ELA CCGPS UNIT PLAN: 1st 9 WEEKS
READING FOCUS : Informational
THEME: Is the truth the same for everyone?
EXTENDED TEXT: Bad Boy by Walter Dean Myers (Harper Tempest, 2001)
SHORT TEXTS:
LITERARY :
From Prentice Hall Literature (Pearson, 2010), Grade 8 (Pearson, 2010):
1. “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara - p. 28
2. “The Finish of Patsy Barns” by Paul Laurence Dunbar – p. 192
POETRY:
From Prentice Hall Literature, Grade 8 (Pearson, 2010):
1. “Harlem Night Song” by Langston Hughes – p. 677
2. ”I Cry” by Tupac Shakur http://allpoetry.com/poem/8574647-I_Cry-by-Tupac_Shakur
3. Video clip-- “The Creation” by James Weldon Johnson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9daybAvxqY
SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTS:
1. Video clip—“A Video Interview with Walter Dean Myers” @ http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/myersw/
2. Video clip--Soul Surfer (moment of and immediately after the shark bite from Soul Surfer directed by Sean McNamara)
3. Harlem Renaissance artwork http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/h/harlemrenaissance.html
4. Video clip-- “I Cry” (video of reading with pictures ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk8YA429aW0
5. Video clip--“Harlem Night Song” ( poem set to music with pictures of Harlem ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soU6hAP_-BM
6. “Debate the Ratings” (article from Reality Central, p. 20)
7. “Someone to Look Up To” (article from Reality Central, p. 88)
OPTIONAL MATERIALS:
1. (Excerpt) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Katniss’ role as Prim’s caregiver)
2. “Old Ben” by Jesse Stuart p. 88 and “Fox Hunt” by Lensey Nanioka p. 94 (comparative narratives) (Short stories from Prentice Hall Literature textbook)
3. “The American Dream Speech” by Dr. Martin Luther King p. 171(Short story from Prentice Hall Literature textbook)
4. “Laws That Work for Kids Who Work” - (Article from Reality Central, p. 16)
WRITING FOCUS: Argumentative
ASSESSMENT TASKS (These writing prompts will serve as the assessments for this unit.)
Informative/Explanatory writing should focus on why literary and rhetorical choices are made by the author, and how those choices are intended to affect or impact the reader based solidly in text evidence; argumentative/opinion writing must advance a specific claim or claim(s) and provide strong and logical support, based solidly in text, for claims.
1. READING INFORMATIVE CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE: After the selected readings and listening to the video of Walter Dean Myers, write a constructed response providing a detailed account of what daily life would have been like for a child your age in Harlem (New York City) in the 1950s. You should include examples from the text and video.
Remember, a good constructed response uses RACES:
Restates the question
Answers the question
Cites evidence
Explains the evidence
Summarizes
2. READING ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: Using the extended text Bad Boy: A Memoir by Walter Dean Myers, specifically chapter 13 entitled “Marks on Paper,” answer the following question: Do you believe that reading and writing must co-exist in the
English classroom? Cite examples from the novel as well as any of the literary, informational, or visual and other texts we have discussed in class during this unit.
Remember, a good argumentative essay:
· Has an introduction
· Clearly states an opinion
· Provides reasons that are supported by facts and details from the text(s)
· Groups ideas logically
· Uses precise language and words that connect ideas
· Has a conclusion
· Uses correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation
3. ENGLISH ARGUMENTATIVE (Essay Scorer): After reading the selection “Someone to Look Up To” from Reality Central and the informative article, think of an American, living or deceased, who is a role model for today's young people. Write an essay that explains this person's admirable qualities and achievements.
Remember, a good argumentative essay:
· Has an introduction
· Clearly states an opinion
· Provides reasons that are supported by facts and details from the text(s)
· Groups ideas logically
· Uses precise language and words that connect ideas
· Has a conclusion
· Uses correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation
4. ENGLISH INFORMATIVE (Essay Scorer): Some people argue that television has been a destructive force in our society. After reading the two passages on different opinions on the effects of TV violence, what is your opinion about the impact of television on people? Write an essay explaining your point of view. Use reasons and examples to support your position.
Remember, a good informative essay:
· Clearly introduces the topic in a way that organizes complex ideas, concepts, and information
· Develops the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, and other information and examples related to the topic
· Uses varied transitions to link sections of the text and clarify relationships
· Includes precise language and vocabulary related to the topic throughout
· Maintains a formal style and objective tone
· Provides a concluding statement or section
· Uses correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation
NARRATIVE/RESEARCH/ROUTINE WRITING
NARRATIVE
1. READING NARRATIVE: Create a personal poster/collage to introduce yourself to the class. Write two paragraphs explaining a personal
experience on your poster.
