ALEX | Alabama Learning Exchange

A Portrait of Our World: Making Connections and Developing Comprehension

Classroom Resource Information

Title:

A Portrait of Our World: Making Connections and Developing Comprehension

URL:

http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/portrait-world-making-connections-30777.html

Content Source:

ReadWriteThink

Type:

Lesson/Unit Plan

Overview:

Engage middle school students in a meaningful study of the lives of students from across the globe through the use of contemporary nonfiction and fiction. Students create personal autobiographies, sequence story events, and prepare well-crafted summaries while learning to use higher-level comprehension strategies such as Question-Answer Relationships and the Bio-Cube. Additionally, students conduct a critical study of the NCSS Notable Tradebook Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story From Afghanistan by Jeanette Winter, comparing and contrasting their own lives to Nasreen's and expanding their geographical knowledge of the Middle East.

Content Standard(s):

English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 6	R2. Use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar spoken or written words. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: R2. Context clues Determine Unfamiliar spoken words Unfamiliar written words Knowledge: R2. Students know: Context clues in speech or text can provide the meaning of unfamiliar words. There are different types of context clues, including inference/general clues, definition/explanation clues, restatement/synonym clues, and contrast/antonym clues. Context clues in text are often indicated by punctuation marks. Skills: R2. Students are able to: Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in speech. Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in text. Understanding: R2. Students understand that: An author or a speaker use context clues to explain the meaning of unusual words or academic, domain-specific vocabulary.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 6	7. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language. a. Write narratives incorporating key literary elements, including characters, plot, setting, point of view, resolution of a conflict, dialogue, and sensory details. b. Write informative or explanatory texts with an organized structure and a formal style, incorporating a focused point of view, a clear purpose, credible evidence, and technical word meanings. c. Write an argument to convince the reader to take an action or adopt a position, stating a claim and supporting the claim with relevant, well-organized evidence from credible sources. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 7. Narrative writing Argument writing Informative/explanatory writing Writing development Writing organization Style Tone Task Purpose Audience Command of language 7a. Narratives Literary elements Characters Plot Setting Point of view Conflict resolution Dialogue Sensory details 7b. Informative text Explanatory text Organized structure Formal style Point of view Clear purpose Credible evidence Technical word meaning 7c. Argument Claim Evidence Credible source Knowledge: 7. Students know: A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources. The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position. The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience. Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language. 7a. A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. Narrative writing includes text elements, like characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. The plot is a series of events in a narrative text. Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters in a text. Sensory details use descriptions of the five senses. 7b. Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple credible research sources. Informative or explanatory text begins by clearly focusing on the topic, providing credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion. Informative or explanatory writing should include academic, content-specific technical word meanings. 7c. The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position. Argumentative writing includes introducing the topic by stating an argumentative claim, relevant evidence to support the claim, and a concluding statement. Evidence to support the argument must be collected from various credible sources. Skills: 7. Students are able to: Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings. Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Demonstrate command of the written language. 7a. Write a narrative with a logical sequence of plot events. Incorporate literary elements into their narrative writing, like characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. Include dialogue and sensory details in narrative writing. 7b. Gather credible information from multiple sources. Write an informative or explanatory text with an organized structure and formal style that includes a focused point of view, clear purpose, credible evidence, and technical vocabulary words. 7c. Write an argument to convince a reader to take action or adopt a position. Include a claim, relevant evidence, and a conclusion in argumentative writing. Gather evidence from credible sources to support the claim. Understanding: 7. Students understand that: There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes. The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language. 7a. Narrative writing includes predictable elements, like a logical sequence of events and characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. Incorporating dialogue between the characters and sensory details can make their narrative writing more engaging. 7b. Informative or explanatory writing follows a predictable text structure that includes a focused point of view, credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion. They must gather their facts about the topic from multiple credible research sources. Writers elaborate details included in the text by using formal academic, content-specific technical words. 7c. To persuade a reader to take action or adopt an opinion, they must present relevant, well-organized evidence from credible sources.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 6	28. Discover word meanings through active listening in various contexts. Examples: classroom discussion, oral presentations, digital formats Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 28. Active listening Knowledge: 28. Students know: Active listening skills. Skills: 28. Students are able to: Learn the meanings of unfamiliar words through active listening in contexts such as classroom discussions, oral presentations, and digital formats. Understanding: 28. Students understand that: They can learn the meaning of unfamiliar or unknown spoken words by using active listening skills.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 7	R2. Use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar spoken or written words. