyber ethics
including appropriate use of social media.
● 8.1.8.D.2 Demonstrate the application of appropriate citations to
digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.3 Demonstrate an understanding of fair use and Creative
Commons to intellectual property.
● 8.1.8.D.4 Assess the credibility and accuracy of digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.5 Understand appropriate uses for social media and the
negative consequences of misuse.
● 8.1.8.E.1 Effectively use a variety of search tools and filters in
professional public databases to find information to solve a real world
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RL.7.9. Compare, contrast and reflect on (e.g. practical knowledge,
historical/cultural context, and background knowledge) 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.
RL.7.10. By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including
stories, dramas, and poems, at grade level text complexity band or above,
scaffolding as needed.
SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and
issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under
study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the
topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and
deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
-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.
-Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted,
modify their own views.
L.7.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships,
and nuances in word meanings.
-Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions)
problem.
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in context.
-Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym,
analogy) to better understand each of the words.
-Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar
denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic,
condescending).
Student Learning Objectives (WAL To/That…)
RL.7.1. WALT make inferences based on textual evidence and our prior knowledge WALT locate direct evidence in the text to support our thinking about what the text says WALT use the “Right in the Text” strategy WALT identify explicit textual support for an analysis of text WALT properly quote text to support our thinking RL.7. 2. WALT identify and analyze recurring themes (life lessons) and central ideas as they appear throughout a text WALT summarize text with objectivity (without opinions or judgment) RL.7.4. WALT use context clues to determine the meanings of words and phrases WALT identify the figurative and connotative meanings of words and phrases WALT analyze how the use of alliteration impacts a text RL.7.5. WALT analyze how the structure of a text contributes to its meaning RL.7.6. WALT analyze how an author shows the points of view of different characters or narrators
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RL.7.9. WALT compare and contrast and reflect on a fictional text to a historical account of the same period--to understand how authors use history as a grounds for fictional works WALT identify parallels between modern day fiction and historical accounts WALT interpret the author’s use of history to influence and create present day literature RL.7.10. WALT read and comprehend literature with proficiency SL.7.1. WALT engage in collaborative discussions WALT come to discussions prepared WALT pose higher level questions WALT follow rules for discussions, track progress, goals, and deadlines, and define individual roles WALT respond to others’ questions and comments with ideas that bring the discussion back on topic WALT acknowledge new information expressed by others and make adjustments to our own views after considering this information L.7.5. WALT interpret figurative language and figures of speech WALT use word relationships to better understand each of the words WALT distinguish between connotations and denotations of words
Learning Activities Resources Formative Assessments Summative Assessment
Using a variety of poems, students can demonstrate their
comprehension of this genre by engaging in the following
learning activities:
● Define and explain poetic devices, such as alliteration,
assonance, consonance, and describe the ways in which they
help reveal the theme(s) of the poem.
● Identify the form, rhyme scheme, and meter of poems
The Outsiders S.E. Hinton Number the Stars Lois Lowry Prentice Hall Literature Grade appropriate music lyrics Thematic poems connected to literature
GIST—20 word summary One Pager HMT—Highlight, Mark Text Cornell Notes Cornell Notes Summary Quizzes Response to Literature Questions
Unit Assessment Written response to text: OEQ-RACE Evidence Dialectical Journal Response- DJR Poetic Analysis/ Interpretation Various poetic forms Socratic Seminar
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studied
● Describe how poetry differs from prose and explain why
authors would choose one form over another for a particular
purpose.
● Recognize and explain the distinguishing characteristics of
various kinds of poetry, such as lyric poetry, blank verse,
haiku…
● Define important poetry terms: form, figurative language and
effects of sound.
● Associate definitions and terms in form, figurative language
and effects of sound as they apply to poems read.
● Recognize poetry terms in specific contexts.
● Compare and contrast poetry terms and examples.
● Define and offer examples of various forms of poetry.
● Analyze and evaluate form, figurative language and effects of
sound.