2. READING NARRATIVE: After studying this unit, you have learned that the truth may not be the same for everyone. People interpret events according to their perception of the truth. Think of a time when you felt you were falsely accused of a
wrong doing. In reviewing your narrative, explain the alleged infraction and how you brought the truth to light.
Remember, a good narrative
· Establishes a situation and introduces a narrator and/or characters
· Creates a clear sequence of events that unfolds naturally
· Includes dialogue (what the characters are saying)
· Uses description of actions, thoughts, and/or feelings
· Includes strong word choices
· Provides an ending with a sense of closure
3. After reading about numerous characters who overcome obstacles, write a narrative about a protagonist who overcomes any type of obstacle and experiences
success. While writing, be sure to include the following:
· Establish a situation and introduce the narrator and at least two other characters
· Create a clear, cohesive plot that unfolds naturally and smoothly
· Dialogue among the characters
· Precise diction
· Descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings
· Original examples of figurative language (similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, etc.)
· A strong conclusion that ties everything together
RESEARCH CONNECTION(S)
A. Harlem Renaissance—Internet Scavenger Hunt:
Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlem_Renaissance
1. Read and answer the following questions:
a. What other names was the Harlem Renaissance referred to as?
b. What developments took place during the Harlem Renaissance?
c. Name two factors that led to the rise of the Harlem Renaissance.
d. Name the four musicians that led the rise of blues and jazz.
2.Go to http://www.redhotjazz.com/hughes.html
Read and answer the following questions:
a. When was Langston Hughes born and when did he die?
b. Name one of Hughes most famous poems
c. Where did Langston Hughes attend college? What kind of degree did he get?
d. What was the last publication that Langston Hughes published?
3.Go to http://www.zoranealehurston.com/
a. What three novels did she write?
b. Click on Biography at the top of the page
c. When was Hurston born?
d. Did Ms. Hurston have an average childhood for an African American during this time period?
e. What forced Hurston’s childhood to end quickly?
6.Go to http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/armstrong/index.htm
a. When was Louis Armstrong born?
b. When did he buy his first horn?
c. Armstrong left New Orleans and went where?
d. Who did he play with when he arrived there?
B. Biography of Tupac Shakur & Julio Noboa
1. (Possible Activating Strategy) view and discuss Tupac Shakur’s bio http://www.biography.com/people/tupac-shakur-206528#awesm=~oHERfDk0zwjQCs
2. Discuss similarities and differences of Tupac and Myers’ life struggles. Who made the best choices? What was the outcome of these individuals’ lives?
3. Read, analyze, and discuss Tupac’s poem “I Cry.” What is the theme, tone, mood, etc.? Do you think Tupac can relate to Walter? Explain.
I Cry
Sometimes when I'm alone
I cry,
Cause I am on my own.
The tears I cry are bitter and warm.
They flow with life but take no form
I cry because my heart is torn.
I find it difficult to carry on.
If I had an ear to confiding,
I would cry among my treasured friend,
But who do you know that stops that long,
To help another carry on.
The world moves fast and it would rather pass by.
Then to stop and see what makes one cry,
So painful and sad.
And sometimes...
I cry
And no one cares about why.
4. . (Possible Activating Strategies) 1930s-19402 Harlem Music:
CAB CALLOWAY'S HARLEM IN THE 1930'S & 40'S
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7jORP0nQXo 2 min. 40 sec.
Fats Waller p. 6 and his Rhythm 1942 "Ain't Misbehavin"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-fVa838Jog 3 minutes
Fats Waller page 6 “Hey! Stop Kissing My Sister”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZG4ls2ytJI&list=TLsTGVDBR80KQ 3 minutes
Bill Robinson p. 6 with Shirley Temple tap dancing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjCFYpWDmfM 3 minutes
Bill Robinson p. 6 song and tap dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxvaELRL77Q 2 minutes
ROUTINE WRITING/READING: Routine reading, notes, summaries, process journals, and short responses across all genres
1. Use the plot line graphic organizer in the Prentice Hall Literature textbook p. 39 to summarize Bad Boy.
2. Use daily journals with reading selections to address individual feelings and concerns.
3. “Writing about the Big Question” on p. 26 for “Raymond’s Run” (Prentice Hall Literature textbook).
4. Cornell/Double Entry Notes (Annotations) with reading and poetry selections.
5. Summarizations
6. Interactive Notebook (English teacher)
7. RR (Routine Reading) every Monday for 20 to 30 min.
8. OAS Constructed Response Practice every Monday for 30 to 40 min.
Blue=English Teacher
Red= Reading Teacher
Week 1 Aug. 1-8
ENGLISH:
· Basic Grammar Skill Review (subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, punctuation, etc.)
