MMS ELA CURRICULUM MAP GRADES 6-8

Month / Module / Topic and Text / Standards/Skills / Assessments / Common Tasks / Resources and
Paired Readings / Essential Questions
Sept. – Nov. / Quarter 1 and 2
Grade 6 / 2A / Summer Reading Task
Close Reading/ Rules to Live By
Bud Not Buddy – Christopher Paul Curtis
Reading Level
Grade level Equivalent: 5.0
Lexile® Measure:950L
DRA: 50
Guided Reading: U
Type of Book:
Chapter Book
Theme:
-Adoption & Foster
-Care
-Parents
-African American
-Music
-Running Away / R.I 6.1-6.2, 6.5
W. 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7
S.L. 6.1
L.6.5
READING
*Close reading * Reading comprehension * Vocabulary * Literary terms * Literary response and expression *Recognizing and reading a variety of genres *Critical analysis and evaluation * Use of Poetry to develop the following skills 1. analysis/interpretation 2. poetic elements 3. Respond to scaffolding questions *Write a paragraph based on one or more passages
VOCABULARY *Close Reading *Context Clues *Vocabulary Strategies *Annotation
WRITING
*Analysis of Elements of the plot *Research Based
* Critical Analysis *Supporting Evidence *Domain Specific Vocabulary in Writing
* Graphic Organizers
*Paraphrase/ Quotations Grammar
* Sentence Structure *Punctuation
SPEAKING
*Pairs
* Small Group *Whole Group *Active Discussion
LISTENING
* Pairs
*Small Group *Whole Group *Active Discussion *Close Listening / Summer Assessment
(Narrative)
Unit assessments
W.O.W.
6+1 Writing Traits
Quizzes
Projects
Homework
Book Review 1 - Fiction (Cereal Book Project incorporating the Narrative Elements) / Common Task 1 – Bud, Not Buddy / Unit on Narrative Elements
Holt Textbook Selections
(pages 5-14 - Dragon, Dragon by John Gardner)
(pages 220-224 and Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Anderson)
Unit on Literary Devices(Holt pages 538-539)
Close Reading Unit
Wolves Unit
Articles 1-5 or Collections from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Collection 1 (Facing Fear)
“Stanford University Commencement Address” Steve Jobs (RI, 865L) / *What are rules to live by?
*How do people communicate these “rules”?
*How does figurative language and word choice affect the tone and meaning of a text?
November - February 2015 / Quarter 2 and 3
Grade 6 / 1 / Myths: Not Just Long Ago
TEXT: The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
Reading Level
Grade level Equivalent: 4.7
Lexile® Measure:740L
DRA: 60
Guided Reading: W
Theme:
-Adventure
-Legends & Myths / R.L. 6.1-6.3, R.I. 6.1
W. 6.2-6.4, 6.9, 6.11
L. 6.1
READING
*Informational Texts *Text-based Details/Evidence *Text Features *Guided Reading *Independent Reading *Comprehension *Figurative Language *Main Idea/Summary *Visual Interpretation *Compare/Contrast *Point of View *Author’s Purpose *Opinion and Reasons *Literary Devices
VOCABULARY *Close Reading *Context Clues *Vocabulary Strategies *Annotation
WRITING *Character Analysis *Research Based *Critical Analysis *Supporting Evidence *Graphic Organizers *Paraphrase/Quotations * Grammar *Sentence Structure *Punctuation
SPEAKING * Pairs * Small Group *Whole Group *Active Discussion
LISTENING *Pairs * Small Group *Whole Group *Active Discussion *Close Listening / Unit assessments
Quizzes
Projects
Homework
Book Review 2- Biography / Common Task 2 – Lightning Thief / Holt Collections pages 308-309, Medusa’s Headby Olivia Coolidge
Baucis and Philemonby Olivia Coolidge
The Hero’s Journey, by Zachary Hamby / *What skills does a hero possess?
*What obstacles do most heroes face?