● Define the concept of theme and identify the theme(s) in
poems read—Thematic analysis
● Respond critically to poetry through discussions that connect
to and make reference to text.
● Respond critically to poetry through written responses that
connect to and make reference to text.
● Apply strategies and techniques learned to poetry writing
projects.
Summary Compare/Contrast (Venn Diagram)
Differentiation
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To accommodate the needs of diverse learners, the following differentiation strategies can be utilized where appropriate within the unit activities:
● Assess students’ prior knowledge—Pre-test/KWL/survey
● Provide students with leveled vocabulary/individualized vocabulary
● Provide students with fragmented notes
● Allow students to self-select texts
● Provide students with adapted texts
● Provide students with audio versions of texts
● Provide students with a tiered assignment
● Provide students with a fragmented assignment
● Compact or extend the curriculum according to students’ readiness levels
● Pair students with peers-at, below, or above their learning levels
● Incorporate a variety of cooperative learning activities: TPS, Jigsaw, Numbered Heads
● Use a variety of grouping strategies: flexible, random, student-selected
● Provide students with a variety of graphic organizers to choose from
● Use leveled questions as a form of assessing understanding
● Allow students to create mnemonic devices or provide when necessary
● Vary the task or prompt when using the Question Formulation Technique
● Adjust the instructional focus or activity based on students’ proficiency on a specific skill
● Customize RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) tasks to the individual student
● Tailor learning log responses to the individual student
● Provide students with a variety of reading/writing prompts
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Red Bank Borough Schools Language Arts Literacy Curriculum Unit Plan
Unit Title/Theme: Unit 6 Writing Narratives—Personal/Fictional
Essential Question(s) Enduring (Content) Understanding(s)
1. How does purpose influence the format of your writing? 2. How does audience influence the style of your writing? 3. Why do we write? 4. How is your style of writing influenced by the purpose of writing? 5. What is the importance of sharing? 6. How can we use evaluation and reflection to improve our writing? 7. How does word choice and effective use of grammar, spelling and
mechanics contribute to your writing?
▪ Effective communication relies on the use of proper form, style, organization and fluency.
▪ Writers have a distinct purpose for writing and maintain that purpose throughout the piece.
▪ Writing is a multi-step process. ▪ Writing is a reflective process. ▪ Effective written communication depends on proper use of grammar,
spelling, mechanics, and word choice.
NJSLS Standards Other
W.7.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events
using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured
event sequences.
-Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and
introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that
unfolds naturally and logically.
-Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to
develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
-Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence
and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another.
-Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory
language to capture the action and convey experiences and events
-Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated
Technology Standards ● 8.1.8.A.2 Create a document (e.g. newsletter, reports, personalized
learning plan, business letters or flyers) using one or more digital
applications to be critiqued by professionals for usability.
● 8.1.8.D.3 Demonstrate an understanding of fair use and Creative
Commons to intellectual property.
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experiences or events.
W.7.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development,
organization, voice and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
(Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3
above.)
W.7.5. With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and
strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or
trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have
been addressed.
W.7.6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing
and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with others,
including linking to and citing sources.
W.7.10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research,
reflection, metacognition/self correction, and revision) and shorter time
frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks,
purposes, and audiences.
SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and
issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under
study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the
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topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and
deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
-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.
-Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted,
modify their own views.
L.7.1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
-Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in
specific sentences.
-Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex
sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas.
-Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing a…
L.7.2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
-Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating,
enjoyable movie but not He wore an old[,] green shirt).
-Spell correctly.
L.7.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking,
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reading, or listening.
-Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing
and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.*
L.7.6. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and
domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when
considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Student Learning Objectives (WAL To/That…)
W.7.3. WALT write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences/ events, using relevant descriptive details, and well-organized sequences WALT engage the reader by establishing a point of view, introducing a narrator and/or characters and organizing events logically WALT use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description to develop experiences, events, and/or characters WALT use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to show sequence, time frame, and setting changes WALT use precise words and phrases, descriptive details, and sensory language to show action, experiences, and events WALT provide a conclusion that ‘flows’ from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events W.7.4. WALT produce clear and well-organized writing that is appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience W.7.5.
