This class is now available through Stone Bridges Academy here:
https://outschool.com/classes/middle-school-english-language-arts-unit-1-how-we-change-and-grow-cF6u0BYy?usid=M5RV0QGD&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

In this unit, we will try to answer the essential question "How can relationships and life events change people?"  To help us do this, we will explore informational text and short stories to extract the main ideas and key details, plot the storyline and characters, and search for a central idea.  We will also practice expository and argumentive writing with proper punctuation and appropriate vocabulary. 

Classes are designed to be as interactive as possible and promote discussion between learners and with the teacher.  We will have slide show presentations, google forms, interactive polls and activities, discussion and videos when appropriate to support our learning experience.  

Session 1 Introduction and Vocabulary List
Session 2 Reading- "Do People Really Change?" by Jessica McBirney and Baseline Writing Task
Session 3 Writing Lesson: Understanding Assignment and Vocabulary Activity
Session 4 Reading- "Raymon's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara
Session 5 Writing Lesson: Paragraphs
Session 6 Vocabulary Activity and Reading- "The Medicine Bag" by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
Session 7 Vocabulary Activity and Writing Lesson: Evidence
Session 8 Vocabulary Quiz and Grammar Activity
Session 9 Media Exploring
Session 10 Reading- "The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta Salinas and Grammar Activity
Session 11 Grammar Activity and Narrative Essay Assignment
Session 12 Grammar Activity and Discussion Presentation
Session 13 Class Discussion and Recap
Session 14 Grammar Quiz and Essay Parts
Session 15 Essay Parts and Planning
Session 16 Essay Drafting and Revising
Session 17 Essay Drafting and Revising
Session 18 Essay Sharing (optional) and Closure

✅ Students will increase their vocabulary with a set of words they will see, learn, and use throughout the unit. 
✅ Writing lessons that will guide students to use the vocabulary, concepts, and correct (grade appropriate) mechanics, as well as in-text evidence to support their ideas and citations, will be completed during the course. Writing a good paragraph will also be included in the unit. Grammar mini-lessons will be included. We will also cover steps to successfully write an essay, from understanding the task, brainstorming, outlining, and the writing process.  
✅ There will be several reading tasks executed in group guided reading, small group reading, or independent reading to help students explore different reading methods, as well as improve their reading ability and comprehension. 
✅ We will have a discussion lesson that will help students learn and practice being part of an academic discussion.


Standards covered:

Reading:
RL.6.1, RL.6.3, RI.6.1, RI.6.2

Writing:
W.6.1, W.6.2

Language:
L.6.2.A, L.6.6

Speaking and Listening:
SL.6.1.A, SL.6.1.B