March – May / Quarter 3
Grade 6 / 3B / Sustaining the Oceans/
Poetry
TEXT:
Flush – Carl Hiassen
Reading Level
Grade level Equivalent: 5.8
Lexile® Measure:830L
DRA: 60
Guided Reading: W
Theme:
-Comedy & Humor
-Mystery & Suspense / R.L. 6.4-6.6, 6.11
R.I. 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7 W. 6.2, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.9, 6.11, S.L. 6.2
L. 6.2-6.4
READING
*Use of short stories to develop and enhance skills *Reading comprehension *Vocabulary *Literary terms *Literary response and expression *Recognizing and reading a variety of genres * Critical analysis and evaluation *Shared reading experiences in small groups and literary circles * Use of Poetry to develop the following skills 1. analysis/interpretation 2. poeticelements 3. recognizing and writing different forms of poetry 4. Respond to scaffolding questions based on a reading paragraph * Write an essay based on one or more reading passages
VOCABULARY *Close Reading *Context Clues *Vocabulary Strategies *Annotation
WRITING*Compare/Contrast * Research Based *Critical Analysis *Supporting Evidence * Domain Specific Vocabulary in Writing *Graphic Organizers *Paraphrase/Quotations * Grammar *Sentence Structure * Punctuation
SPEAKING *Pairs * Small Group * Whole Group * Active Discussion
LISTENING * Pairs * Small Group * Whole Group * Active Discussion * Close Listening / Unit assessments
Quizzes
Projects
Homework / Common Task 3 – Compare and Contrast / Holt Unit 7 – Poetry - Literary Focus Unit
Dr. Seussby Theodor Geisel
Ode to MiGato by Gary Soto
John Henryby Anonymous African American
The Road Not Takenby Robert Frost
Stray by Cynthia Rylant
The FloodbyRalph Helfer / How do human activities affect the balance of our ecosystem?
May- June / Quarter 4
Grade 6 / 4 / Heritage/
Library Research / RL.6.1
W.6.56.6, 6.8; SL
6.2,
6.4,
6.5
READING *Use of trade book units and short stories to develop and enhance skills * Reading comprehension * Vocabulary *Literary terms *Literary response and expression *Recognizing and reading a variety of genres * Critical analysis and evaluation * Shared reading experiences in small groups and literary circles * Use of Poetry to develop the following skills 1. analysis/interpretation 2. poetic elements 3. recognizing and writing different forms of poetry *Respond to scaffolding questions based on a reading paragraph * Write an essay based on one or more reading passages
VOCABULARY *Close Reading *Context Clues *Vocabulary Strategies *Annotation
WRITING *Research Based * Critical Analysis *Supporting Evidence * Domain Specific Vocabulary in Writing *Graphic Organizers *Paraphrase/Quotations *Grammar *Sentence Structure *Punctuation
SPEAKING *Pairs * Small Group *Whole Group *Active Discussion
LISTENING *Pairs * Small Group * Whole Group *Active Discussion *Close Listening / Unit assessments
Quizzes
Projects
Homework
Book Report 4 – Heritage Project / Common Task 4 –
Heritage Research Project / Heritage Unit – Holt – The All American Slurpby LenseyNamioka, The Braceletby Yoshiko Uchidam, Wartime Mistake, Peacetime Apologies,
MMS Library Databases:
- CultureGrams - Kids Edition
- CultureGrams - World Edition
- Kids InfoBits - Ethnic Groups
- Grolier Online (click on Lands and Peoples link in database)
- The Lincoln Library of Essential Information (look for Countries and Cultures) / Who are we? Where do we come from?
Sept. – Oct. / Quarter 1
Grade 7 / 4 / Heroism
Short Story Unit
SUMMER TEXT
My Brother Sam is Dead, Collier
Grade level Equivalent: 5.8
Lexile Measure: 770L
DRA: 60
Guided Reading: Y
Genre
Young Adult
Theme/Subject
Death, Grief, Loss
Colonial and Revolutionary America
American Revolutionary War
Loyalty
Patriotism
Siblings
Cross Curricular Social Studies American Revolution Historical Fiction
Marlboro School District 7th Grade Approved Text
TEXT
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
About this book
Grade Level Equivalent: 6.3
Lexile Measure: 1000L
Guided Reading Level: W
Age: Age 11, Age 12, Age 13
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Subject: Bullying Experiences, Death, Grief, Loss, Middle School, Cooperation and Teamwork, Living with Illness and Disabilities / W 7.1 a-e; 7.5-8; 7.9b
SL 7.1; 7.1a, e; 7.2, a; 7.3-4
L 7.4c and d; 7.6
Reading
· Close Reading
· Text-Based Evidence
· Guided and Ind. Reading
· Comprehension
· Literary Terms
· Main Idea/Theme
Vocabulary
· Reference Materials
· Context Clues
· Weekly Grammar and Vocab Activities
· Annotation
· Vocabulary Strategies
· Spelling
Writing
· Argument to support claim
· Peer Edit
· Technology to produce writing
· Short Research
· Draw upon several sources to develop argument
· Writing a narrative short story
· How to write an essay
· Proper citation
Speaking
· Pose Questions and Observations
· Discussion using evidence
· Present claims
· SpongeBob Trial to introduce argumentative writing
Listening
· Analyzing arguments and sources
· Build Counter-Arguments / Webquests
Quizzes
Comprehension Questions
Short Response / Narrative: Superhero Short Story
Argumentative Paper / Holt Elements of Literature First Course: Collection 7: Literary Criticism: “Evaluating Evidence”; King Arthur, Sir Gawain, etc.