WALT develop and strengthen writing through the writing process
W.7.6.
WALT use technology to produce and publish writing, link and cite sources, interact, and collaborate with others
W.7.10. WALT write over extended time frames
WALT write for shorter time frames for specific tasks, purposes, and audiences SL.7.1. WALT engage in collaborative discussions
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WALT come to discussions prepared WALT pose higher level questions WALT follow rules for discussions, track progress, goals, and deadlines, and define individual roles WALT respond to others’ questions and comments with ideas that bring the discussion back on topic WALT acknowledge new information expressed by others and make adjustments to our own views after considering this information L.7.1. WALT demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking WALT recognize variations of standard English in our own writing and others’ writing and speaking WALT identify use of strategies to improve expression L.7.2. WALT demonstrate command of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing WALT vary sentence patterns for meaning L.7.3. WALT use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, or listening WALT choose language that expresses our ideas precisely and concisely L.7.6. WALT use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases
Learning Activities Resources Formative Assessments Summative Assessment
Students will examine and evaluate writing exemplars to note: ● Effective openings/ closings ● Organizational strategies ● Figurative language ● Dialogue ● Compositional risks ● Sentence construction, Grammar, punctuation, spelling,
usage ● Word choice
State assessment writing tasks Teacher created writing prompts modeled after state assessments AVID Middle Level Writing AVID HS Writing NJ Holistic Scoring Rubric for Writing
Conferencing Peer edit/scoring Self-evaluation The writing process Cloze activities
Published work Presentation Timed writing
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● Fluency and coherence ● Awareness of audience ● Single focus Students will write narratives that: ● Engage and orient readers by establishing a context and point
of view, and organize a sequence of events or experiences. • Develop narrative elements (e.g., setting, event sequence, characters) using relevant sensory details. ● Provide a satisfying conclusion that follows from the events, experiences, or ideas.
Differentiation
To accommodate the needs of diverse learners, the following differentiation strategies can be utilized where appropriate within the unit activities:
● Assess students’ prior knowledge—Pre-test/KWL/survey
● Provide students with leveled vocabulary/individualized vocabulary
● Provide students with fragmented notes
● Provide students with adapted texts
● Provide students with a tiered assignment
● Provide students with a fragmented assignment
● Compact or extend the curriculum according to students’ readiness levels
● Pair students with peers-at, below, or above their learning levels
● Incorporate a variety of cooperative learning activities: TPS, Jigsaw, Numbered Heads
● Use a variety of grouping strategies: flexible, random, student-selected
● Provide students with a variety of graphic organizers to choose from
● Use leveled questions as a form of assessing understanding
● Allow students to create mnemonic devices or provide when necessary
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● Vary the task or prompt when using the Question Formulation Technique
● Adjust the instructional focus or activity based on students’ proficiency on a specific skill
● Customize RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) tasks to the individual student
● Tailor learning log responses to the individual student
● Provide students with a variety of reading/writing prompts
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Red Bank Borough Schools Language Arts Literacy Curriculum Unit Plan
Unit Title/Theme: Unit 7 Writing Responses to Literature
Essential Question(s) Enduring (Content) Understanding(s)
1. Why do we need to evaluate what we read? 2. How do readers react and respond to what they’ve read? 3. What connections do readers make? 4. How might being able to recognize literary features help in
appreciating literature? 5. How does purpose influence the format of your writing? 6. How is your style of writing influenced by the purpose of writing?
▪ Authors write with different purposes in mind. ▪ Readers develop a deeper understanding through reflection and
written response to text. ▪ Writers have a distinct purpose for writing and maintain that purpose
throughout the piece. ▪ Readers reflect on what they have read to gain meaning.
NJSLS Standards Other
W.7.1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant
evidence.
-Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize
the reasons and evidence logically.
-Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using
accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic
or text.
-Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
-Establish and maintain a formal/academic style, approach, and form.
-Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports
the argument presented.
