Last updated: 11/8/2022

7th Grade ELA

September to mid-October

Writing Workshop: Realistic Fiction

(Lucy Calkins: Writing Realistic Fiction)
(6) 6-8LAS1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(5) 6-8LAS2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(1) 7L1 See Grade Band 6-8 (Ongoing Skills)
(1) 7L2 See Grade Band 6-8 (Ongoing Skills)
(6) 7L3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
(6) 7L5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
(5) 7L6 Acquire and accurately use general academic and content-specific words and phrases; apply vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
(6) 7R3
  • In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how individuals, events, and ideas are introduced, relate to each other, and are developed. (RI)
(7) 7R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood, including words with multiple meanings. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R5
  • In literary texts, analyze how structure, including genre-specific features, contributes to the development of themes and central ideas. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the sections contribute to the whole and to the development of themes and central ideas. (RI)
(6) 7R6
  • In literary texts, analyze how an author develops and contrasts the point of view and the perspectives of different characters or narrators. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others. (RI)
(6) 7R9 Use established criteria in order to evaluate the quality of texts. Make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences. (RI&RL)
(6) 7SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
(1) 7W3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, descriptive details and clear sequencing.
(3) 7W4 Create a poem, story, play, art work, or other response to a text, author, theme, or personal experience.

How do writers find inspiration in everyday moments?

 

How do writers develop believable characters?

 

What tools can writers use to create a meaningful plot?

 

What qualities are found in effective and imaginative writing?

 

 

What techniques does an author use to make a realistic fiction story come alive?

 

 

How do writers work through the writing process? 

Writing Inspirations

  • Personal narratives
  • Idea collecting
  • Heart Map

 

Character Study

 

 Story Arc

  

 Qualities of Effective Imaginary Writing

 

Writing Techniques 

 

Writing Process

  

Inspiration for Writing

  • narrative
  • genres
  • collecting
  • heart map
  • writing territories

 Character Study

  • dialogue

 

 Plot

  • story arc
  • setting
  • character

 

Qualities of Effective Imaginary Writing

  • vivid setting 
  • transition words
  • conflict 

Techniques

  • mentor texts
  • diction

 Writing Process

  • rough draft
  • writer's conference
  • edit
  • revision
  • publish
  • celebration

Narrative writing

 

Build character


Write realistic dialogue

 

Craft plot


Create setting

 

Develop conflict

 

Consider diction

 

 Write on-demand pieces

 

Edit & revise

  • Ensure that pronouns are in the proper case (subjective, objective, and possessive)
  • Recognize and correct pronouns that have unclear or ambiguous antecedents
  • Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general, as well as in specific sentences
  • Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers
  • Use simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas
  • Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives)
  • Form and use verbs in the active and passive voice
  • Recognize and correct inappropriate verb shifts
  • Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, dashes, hyphens) to clarify and enhance writing
  • Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break
  • Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission
Edit with peers
Publish final draft
Celebrate final draft
 
 
Various grammar & punctuation worksheets/packets
 
Various anchor texts (Number the Stars excerpt, Fish in a Tree)
 
Adaptive mini-lessons from Bend I in Writing Realistic Fiction by Lucy Calkins 
 
Adaptive mini-lessons from Bend II: Drafting and revising with an Eye toward Meaning from Writing Realistic Fiction by Lucy Calkins
 
 
  • Heart Map
  • Personal Narrative
  • Rough Draft
  • Final Draft

Mid-October to late November

Short Stories
(6) 6-8LAS1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(5) 6-8LAS2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(6) 7L3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
(5) 7L4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
(6) 7L5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
(5) 7L6 Acquire and accurately use general academic and content-specific words and phrases; apply vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
(5) 7R1 Cite textual evidence to support an analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; summarize a text. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R3
  • In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how individuals, events, and ideas are introduced, relate to each other, and are developed. (RI)
(7) 7R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood, including words with multiple meanings. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R6
  • In literary texts, analyze how an author develops and contrasts the point of view and the perspectives of different characters or narrators. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others. (RI)
(4) 7R7 Compare and contrast a written text with audio, filmed, staged, or digital versions in order to analyze the effects of techniques unique to each media and each format’s portrayal of a subject. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R9 Use established criteria in order to evaluate the quality of texts. Make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences. (RI&RL)
(6) 7SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
(5) 7W5 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply grade 7 Reading standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.

