Enduring Understandings


By the end of this course you will be able to:

 

  • Reading strategies are important to develop reading comprehension.
  • Understand that language captures and records human aspiration and imagination.
  • Literature conveys the depths of human experience, reflecting diverse cultures and a common heritage.
  • Understand that writing is a tool for thinking, problem solving, exploring issues and constructing questions.
  • Understand that questioning is at the heart of learning.
  • Understand that language arts skills enhance the ability to think critically.

 

 

Essential Questions

 

  • How does a reader interact with a text to gain the deepest understanding?
  • How does vocabulary development relate to reading comprehension skills?
  • How does knowledge of word parts increase vocabulary and deepen comprehension of text?
  • How do literary devices and elements affect a text?
  • What does it mean to analyze a text?
  • How can the study of themes and values in texts prepare one for responsible participation in society?
  • How does reading enjoyment contribute to lifelong learning?

 

 

Additional Resources Needed

 

  • Internet connection to access Blackboard
  • Microsoft Word
  • Flash Player Microphone and speakers

Content Topics

 

Unit 1

Multicultural literature

 

Unit 2

Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Genres

 

Unit 3

Realistic Fiction

 

Unit 4

Novel Study: The Giver

 

 

Key Skills

 

  • Identify various literary elements and devices and their roles
  • Evaluate text to determine type or format
  • Interpret new vocabulary terms
  • Explore the author’s purpose in a work
  • Make text to self connections when reading
  • Use reading strategies to aid comprehension
  • Evaluate fiction elements; such as plot, characterization, setting and theme

 

 

Assessments

 

  • Unit Tests
  • Interactive Activities
  • Vocabulary Activities
  • Checks for Understanding

 

 

Standards

 

PENNSYLVANIA STANDARDS FOR READING AND WRITING:

 

  • 1. 1. 3. A. Identify author’s purpose.
  • 1. 3. 3. A. Read, understand and respond to diffent types of genres such as poetry, drama and fiction.
  • 1. 1. 8. B. Identify and use common organizational structures and graphic features to comprehend information.
  • 1. 3. 8 A. Read and understand works of literature.
  • 1. 3. 8. B Analyze the use of literary elements by an author including characterization, setting, plot, theme, point of view.
  • 1. 3. 8. E. Analyze drama to determine the reasons for a character’s actions taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.
  • 1. 3. 8. F. Read and respond to nonfiction and fiction including poetry and drama.
  • 1. 5. 8. A Write with a sharp focus
  • 1. 5. 8. C Write with controlled or subtle organization.
  • 1. 5. 8. F Edit writing using the conventions of language.
  • 1. 7. 8. A. Describe the origins and meanings of common words used frequently in English language.

 

National Standards: IRA/NCTE Stands for English Language Arts

 

  • Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
  • Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.
  • Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
  • Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
  • Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
  • Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and non-print texts.
  • Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
  • Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
    Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles.
  • Students whose first language is not English make use of their first language to develop competency in the English language arts and to develop understanding of content across the curriculum.
  • Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.