W.7.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development,
Technology Standards ● 8.1.8.A.2 Create a document (e.g. newsletter, reports, personalized
learning plan, business letters or flyers) using one or more digital
applications to be critiqued by professionals for usability.
● 8.1.8.D.2 Demonstrate the application of appropriate citations to
digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.3 Demonstrate an understanding of fair use and Creative
Commons to intellectual property.
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organization, voice and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
(Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3
above.)
W.7.5. With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and
strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or
trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have
been addressed.
W.7.6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing
and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with others,
including linking to and citing sources.
W.7.7. Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on
several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for
further research and investigation.
W.7.8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources,
using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each
source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while
avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
W.7.9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis,
reflection, and research.
-Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature (e.g., “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”).
-Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g. “Trace and
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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”).
W.7.10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research,
reflection, metacognition/self correction, and revision) and shorter time
frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks,
purposes, and audiences.
SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and
issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under
study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the
topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and
deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
-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.
-Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted,
modify their own views.
L.7.2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
-Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating,
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enjoyable movie but not He wore an old[,] green shirt).
-Spell correctly.
L.7.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking,
reading, or listening.
-Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing
and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.*
Student Learning Objectives (WAL To/That…)
W.7.1. WALT write arguments to support our ideas with clear reasons and relevant evidence WALT introduce claims, acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize reasons and evidence logically WALT support claims with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources WALT use words, phrases, and clauses to create a ‘logical flow' among ideas, reasons, and evidence WALT establish and maintain a formal style in writing WALT provide a concluding statement or section that supports an argument W.7.4. WALT produce clear and well-organized writing that’s appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience W.7.5.
WALT develop and strengthen writing through the writing process (with guidance)
W.7.6.
WALT use technology to produce and publish writing, link and cite sources, interact and collaborate with others
W.7.7.
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WALT conduct short research projects to answer a question
WALT use several sources for research
WALT generate additional questions for further research and investigation
W.7.8.
WALT gather relevant information from multiple sources, using search terms effectively
WALT assess sources for credibility
WALT quote or paraphrase the ideas of others to avoid plagiarism
WALT follow a standard format for citation
W.7.9. WALT draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research WALT apply 7th grade reading standards to literature WALT apply 7th reading standards to literary nonfiction W.7.10. WALT write over extended time frames
WALT write for shorter time frames for specific tasks, purposes, and audiences SL.7.1. WALT engage in collaborative discussions WALT come to discussions prepared WALT pose higher level questions WALT follow rules for discussions, track progress, goals, and deadlines, and define individual roles WALT respond to others’ questions and comments with ideas that bring the discussion back on topic WALT acknowledge new information expressed by others and make adjustments to our own views after considering this information L.7.2. WALT demonstrate command of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing WALT vary sentence patterns for meaning L.7.3.
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WALT use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, or listening WALT choose language that expresses our ideas precisely and concisely
Learning Activities Resources Formative Assessments Summative Assessment
Within the unit, students will read selections from various genres and generate written responses that: ● Use textual evidence to appropriately and effectively convey
opinion in written responses and evaluations (OEQ, Quick
Write, Literary Analysis)
● Analyze the social and cultural conflict, as expressed in the
works read.
● Closely analyze a key passage from a novel or short story and
comment on how it contributes the work as whole.
● Contrast two works by a single author.
● Observe common tendencies, contradictions, outliers, and
subtleties in literature.
● Contrast the moral conflicts of characters in various works
● Consider how the literature this period reflects both on the
human psyche and on the human condition.
● Analyze how author’s style contributes to meaning.