What are the four elements of a story? 


How does an author use plot elements to propel a story?  

 

 How do diction and setting contribute to atmosphere?

 

How does a writer use figurative language to enhance their work?

 

 How are characters shaped by the challenges in their life?

 

How does the way in which a story is told affect the meaning?

 

How does a writer use the element of surprise to capture the reader?

 

 

 

Elements of a Story:

 

Types of conflict
 
 
Character traits
 
 
 
Plot
Setting
Character 
Theme
 
 
Point-of-view
Dialect
Foreshadowing
 
Mood
Diction
Diction and setting's affect on mood
Figurative Language
 
 

internal conflict, external conflict 

 

plot (exposition,rising action, climax, falling action, resolution)

setting
character
theme 

 

 first person p.o.v.

third person omniscient p.o.v.
third person limited p.o.v.

dialect

foreshadowing

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 
Distinguish types of conflict
 
Analyze character (physical & character traits)
 
Define plot elements
 
Determine setting
 
Craft a theme
 
Distinguish point of view
 
Identify dialect
 
Identify examples of foreshadowing
 
Construct a well-developed paragraph using textual evidence
 
Identify the mood of a text
 
Understand how setting and diction affect the mood
 
Analyze the use of figurative language in a text
 
Analyze the effect and importance of symbolism
 
Identify examples of imagery within a text
 
Analyze how an author weaves conflict and suspense into a work
"Rikki Tikki Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling
 
"Amigo Brothers" by Piri Thomas
 
"Papa's Parrot" by Cynthia Ryland
 
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving
 
"The Tale of Three Brothers" by J.K. Rowling
 
 
Supplemental:
 
"After Twenty Years" by O Henry
 
"Little Red Riding Hood" by the Grimm Brothers
 
"Utzel and His Daughter, Poverty"
 
 
Class Notes (various literary devices & elements of fiction)
 
 
  • Plot Map
  • Anticipation Guides
  • Text-Dependent Questions
  • Reading Closely & Annotating Worksheets
  • Quizzes
  • Vocabulary in Context Worksheets

Late November & December

A Christmas Carol: A Deep Study of Character
(6) 6-8LAS1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(6) 7L3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
(5) 7L4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
(6) 7L5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
(5) 7L6 Acquire and accurately use general academic and content-specific words and phrases; apply vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
(5) 7R1 Cite textual evidence to support an analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; summarize a text. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R3
  • In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how individuals, events, and ideas are introduced, relate to each other, and are developed. (RI)
(7) 7R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood, including words with multiple meanings. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R5
  • In literary texts, analyze how structure, including genre-specific features, contributes to the development of themes and central ideas. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the sections contribute to the whole and to the development of themes and central ideas. (RI)
(6) 7R6
  • In literary texts, analyze how an author develops and contrasts the point of view and the perspectives of different characters or narrators. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others. (RI)
(4) 7R7 Compare and contrast a written text with audio, filmed, staged, or digital versions in order to analyze the effects of techniques unique to each media and each format’s portrayal of a subject. (RI&RL)
(2) 7R8 Trace and evaluate the development of an argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient and recognizing when irrelevant evidence is introduced. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R9 Use established criteria in order to evaluate the quality of texts. Make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences. (RI&RL)
(6) 7SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
(3) 7SL2 Analyze the central ideas and supporting details presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral) and explain how the ideas clarify and/or contribute to a topic, text, or issue under study.
(2) 7SL3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating for sound reasoning, and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
(2) 7SL4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear enunciation.
(2) 7SL6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
(2) 7W1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
(3) 7W2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
(5) 7W5 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply grade 7 Reading standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.