Short Stories
Man in the Well, Sher
Tell Tale Heart, Poe
Both Sides of the Fence, Bateman
Poem:
Highwayman, Noyes
Poe’s Death Theory Articles / How do experiences shape who we become?
What qualities are essential to heroism?
How does the structure of a short story affect the
How does the author use short story elements to enhance the intended message?
Nov.. – Jan. 2015 / Quarter 2
Grade 7 / 2B / Identify and Transformation
Propaganda
Drama Unit
TEXT
Myth of Pygmalion
NYS Engage Supplementary text
Lexile 1070L / R.L. 7.1-7.3, 7.10-7.11
W. 7.1-7.2, 7.4-7.10
S.L. 7.1-7.4, 7.6
Reading
· Close Reading
· Text-Based Evidence
· Guided and Ind. Reading
· Comprehension
· Literary Terms
· Theme
· Identify how drama elements interact
· Genre differentiation/text complexity
Vocabulary
· Reference Materials
· Context Clues
· Weekly Grammar and Vocab Activities
· Literary terms (drama specific)
Writing
· Informational/Expository
· Peer Edit
· Technology to produce writing
· Text based analysis
· Draw upon several sources
· Compare and Contrast Essay
· Brief argumentative journals
· Eliminating Redundancy
Speaking
· Small Group discussions
· Large Group discussions
· Adapt speech for task/audience
· Analyze main idea in diverse formats/presentations
· Drama exercises/acting
Listening
· Analyzing arguments and sources / Write arguments to support claims
Argumentative short responses
Public Speaking and Oral Presentations
Comprehension Tests / Compare and Contrast Essay: Character Analysis / Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
“Wicked” scenes by Stephen Schwartz
Mini-Biography of Shakespeare and “Standard Deviant” video
“Children Should be Seen, Not Heard” Article
“Chinese Restaurant” NewsELA Article
“Women in the 1950’s: Rules” Article
“Gender Roles” Article / How do individuals define themselves?
Are people born evil or does it derive by nature?
Which is more important: popularity or adeptness?
February – March / Quarter 3
Grade 7 / 3A / Slavery or Revolutionary War
Individual Power
Poetry Unit
TEXT
excerpts from Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass / RL 7.1,7.4-5 7.7
RI 7.1,2 7.4, 7.6
W7.3-5, 7.9,7.11, 7.11a,
7.11b,
L 7.1, 7.2, 7.2a,7.2b, 7.3 ,7.3a 7.4-5 7.6
Reading
· Close Reading
· Text-Based Evidence
· Guided and Ind. Reading
· Connotation/Figurative Meaning
· Figurative Language
· Compare versions of text
· Poetry explications
Vocabulary
· Reference Materials
· Context Clues
· Weekly Grammar and Vocab Activities
· Annotation
· Vocabulary Strategies
· Spelling
· Commas
· Eliminating Redundancy
· Root Words
· Synonym/Antonym
· Analogies
· Phrases/Clauses
Writing
· Research-based writing
· Writing poems of various types
· Peer Edit
· Technology to produce writing
· Draw upon several sources to develop argument
· Thematic Analysis
Speaking
· Pose Questions and Observations
· Poetry Slam
Listening
· Analyzing arguments and sources
Assess the style of poetry by the way it is read / Selected response and short constructed response
On demand essay
Writing Poetry / Research Based Paper / Assortment of Poetry:
Introduction to Poetry
If
Sonnet 18
Annabel Lee
Caged Bird Sings
Casey at Bat
O Captain! My Captain!