Grade appropriate/district approved novels, articles, and short stories which may include the following: The Outsiders S.E. Hinton The Pigman Paul Zindel Monster Walter Dean Myers Number the Stars Lois Lowry Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck Open-Ended Questions Teacher created writing tasks NJ Holistic Scoring Rubric for Writing NJ OEQ Rubric
One Pager GIST—20 word summary 10 Critical Points Summarizing HMT —Highlight, Mark Text Self-Assessment and Evaluation—Self-Scoring Cornell Notes Cornell Notes Summary QFT—Question Formulation Technique Response to Literature Questions
Novel Guide OEQ—RACE Evidence ICE—Interpret, Connect, Extend Dialectical Journal Response-DJR—Level 1, Level, 2, Level 3 Compare/Contrast Essay Author Study
Differentiation
To accommodate the needs of diverse learners, the following differentiation strategies can be utilized where appropriate within the unit activities:
● Assess students’ prior knowledge—Pre-test/KWL/survey
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● Provide students with leveled vocabulary/individualized vocabulary
● Provide students with fragmented notes
● Provide students with adapted texts
● Provide students with a tiered assignment
● Provide students with a fragmented assignment
● Compact or extend the curriculum according to students’ readiness levels
● Pair students with peers-at, below, or above their learning levels
● Incorporate a variety of cooperative learning activities: TPS, Jigsaw, Numbered Heads
● Use a variety of grouping strategies: flexible, random, student-selected
● Provide students with a variety of graphic organizers to choose from
● Use leveled questions as a form of assessing understanding
● Allow students to create mnemonic devices or provide when necessary
● Vary the task or prompt when using the Question Formulation Technique
● Adjust the instructional focus or activity based on students’ proficiency on a specific skill
● Customize RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) tasks to the individual student
● Tailor learning log responses to the individual student
● Provide students with a variety of reading/writing prompts
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Red Bank Borough Schools Language Arts Literacy Curriculum Unit Plan
Unit Title/Theme: Unit 8 Writing to Inform, Explain, Persuade
Essential Question(s) Enduring (Content) Understanding(s)
1. How does purpose influence the format of your writing? 2. How does audience influence the style of your writing? 3. Why do we write? 4. How is your style of writing influenced by the purpose of writing? 5. What is the importance of sharing? 6. How can we use evaluation and reflection to improve our writing? 7. How does word choice and effective use of grammar, spelling and
mechanics contribute to your writing?
▪ Effective communication relies on the use of proper form, style, organization and fluency.
▪ Writers have a distinct purpose for writing and maintain that purpose throughout the piece.
▪ Writing is a multi-step process. ▪ Writing is a reflective process. ▪ Effective written communication depends on proper use of grammar,
spelling, mechanics, and word choice.
NJSLS Standards Other
W.7.1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant
evidence.
-Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize
the reasons and evidence logically.
-Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using
accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic
or text.
-Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
-Establish and maintain a formal/academic style, approach, and form.
-Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports
the argument presented.
W.7.2. Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey
Technology Standards ● 8.1.8.A.1 Demonstrate knowledge of a real world problem using
digital tools.
● 8.1.8.A.2 Create a document (e.g. newsletter, reports, personalized
learning plan, business letters or flyers) using one or more digital
applications to be critiqued by professionals for usability.
● 8.1.8.D.1 Understand and model appropriate online behaviors related
to cyber safety, cyber bullying, cyber security, and cyber ethics
including appropriate use of social media.
● 8.1.8.D.2 Demonstrate the application of appropriate citations to
digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.3 Demonstrate an understanding of fair use and Creative
Commons to intellectual property.
● 8.1.8.D.4 Assess the credibility and accuracy of digital content.
● 8.1.8.D.5 Understand appropriate uses for social media and the
negative consequences of misuse.
● 8.1.8.E.1 Effectively use a variety of search tools and filters in
professional public databases to find information to solve a real world
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ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and
analysis of relevant content.
-Introduce a topic: organize ideas, concepts, and information, using text
structures (e.g. definition, classification, comparison/contrast, cause/effect,
etc.) and text features (e.g., headings, graphics, and multimedia) when useful
to aiding comprehension.
-Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information and examples.
-Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships
among ideas and concepts.
-Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or
explain the topic.
-Establish and maintain a formal/academic style, approach and form.
-Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports
the information or explanation presented.
W.7.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development,
organization, voice and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
(Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3
above.)
W.7.5. With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and
strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or
trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have
been addressed.
problem.