Why do we still read literature from the past today?

 

 Can someone truly change who they are?

 

 How do the decisions we make today affect our future?

  

How do a person’s actions, attitudes, and values affect the way others view them?
Independent reading with self-selected texts based on interest
 
Historical context
 
Text to text connections
 
Themes & motifs across fiction
 
 
Character study (traits, strengths, etc.)
 
 
The effect of a side character
 
   
Shifts in mood
 
Flashback
 
Author's use of symbolism
 
The effect of setting and diction
 
Identifying character change (dynamic character)
 
 

 theme

 

character

dynamic/static character

 

plot
setting
conflict
mood
diction
symbolism
flashback

 

 

Identify relevant themes and/or motifs in a work of fiction

 

Make predictions about the future of a story

 

Identify character traits and motives across a text

 

Analyze impact of side characters

 

Track the evolution of a character

 

 

Explore how change in setting can serve as foreshadowing

 

Discuss how authors use language to evoke emotions and

images

 

 

Analyze effect of setting on a story

 

 

 

 

 
A Christmas Carol (novel & films)
 
Chapter worksheets
 
Reading Workshop, Deep Study of Character: Chapter Big Ideas

Independent reading books (student choice)
 
Unit exam
 

  • Unit Exam

  • Essay

  • Vocabulary

  • Chapter Worksheets

  • Quizzes

January

Poetry: The Power of Verse
(6) 7R2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; summarize a text. (RI&RL)
(7) 7R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood, including words with multiple meanings. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R5
  • In literary texts, analyze how structure, including genre-specific features, contributes to the development of themes and central ideas. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the sections contribute to the whole and to the development of themes and central ideas. (RI)
(6) 7R9 Use established criteria in order to evaluate the quality of texts. Make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences. (RI&RL)
(1) 7W2f Establish and maintain a style appropriate to the writing task.

How does the use of voice in poetry empower individuals?

 

How are poetic devices used to enhance the meaning and understanding of a poem?

 

What are the different types of poetry?

 

How does poetry reflect the time in which it was written and/or the views of the poet?

Close reading and analysis of various types of poetry

 

Character and setting in narrative poems

 

Mood and emotional expression in lyric poems

 

Poetic devices in all poetry

 

Crafting and writing a personal poem

Poetry Terms:

Repetition

Stanza

Rhyme

Line

Line Break

Simile

Metaphor

Imagery

Personification

Alliteration

Rhyme

Rhyme Scheme

Theme

 

Poem Specific Vocabulary:

Torrent

Galleon

Cobbles

Strive

Seraph

Kinsmen

Sepulcher

Grafted

Clique

 

Distinguish between types of poems

 

Analyze poet's craft and choice

 

Define poetic devices

 

Identify poetic devices

 

Determine the rhyme scheme of a poem

 

Identify mood through diction

 

 

"To This Day" by Shane Koyczan

 

"The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes

 

"Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe

 

"Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout" by Shel Silverstein

 

"Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes

 

Supplemental:

"The Heart and the Fist" by Rudy Francisco

"If I Should Have a Daughter" by Sarah Kay
  • Poetry Analysis worksheets
  • Text-Dependent questions
  • Reading Closely & Annotating worksheet
  • Poetry Project
  • Poetry Exam