Road Not Taken
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Tyger
Negro Speak of Rivers
I’m Nobody
Still I Rise
Jabberwocky
Oh Me! Oh Life!
What Teachers Make / How does purpose and audience shape how you tell that story?
How is history altered or portrayed in fictional texts?
How does the structure of a poem affect the meaning?
Why do we use figurative language?
March - June / Quarter 4
Grade 7 / 1 / Journey and Survival
TEXT
A Long Walk to Water – Linda Sue Park
Grade level Equivalent: 4.4
Lexile Measure: 720L
DRA: Not Available
Guided Reading: Not Available
Genre
Realistic Fiction
Theme/Subject
Wars
African
Survival
New York State Engage Text / RL
7.6, 7.11
W 7.3a,d, 7.4-5, 7.8-9
7.9a, b
L 7.1-2
Reading
· Close Reading
· Text-Based Evidence
· Small Reading Groups (Inclusion)
· Independent Reading
· Comprehension
· Literary Terms
· Main Idea/Theme
· Point of View
Vocabulary
· Comma Usage
· Spelling
· Sensory Language
· Sentence type
· Modifiers
Writing
· Use literary and informational text to build written expression
· Peer Edit
· Technology to produce writing
· Use multiple sources
· Draw upon several sources to develop argument
· Expository Writing
Speaking
· Pose Questions and Observations
· Class Discussion
· Small Reading Group Discussion
Listening
· Analyzing arguments and sources
· Build Counter-Arguments / Graphic organizer
Selected responses
Short constructed responses
Scaffolded essay
Quizzes/Tests
Literature Circles / Survival guides / “Water for South Sudan” (RI1090L)
“Lost Boys of Sudan” documentary
Author’s Note, “A Long Walk to Water,” Linda Sue Park
“Time Trip” excerpt from “Life and Death in Darfur: Sudan’s Refugee Crisis Continues,” Current Events
Outsiders- S.E Hinton / How do individuals survive in challenging environments?
Sept. – Oct. / Quarter 1
Grade 8 / 1 / Journey through Story Telling
TEXT
Inside Out and Back Again – Thanhha Lai
Reading Level
Grade level Equivalent: 5.3
Lexile® Measure:800L
DRA: 60
Guided Reading: W
Genre
Poetry and Rhymes
Realistic Fiction
Theme/Subject
Bullying Experiences
Changes and New Experiences
Family Life
Fitting In
Immigration and Assimilation ExperiencesImmigration
Vietnamese and Vietnamese American
Vietnam War
Prejudice and Tolerance Experiences / RL
8.1, 3, 4
8.6a
8.11
RI
8.1-4
W
8.2,a,b,d, e, f
8.3, a, b,d
8.4,a
8.5-7
8.9, a, b
8.11b
L
8.4a
8.6
Reading
· Close Reading
· Text-Based Evidence
· Guided and Ind. Reading
· Comprehension
· Literary Terms
· Theme
· Identify how drama elements interact
· Genre differentiation/text complexity
Vocabulary
· Reference Materials
· Context Clues
· Weekly Grammar and Vocab Activities
· Literary terms (drama specific)
Writing
· Informational/Expository
· Peer Edit
· Technology to produce writing
· Text based analysis
· Draw upon several sources
· Compare and Contrast Essay
· Brief argumentative journals
· Eliminating Redundancy
Speaking
· Small Group discussions
· Large Group discussions
· Adapt speech for task/audience
· Analyze main idea in diverse formats/presentations
· Drama exercises/acting
Listening
· Analyzing arguments and sources / Analyzing an informational text about a refugee experience / Essay on dynamic character / Refugee Poetry:
17 Varieties of Gazelle,
Langston Hughes’ “Refugee in America.”
U.S.S. Kirk film
NPR broadcast “Forgotten Ship: A Daring Rescue as Saigon Fell”
Short Story Unit: Unexpected Endings
The Landlady by Roald Dahl
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
The Monkey’s Paw
by W.W. Jacobs / •What is home?
•How do critical incidents reveal character?