9.1 Personal Financial Literacy Standards ● 9.1.8.A.2 Relate how career choices, education choices, skills,
entrepreneurship, and economic conditions affect income. ● 9.1.8.A.3 Differentiate among ways that workers can improve earning
power through the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. ● 9.1.8.A.4 Relate earning power to quality of life across cultures. ● 9.1.8.A.5 Relate how the demand for certain skills determines an
individual’s earning power. ● 9.1.8.A.6 Explain how income affects spending decisions. ● 9.1.8.B.5 Explain the effect of the economy on personal income,
individual and family security, and consumer decisions. ● 9.1.8.B.6 Evaluate the relationship of cultural traditions and historical
influences on financial practice. ● 9.1.8.B.11 Evaluate the appropriate financial institutions to assist
with meeting various personal financial needs and goals. ● 9.1.8.C.1 Compare and contrast credit cards and debit cards and the
advantages and disadvantages of using each. ● 9.1.8.C.3 Compare and contrast debt and credit management
strategies. ● 9.1.8.C.9 Summarize the causes and consequences of personal
bankruptcy. ● 9.1.8.E.1 Explain what it means to be a responsible consumer and the
factors to consider when making consumer decisions. ● 9.1.8.E.4 Prioritize personal wants and needs when making
purchases. ● 9.1.8.E.8 Recognize the techniques and effects of deceptive
advertising. ● 9.1.8.F.3 Relate the impact of business, government, and consumer
fiscal responsibility to the economy and to personal finance. 9.2 Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation Standards
● 9.2.8.B.1 Research careers within the 16 Career Clusters and determine attributes of career success
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W.7.6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing
and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with others,
including linking to and citing sources.
W.7.7. Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on
several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for
further research and investigation.
W.7.8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources,
using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each
source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while
avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
W.7.9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis,
reflection, and research.
-Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature (e.g., “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”).
-Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g. “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”).
W.7.10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research,
reflection, metacognition/self correction, and revision) and shorter time
frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks,
● 9.2.8.B.2 Develop a Personalized Student Learning Plan with the assistance of an adult mentor that includes information about career areas of interest, goals and an education plan
● 9.2.8.B.3 Evaluate communication, collaboration, and leadership skills that can be developed through school, home, work, and extracurricular activities for use in a career
● 9.2.8.B.4 Evaluate how traditional and nontraditional careers have evolved regionally, nationally, and globally
● 9.2.8.B.5 Analyze labor market trends using state and federal labor market information and other resources available online
● 9.2.8.B.6 Demonstrate understanding of the necessary preparation and legal requirements to enter the workforce
● 9.2.8.B.7 Evaluate the impact of online activities and social media on employer decisions
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purposes, and audiences.
SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and
issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under
study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the
topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and
deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
-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.
-Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted,
modify their own views.
L.7.1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
-Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in
specific sentences.
-Choose among simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex
sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas.
-Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing a…
L.7.2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
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capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
-Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating,
enjoyable movie but not He wore an old[,] green shirt).
-Spell correctly.
L.7.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking,
reading, or listening.
-Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing
and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.*
L.7.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships,
and nuances in word meanings.
-Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions)
in context.
-Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym,
analogy) to better understand each of the words.
-Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar
denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic,
condescending).
L.7.6. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and
domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when
considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
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Student Learning Objectives (WAL To/That…)
W.7.1. WALT write arguments to support our ideas with clear reasons and relevant evidence WALT introduce claims, acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize reasons and evidence logically WALT support claims with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources WALT use words, phrases, and clauses to create a ‘logical flow' among ideas, reasons, and evidence WALT establish and maintain a formal style in writing WALT provide a concluding statement or section that supports an argument W.7.2. WALT write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas WALT select and organize content that is relevant to our response WALT introduce a topic clearly, and organize ideas, concepts, and information using organizational strategies Insert where appropriate: Definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; formatting , graphics, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension WALT develop a topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, information and examples WALT use appropriate transitions to create ‘a logical flow’ and to clarify the relationships among ideas WALT use precise language and content -specific vocabulary to inform about or explain a topic WALT establish and maintain a formal style in writing WALT provide a concluding statement or section that supports the information/ explanation presented W.7.4. WALT produce clear and well-organized writing that’s appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience W.7.5.