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: R2. Context clues Determine Unfamiliar spoken words Unfamiliar written words Knowledge: R2. Students know: Context clues in speech or text can provide the meaning of unfamiliar words. There are different types of context clues, including inference/general clues, definition/explanation clues, restatement/synonym clues, and contrast/antonym clues. Context clues in text are often indicated by punctuation marks. Skills: R2. Students are able to: Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in speech. Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in text. Understanding: R2. Students understand that: An author or a speaker use context clues to explain the meaning of unusual words or academic, domain-specific vocabulary.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 7	7. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language. a. Write narratives to convey a series of events incorporating key literary elements, establishing a clear purpose, using narrative techniques (dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection), and sequencing events coherently (chronological and/or flashback). b. Write informative or explanatory texts with an organized structure and a formal style to examine ideas or processes effectively while developing the topic and utilizing appropriate transitions, precise vocabulary, and credible information or data when relevant. c. Write an argument to defend a position by introducing and supporting claim(s), acknowledging alternate or opposing claims, and presenting reasons and relevant text evidence from accurate and credible sources. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 7. Narrative writing Argument writing Informative/explanatory writing Writing development Writing organization Style Tone Task Purpose Audience Command of language 7a. Narratives Series of events Literary elements Purpose Narrative techniques Dialogue Pacing Description Reflection Sequencing Chronological Flashback 7b. Informative/explanatory text Organized structure Formal style Transitions Precise vocabulary Credible information/data 7c. Argument Defend a position Claim Alternate/opposing claim Relevant evidence Accurate sources Credible sources Knowledge: 7. Students know: A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position. Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources. The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience. Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language. 7a. A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. Narrative writing includes literary elements, like characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution, and narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection. The plot is a series of events in a narrative text. Events in narrative writing can be sequenced chronologically or include flashbacks to a previous time frame. 7b. Informative or explanatory text is writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple credible research sources. Informative or explanatory text has organized structure, and usually begins by clearly focusing on the topic, providing credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion. Informative or explanatory writing should include academic, content-specific technical word meanings. Words that indicate transitions. 7c. The purpose of argumentative writing is to defend an opinion. Argumentative writing includes introducing the topic by stating an argumentative claim, relevant evidence to support the claim, acknowledging opposing claims, and a concluding statement. Evidence to support the argument must be collected from various accurate and credible sources. Skills: 7. Students are able to: Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings. Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Demonstrate command of the written language. 7a. Write a narrative with a coherent sequence of plot events and a clear purpose. Incorporate literary elements into their narrative writing, like characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. Incorporate narrative techniques in their narrative writing, including dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection. 7b. Gather credible information and data from multiple sources. Write an informative or explanatory text with an organized structure and formal style that develops the topic and utilizes appropriate transitions, credible information or data, and technical vocabulary words. 7c. Write an argument to defend a position. Include a claim and relevant evidence in argumentative writing. Acknowledge alternate or opposing claims in argumentative writing. Gather evidence from accurate and credible sources to support the claim. Understanding: 7. Students understand that: There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes. The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language. 7a. Narrative writing includes predictable elements, like a logical sequence of events and characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. Literary techniques are tools that can be used to create a piece of narrative writing. Literary elements and techniques in narrative writing contribute to the overall meaning and purpose of the text. 7b. Informative or explanatory writing follows a predictable, organized text structure that utilizes appropriate transition words and precise vocabulary. They must gather their information and data about the topic from multiple credible research sources. Using credible information/data can support a writer's ideas and claims. Writers elaborate details included in the text by using formal academic, content-specific technical words. 7c. To effectively defend a position, they must present relevant, well-organized evidence from accurate and credible sources. An argument can be more effective if a writer acknowledges opposing viewpoints.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 7	31. Infer word meaning through active listening in various contexts for purposeful, effective communication. Examples: classroom discussion, oral presentations, digital formats Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 31. Infer Active listening Various contexts Purposeful communication Effective communication Knowledge: 31. Students know: Strategies to identify word meaning in spoken language. Active listening skills. Skills: 31. Students are able to: Actively listen to infer word meaning. Engage in purposeful, effective communication. Understanding: 31. Students understand that: Listening is vital in understanding the full meaning of a speaker's message and when communicating effectively with others.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 8	R2. Use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar spoken or written words. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: R2. Context clues Determine Unfamiliar spoken words Unfamiliar written words Knowledge: R2. Students know: Context clues in speech or text can provide the meaning of unfamiliar words. There are different types of context clues, including inference/general clues, definition/explanation clues, restatement/synonym clues, and contrast/antonym clues. Context clues in text are often indicated by punctuation marks. Skills: R2. Students are able to: Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in speech. Use context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in text. Understanding: R2. Students understand that: An author or a speaker use context clues to explain the meaning of unusual words or academic, domain-specific vocabulary.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 8	8. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language. a. Write narratives that establish a clear purpose, use narrative techniques, and sequence events coherently. Examples: narratives - memoir, short story, personal narrative; techniques - dialogue, pacing, description, reflection; sequencing - chronological, reverse chronological, flashback b. Write informative or explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas or processes effectively, by developing the topic with relevant information or data from credible sources and using appropriate transitions and precise vocabulary. c. Write an argument to defend a position by introducing and supporting a claim, distinguishing the claim from opposing claims, presenting counterclaims and reasons, and citing accurate, relevant textual evidence from credible sources. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 8. Narrative writing Argument writing Informative/explanatory writing Writing development Writing organization Style Tone Task Purpose Audience Command of language 8a. Narratives Clear purpose Narrative techniques Sequence 8b. Informative text Explanatory text Credible sources Transitions Precise vocabulary 8c. Argument Defend a position Claim Opposing claim Counterclaims Relevant evidence Accurate sources Credible sources Knowledge: 8. Students know: A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position. Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources. The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience. Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language. 8a. A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story, such as a memoir, a short story, or a personal narrative. Narrative writing includes techniques, like dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection. Events in narrative writing should be sequenced in a coherent manner, such as chronological, reverse chronological, or the inclusion of flashbacks. 8b. Informative or explanatory text is writing that examines and explains complex ideas or processes, utilizing information from multiple credible research sources. Informative or explanatory text has an organized structure, and usually begins by clearly focusing on the topic, providing credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion. Informative or explanatory writing should include academic, content-specific technical word meanings. Words that indicate transitions. 8c. The purpose of argumentative writing is to defend an opinion. Argumentative writing includes introducing the topic by stating an argumentative claim, relevant evidence to support the claim, distinguishing the claim from opposing claims, acknowledging counterclaims, and a concluding statement. Evidence to support the argument must be collected from various accurate and credible sources. Skills: 8. Students are able to: Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings. Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Demonstrate command of the written language. 8a. Write a narrative with a coherent sequence of plot events and a clear purpose. Incorporate narrative techniques in their narrative writing, including dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection. 8b. Gather credible information and data from multiple sources. Write an informative or explanatory text with an organized structure and formal style that develops the topic and utilizes appropriate transitions, credible information or data, and technical vocabulary words. 8c. Write an argument to defend a position. Gather evidence from accurate and credible sources to support the claim. Include a claim and relevant evidence in argumentative writing. Acknowledge alternate or opposing claims in argumentative writing. Present counterclaims and supporting reasons in argumentative writing. Understanding: 8. Students understand that: There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes. The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language. 8a. Narrative writing can take many forms, but there should be a coherent sequence of events. Literary techniques are tools that can be used to create a piece of narrative writing. Literary techniques in narrative writing contribute to the overall meaning and purpose of the text. 8b. Informative or explanatory writing follows a predictable, organized text structure that utilizes appropriate transition words and precise vocabulary. They must gather their information and data about the topic from multiple credible research sources. Using credible information/data can support a writer's ideas and claims. Writers elaborate on details included in the text by using formal academic, content-specific technical words. 8c. To effectively defend a position, they must present relevant, well-organized evidence from accurate and credible sources. An argument can be more effective if a writer acknowledges opposing viewpoints and counterclaims.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 8	30. Analyze and connect word meanings through active listening in various contexts for purposeful, effective communication. Examples: classroom discussion, oral presentations, digital formats Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 30. Active listening Various contexts Purposeful communication Effective communication Knowledge: 30. Students know: Strategies to analyze and connect word meanings in spoken language. Active listening skills. Skills: 30. Students are able to: Actively listen to analyze and connect word meanings. Engage in purposeful, effective communication. Understanding: 30. Students understand that: Listening is vital in understanding the full meaning of a speaker's message and when communicating effectively with others.

Tags:

autobiographies, Bio Cube, Cube Creator, Jeanette Winter, Nasreens Secret School A True Story From Afghanistan, nonfiction and fiction, sequence, story events, summaries, vocabulary

License Type:

Custom Permission Type
See Terms: http://www.readwritethink.org/util/legal.html
For full descriptions of license types and a guide to usage, visit :
https://creativecommons.org/licenses

Accessibility

Comments

This resource provided by:

Author:

Cassie Raulston

ALEX Classroom Resource

A Portrait of Our World: Making Connections and Developing Comprehension