· Introduction of the Narrative
· Sample Narratives (personal narratives, creative stories, etc.)
· Review basic writing skills (descriptive details)
· Sentence Structure Review (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex)
READING:
· Personal Poster and 2 paragraph narrative
· Review of Fiction and Nonfiction (Prentice Hall pages 4-6)
· Read / Discuss /Analyze “Raymond’s Run” with vocabulary
· Test over Raymond’s Run
· Monday- Routine Reading and OAS constructed response practice
Week 2 Aug. 11-15
READING:
· Elements of an Autobiography / memoir with video
· Introduce Book, Bad Boy, --pre-reading activity “Getting the lay of the land”
· Video of Walter Dean Myers
· “Harlem Night Song” (poem) Prentice Hall
· Read / Discuss/ Analyze chapter 1 ----Cornell Note Taking/Quiz over reading selection
· Constructed Response Question (Informative #1)
· Monday- Routine Reading and OAS constructed response practice
ENGLISH:
· Introduction of Argumentative Writing
· Introduction of Argumentative Pillar (was called Persuasive Pillar)
· Introduction of Interesting Leads/Hooks
· Introduction of Thesis Statements
· Begin brainstorming for Class Argumentative Essay (each class will choose from a selection of topics)
o Fill in the argumentative pillar together
Week 3 Aug. 18-22
READING:
· Compare/Contrast “Raymond’s Run”, “Harlem Night Song”, and chapters 1-2 of Bad Boy
· Test over “Raymond’s Run” and “Harlem Night Song”
· Read / Discuss/ Analyze chapter 2 of Bad Boy
· Short Response to literature questions and vocabulary quiz
· Read / Discuss / Analyze “The Finish of Patsy Barnes” (Prentice Hall) W character analysis and plot line summary
· Monday- Routine Reading and OAS constructed response practice
ENGLISH:
· Begin writing the class argumentative essay together
· Write introduction together
· Discuss counter arguments
· Add some into pillar
· Divide into groups to write body paragraphs.
Week 4 Aug. 25-20
ENGLISH:
· Introduction of concluding paragraph
· Write the conclusion of the class argumentative essay
· STAR method revision / transitions
READING:
· Read / Discuss / Analyze chapters 3-6 (include vocabulary)
· After chapter 6, show the following youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9daybAvxqY The Creation- (Activating strategy)
· Writing assignment ---“Why do you think Walter liked this poem?”( Activating strategy )
· Writing assignment – Why was Walter put into Mr. Irwin Lasier’s class? (Activating strategy)
· Monday- Routine Reading and OAS constructed response practice
Week 5 Sept.2-5
READING:
· Review main ideas and test over chapters 1-6 with vocabulary
· Vocabulary for chapters 7-9
· Read / Discuss/ Analyze chapters 7-9 (list main ideas from this chapter) with Cornell notes
· Discuss questions with voc. for chapter 7-9
· Monday- Routine Reading and OAS constructed response practice
ENGLISH:
· Introduce TV Prompt (Argumentative)
· Brainstorming with pillar
· Write & share introductions
· Begin body paragraphs
Week 6 Sept. 8-12
READING:
· Vocabulary for chapters 10-13 (use TIP chart)
· Read/Discuss/Analyze chapters 10-13
· Students will summarize these chapters (one summary – pulling main ideas)
· Discussion questions over 10-13
· Constructed Response question number 2
· Monday- Routine Reading and OAS constructed response practice
ENGLISH:
· Continue with TV Prompt essay
· Finish with body paragraphs and conclusion
· Type in lab to submit to Essay Scorer
Week 7 Sept. 15-19
READING:
· Introduce Tupac Shakur--Short bio (what do you know about him)
· Poem “I Cry” (video clip)
· Vocabulary for chapters 14-17 (voc stories)
· Read / Discuss/Analyze chapters 14-17 with Cornell notes
· Compare/contrast –internal and external conflict
· In a paragraph, discuss the internal conflict Walter experiences in “Being Black” and its causes.
· Writing assignment – opinion paragraph
“Knowing what you know about Walter Dean Myers, do you think he would have liked Tupac’s poetry. Use text details to support your opinion.”
· Monday- Routine Reading and OAS constructed response practice
ENGLISH:
· Introduce Informational/Explanatory/Expository Writing
· Look at Informational Pillar
· Look at sample papers
· Begin brainstorming for the Role Model Prompt
Week 8 Sept. 22-26
READING:
· Vocabulary for chapters 18-20 (voc crossword puzzle)