WALT develop and strengthen writing through the writing process (with guidance)
W.7.6.
WALT use technology to produce and publish writing, link and cite sources, interact and collaborate with others
W.7.7.
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WALT conduct short research projects to answer a question
WALT use several sources for research
WALT generate additional questions for further research and investigation
W.7.8.
WALT gather relevant information from multiple sources, using search terms effectively
WALT assess sources for credibility
WALT quote or paraphrase the ideas of others to avoid plagiarism
WALT follow a standard format for citation
W.7.9. WALT draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research WALT apply 7th grade reading standards to literature WALT apply 7th reading standards to literary nonfiction W.7.10. WALT write over extended time frames
WALT write for shorter time frames for specific tasks, purposes, and audiences SL. 7.1. WALT engage in collaborative discussions WALT come to discussions prepared WALT pose higher level questions WALT follow rules for discussions, track progress, goals, and deadlines, and define individual roles WALT respond to others’ questions and comments with ideas that bring the discussion back on topic WALT acknowledge new information expressed by others and make adjustments to our own views after considering this information L.7.1. WALT demonstrate command of the convections of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking WALT recognize variations of standard English in our own writing and others’ writing and speaking WALT identify use of strategies to improve expression
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L.7.2. WALT demonstrate command of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing WALT vary sentence patterns for meaning L.7.3. WALT use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, or listening WALT choose language that expresses our ideas precisely and concisely L.7.5. WALT interpret figurative language and figures of speech WALT use word relationships to better understand each of the words. WALT distinguish between connotations and denotations of words L.7.6. WALT use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases
Learning Activities Resources Formative Assessments Summative Assessments
Students will examine and evaluate writing exemplars to note: ● Effective openings/ closings ● Organizational strategies ● Figurative language ● Compositional risks ● Sentence construction, Grammar, punctuation, spelling,
usage ● Word choice ● Fluency and coherence ● Awareness of audience ● Single focus Students will write informational, explanatory or persuasive works that: ● Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and
AVID Weekly articles AVID Elementary articles Scholastic Upfront articles Junior Scholastic articles State assessment writing tasks Teacher created writing tasks modeled after state assessments Student Exemplars Non-Exemplars Selections from PH Literature series NJ Holistic Scoring Rubric for Writing NJ OEQ Scoring Rubric
Conferencing Peer edit/scoring Self evaluation The writing process Cloze activities
Published work (essay) Presentation ICE—Interpret, Connect, Extend Timed writing
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point of view, and organize ideas in a way that meets the intended purpose and conveys meaning
• Develop stylistic elements (e.g. rhetorical questions, evidence, quotes, statistics…) ● Incorporate specific details to support their ideas and
opinions ● Provide a satisfying conclusion that follows from the
explanations, information, or ideas
Differentiation
To accommodate the needs of diverse learners, the following differentiation strategies can be utilized where appropriate within the unit activities:
● Assess students’ prior knowledge—Pre-test/KWL/survey
● Provide students with leveled vocabulary/individualized vocabulary
● Provide students with fragmented notes
● Provide students with adapted texts
● Provide students with a tiered assignment
● Provide students with a fragmented assignment
● Compact or extend the curriculum according to students’ readiness levels
● Pair students with peers-at, below, or above their learning levels
● Incorporate a variety of cooperative learning activities: TPS, Jigsaw, Numbered Heads
● Use a variety of grouping strategies: flexible, random, student-selected
● Provide students with a variety of graphic organizers to choose from
● Use leveled questions as a form of assessing understanding
● Allow students to create mnemonic devices or provide when necessary
● Vary the task or prompt when using the Question Formulation Technique
● Adjust the instructional focus or activity based on students’ proficiency on a specific skill