February to March

Fear and Judgment: The Art of the Argument
(6) 6-8LAS1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(5) 6-8LAS2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(6) 7L3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
(5) 7L4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
(6) 7L5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
(5) 7L6 Acquire and accurately use general academic and content-specific words and phrases; apply vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
(5) 7R1 Cite textual evidence to support an analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; summarize a text. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R3
  • In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how individuals, events, and ideas are introduced, relate to each other, and are developed. (RI)
(7) 7R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood, including words with multiple meanings. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R5
  • In literary texts, analyze how structure, including genre-specific features, contributes to the development of themes and central ideas. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the sections contribute to the whole and to the development of themes and central ideas. (RI)
(6) 7R6
  • In literary texts, analyze how an author develops and contrasts the point of view and the perspectives of different characters or narrators. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others. (RI)
(4) 7R7 Compare and contrast a written text with audio, filmed, staged, or digital versions in order to analyze the effects of techniques unique to each media and each format’s portrayal of a subject. (RI&RL)
(2) 7R8 Trace and evaluate the development of an argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient and recognizing when irrelevant evidence is introduced. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R9 Use established criteria in order to evaluate the quality of texts. Make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences. (RI&RL)
(6) 7SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
(3) 7SL2 Analyze the central ideas and supporting details presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral) and explain how the ideas clarify and/or contribute to a topic, text, or issue under study.
(2) 7SL3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating for sound reasoning, and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
(2) 7SL4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear enunciation.
(2) 7SL6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
(2) 7W1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
(3) 7W2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
(5) 7W5 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply grade 7 Reading standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.
(1) 7W6 Conduct research to answer questions, including self-generated questions, drawing on multiple sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate. Generate additional related questions for further research and investigation.
(1) 7W7 Gather relevant information from multiple sources; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others; avoid plagiarism and follow a standard format for citation.

How does fear affect human behavior?

 

How can a group dynamic affect an individual’s fate?

 

How is rational thought affected by fear and suspicion?

 

What are the causes & consequences of prejudice and injustice?

 

What makes an effective argument?
Text to text connection
 
Elements of nonfiction
 
Elements of fiction
 
Theme across texts
 
Elements of drama
 
Foreshadowing
 
Imagery
 
Character study
 
Argument writing

claim

evidence
analyze
argument
counterargument
rebuttal
debate
transitions
paraphrase

 
Explain how setting and diction affect the mood
 
Identify the mood of a text
 
Analyze historical context
 
Distinguish types of conflict
 
Identify examples of foreshadowing
 
Identify examples of imagery 
 
Identify character traits and motives across a text
 
Identify relevant themes and/or motifs
 
Make predictions about future of a story
 
Make connections and identify common themes across texts
 
Weigh evidence to form a position
 
Make a relevant and valid claim
 
Bolster positions by adding relevant evidence
 
Balance evidence with analysis
 
Use an outline to organize and plan for writing
 
Craft an argument essay using reputable sources
 
Use a checklist to self-assess and revise
 
Incorporate transitional words/phrases into an essay
Various "affluenza" articles and news clips
 
The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street by Rod Serling
 
"All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury
 
 
 

Salem Witch Trials nonfiction articles

  • Anticipation Guides

  • Vocabulary

  • Creative Writing Pieces

  • Context Clues

  • Inferencing

  • Text-Dependent Questions
  • Quizzes
  • Argumentative Essay

March

Test Prep
(5) 7L4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
(1) 7L4a 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.
(1) 7L5a Interpret figurative language, including allusions, in context.
(5) 7R1 Cite textual evidence to support an analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences. (RI&RL)
(3) 7W2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
(3) 7W4 Create a poem, story, play, art work, or other response to a text, author, theme, or personal experience.
(5) 7W5 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply grade 7 Reading standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.

How can readers annotate to better understand texts?

 

 

 

How can I answer questions about a text in writing using evidence from a text?

Test Reading and Writing Practices

Test Reading and Writing

  • stamina
  • perseverance
  • annotating text
  • answer
  • text evidence
  • details
  • support

Annotate texts while reading

 

Read a question and determine what it's asking

 

Write an answer to a question (an inference-based answer)

 

Use details from a text to support your answer

 

Explain the difference between short answer questions and extended response questions (what is asked, the length/depth of the answer required)

Lucy Calkins: Test Prep (available online on The Reading and Writing Project website, select Member Dashboard, select Treasure Chest)

 

Engageny.org released test questions and scoring materials

Pre-Assessment (On Demand)

Post-Assessment (On Demand)