●How does suspense contribute to the mood/tone of the story?
Month / Module / Topic & TEXT / Standards/Skills / Assessments / Common Tasks / Resources and
Paired Readings / Essential Questions
November – January 2015 / Quarter 2 / The Impact of the Written Word on People and Culture in America / RL
8.1, 3, 4
8.6a
8.11
RI
8.1-4
W
8.2,a,b,d, e, f
8.3, a, b,d
8.4,a
8.5-7
8.9, a, b
8.11b
L
8.4a
8.6 / Selected response and short constructed response
On demand essay
Writing Poetry / Critical analysis / “Langston Hughes” a biography / What can poetry teach us about ourselves and American culture?
How do poems tell stories?
Grade 8 / N/A / “How to Read a Poem”
“I Hear America Singing”
“The New Colossus”
“I, Too Sing America”
Langston Hughes
“Ozymandias” Percy Bysshe Shelley
“Frankenstein” Edward Field / “Manmade Monsters”
by Daniel Cohen
“Goodbye Lenin” by Sasha Senderovich
Month / Module / Topic & TEXT / Standards/Skills / Assessments / Common Tasks / Resources and
Paired Readings / Essential Questions
February – March / Quarter 3
Grade 8 / 3 / A Study of Human Relationships through Drama
TEXT
“The Diary of Anne Frank” – Goodrich Hackett
or
Reading Level
Grade level Equivalent: 6.3
Lexile: N/A
Genre
Historical Drama
Theme/Subject
Determination and Perseverance
European
Jewish Experience
Holocaust
Survival
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
William Shakespeare / R.L. 8.3, R.I. 8, W. 8.3, 8.11a, L 8.5
NYS S.S.
3, 6, 10
Reading
· Close Reading
· Text-Based Evidence
· Guided and Ind. Reading
· Comprehension
· Literary Terms
· Theme
· Identify how drama elements interact
· Genre
Vocabulary
· Vocabulary Strategies
· Context Clues
· Weekly Grammar and Vocab Activities
· Literary terms (drama specific)
Writing
· Argumentative Essay
· Peer Edit
· Technology to produce writing
· Text based analysis
· Draw upon several sources
· Weekly writing prompts
· Eliminating Redundancy (Word Choice)
●Grammar
●Sentence Fluency
Speaking
· Small Group discussions
· Large Group discussions
· Adapt speech for task/audience
· Analyze main idea in diverse formats/presentations
· Drama exercises/acting
Listening
· Analyzing arguments and sources / Holocaust Web- quest / Argumentative Essay: Anne Frank / “One Survivor Remembers”- DVD
“Walking With Living Feet” student essay
Excerpts from The Diary of A Young Girl
“Syrian refugees’ story mimics struggles by Anne Frank’s family 75 years ago” -Washington Post staff / How can a narrative be used to communicate real events?
What does it mean to be empathetic?
April - June 2015 / Quarter 4 / Working With Evidence: Taking A Stand
TEXT: To Kill a Mockingbird
Reading Level
Grade level Equivalent: 5.6
Lexile® Measure:
870L
DRA: 70
Guided Reading: Z
Genre
Classics
Historical Fiction
Theme/Subject
Coming of Age
Equality, Fairness, Justice
Prejudice and Tolerance Experiences
Violence and Crime / Reading
· Close Reading
· Text-Based Evidence
· Guided and Ind. Reading
· Comprehension
· Literary Terms
· Theme
· Identify how drama elements interact
· Genre differentiation/text complexity
Vocabulary
· Reference Materials
· Context Clues
· Weekly Grammar and Vocab Activities
· Literary terms (drama specific)
Writing
· Informational/Expository
· Peer Edit
· Technology to produce writing
· Text based analysis
· Draw upon several sources
· Compare and Contrast Essay
· Brief argumentative journals
· Eliminating Redundancy
Speaking
· Small Group discussions
· Large Group discussions
· Adapt speech for task/audience
· Analyze main idea in diverse formats/presentations
· Drama exercises/acting
Listening
· Analyzing arguments and sources / Writing prompts
Tests/quizzes / Research Paper: Civil War to Civil Rights / Film: Remember the Titans
FDR’s Inaugural Address
The Scottsboro Boys
The Children’s March / Is it worth taking a stand?