Early April

Looking Within Yourself
(6) 6-8LAS1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(5) 6-8LAS2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(6) 7L3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
(6) 7L5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
(6) 7R2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; summarize a text. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R3
  • In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how individuals, events, and ideas are introduced, relate to each other, and are developed. (RI)
(7) 7R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood, including words with multiple meanings. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R5
  • In literary texts, analyze how structure, including genre-specific features, contributes to the development of themes and central ideas. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the sections contribute to the whole and to the development of themes and central ideas. (RI)
(6) 7R6
  • In literary texts, analyze how an author develops and contrasts the point of view and the perspectives of different characters or narrators. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others. (RI)
(6) 7SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
(3) 7W4 Create a poem, story, play, art work, or other response to a text, author, theme, or personal experience.

How do our emotions guide us through life?

 

What are the challenges in growing older?

 

What aspects of our personalities shape us the most?
Text to self connections
 
Character study
 
Personification
 
Imagery
 
Creative writing
 
Symbolism through character

point-of-view
perspective
emotion
personality
headquarters
connections
dimension
perseverance
subconscious
abstract

 
Analyze character
 
Use imagery to build character
 
Identify symbolism
 
Identify personification
 
Utilize figurative language
 
Write and create a personality map
Inside Out movie
 
Project Materials: Islands of Personality, Core Memories, Sixth Emotion

  • Mind Map

  • Islands of Personality

  • Core Memories

  • Sixth Emotion

Mid-April to early June

The Struggle for Survival: A Long Walk to Water Study
(6) 6-8LAS1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(5) 6-8LAS2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of academic English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • While building proficiency in English, ELLs/MLLs, in English as a New Language and Bilingual Education programs may demonstrate skills bilingually or transfer linguistic knowledge across languages.
(6) 7L3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
(5) 7L4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
(6) 7L5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
(5) 7L6 Acquire and accurately use general academic and content-specific words and phrases; apply vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
(5) 7R1 Cite textual evidence to support an analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; summarize a text. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R3
  • In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how individuals, events, and ideas are introduced, relate to each other, and are developed. (RI)
(7) 7R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood, including words with multiple meanings. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R5
  • In literary texts, analyze how structure, including genre-specific features, contributes to the development of themes and central ideas. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the sections contribute to the whole and to the development of themes and central ideas. (RI)
(6) 7R6
  • In literary texts, analyze how an author develops and contrasts the point of view and the perspectives of different characters or narrators. (RL)
  • In informational texts, analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others. (RI)
(4) 7R7 Compare and contrast a written text with audio, filmed, staged, or digital versions in order to analyze the effects of techniques unique to each media and each format’s portrayal of a subject. (RI&RL)
(6) 7R9 Use established criteria in order to evaluate the quality of texts. Make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences. (RI&RL)
(6) 7SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
(3) 7SL2 Analyze the central ideas and supporting details presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral) and explain how the ideas clarify and/or contribute to a topic, text, or issue under study.
(5) 7W5 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply grade 7 Reading standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.

How do individuals survive in challenging environments?

 

Is there still a possibility for hope, even in the toughest times?

 

How do difficult situations shape someone’s character?

 

How do culture, time, and place influence the development of identity?

Independent reading with self-selected texts

 

Text to text connections

 

Text to world connections

 

Character study

 

Historical context

 

Imagery

 

Symbolism

 

Author's diction to shape mood

 

Foreshadowing

 

The effect of setting on character

 

Themes and motifs across texts

theme
character
mentor text
refugee
culture
civil war
refugee camp
revived
persevere
global and diverse text
Read independently
 
Make connections between a shared text and a chosen independent reading book
 
Analyze character
 
Determine the various conflicts in a story
 
Recognize and discuss the importance of setting
 
Explore historical context
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
 
God Grew Tired of Us (documentary)
 
Reading Workshop: Investigating Characterization Chapter Big Ideas

  • Project and/or exam

  • Quizzes

  • Chapter Analysis Worksheets

  • Text-Dependent Questions

  • Nonfiction Connections
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