Grade: Grade 6 Subject: English Language Arts Created by: DeSherra Gilchrist Bonner Lesson Length: 45 minutes Keywords/Tags: 6th grade, vocabulary, close reading, writing, discussion, cite textual evidence Lesson Description: This is a lesson that will promote critical thinking as well as close reading and writing skills.
Common Core Standards Covered with This Lesson
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.5: Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.6: Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)
Lesson Content: Reading
Instructions: Please read the following reading passage as many times as needed (aloud and silent) before starting to go through other lesson pages. Understanding the content of this passage is very important since the lesson activities will be all about this content. Feel free to print the passage if needed.
A Good Student
I was glad I had been to the freshman orientation. The high school was very big. The orientation helped me a lot. I knew where my classrooms were. I had met some of the teachers. And I had a new friend. I met another student who was interested in sports, like me, and we were both going to try out for the basketball team. I hope we can get on the team.
Today was my first day, and it was hard. We have four minutes to go from one class to another. I knew where the classrooms were. But I had to go from one end of the building to another. I wanted to go to my
locker and leave my book. So I did. But that took time. I was worried about being late. And I was. The Math teacher said, just be on time tomorrow. I allow one late arrival on the first day, but that’s it. I am serious. Only one late-to-class is allowed. After that you have to go to the office to get a pass, and I will mark you tardy. After you get 3 tardies you have to serve a detention.
I like my art class a lot. The teacher there showed us how to make portraits. We just did drawings today, but I know it’s going to be great. I like drawing. I had no idea it was so much about math. I divided the page into sections, using a ruler, then did the sketch.
I like my English class, too. Today we wrote about ourselves. The teacher said to just write what you think. And write a paragraph or a poem. We will focus on grammar later. So I wrote a poem about me. I think it is a good poem.
Lunch was very hurried. I had gone to my locker. Then I got to the cafeteria. I looked for my friend, but he wasn’t there. So I sat with people I didn’t know. Everyone was eating quickly. There were choices. But tomorrow I will choose differently. The food I got today looked good, but I didn’t like it that much.
There is an after-school club I can join. It is a club for people who want to learn more about computers. I think I’ll sign up for that. But there is another club after-school that I like, too. It is the chess club. I like to play chess. The basketball season is months away. I need to learn how to use a computer. My social studies teacher says it is the one skill you need in every class. My English teacher said the one skill I need in every class is writing. I think I need both skills.
Task 1: Vocabulary Activity
(20 points)
Instructions: Please complete the following vocabulary activity by choosing the correct meaning of each word selected from the passage and use of each word correctly in a sentence.
Vocabulary Questions
Word/Phrase: arrival | Tier: 2 | Points: 5
Q1
In the text, the author says "I allow one late arrival on the first day, but that’s it." What does the word "arrival" mean in this sentence?
A. A coming *
B. The attainment of an object or condition
C. To be late
D. To be early
Which sentence uses the word "arrival" correctly?
A. After two hours of debating, the jury finally reached an arrival.
B. The arrival clock was faster than expected.
C. Before the buzzer sounded, the ball came to surprising arrival.
D. The arrival of the baby shocked everyone, including the doctors. *
Word/Phrase: hurried | Tier: 2 | Points: 5
Q2
In the text, the author states "Lunch was very hurried." What does the word "hurried" mean in this sentence?
A. Slow
B. Rushed *
C. Delayed
D. Delicious
Which one of the sentences below uses the word "hurried" correctly?
A. During the hurried performance, the dancers walked leisurely to their positions.
B. The hurried turtle took one hour to cross the busy highway.
C. The burglar hurried across the street to avoid being seen by the security guard. *
D. The hurried pineapple was the sweetest I had ever eaten.
Word/Phrase: portraits | Tier: 3 | Points: 5
Q3
In the story, the author states "I like my art class a lot. The teacher there showed us how to make portraits." What does the word "portraits" mean in this sentence?
A. A picture, painting, or drawing of a person, usually depicting only the face and shoulders *
B. A specific type of paint used for canvas art
C. A lighting technique used to enhance paintings
D. A specific type of glue used to add objects to completed paintings
Which one of the sentences below uses the word "portraits" correctly?
A. The portraits glue reassured the artist that each piece would stay in place.
B. The portrait light really enhanced the details of the painting.
C. The Mona Lisa, showcasing her infamous smile, is one of the famous portraits known around the world. *
D. The portrait paint was purchased by the Art Club last year.
Word/Phrase: ruler | Tier: 3 | Points: 5
Q4
In the text, the author states "I divided the page into sections, using a ruler, then did the sketch." What does the word "ruler" mean?
A. A person within the government that makes all decisions concerning the people of that city
B. A tool used to determine the color a sketch
C. A person having supreme power over a nation
D. A straight strip of wood, plastic, or metal with a smooth edge marked off in units and used as a measuring tool or guide in drawing straight lines *
Which sentence below uses the word "ruler" similar to the way it is used in the passage?
A. The ruler always made decisions based on what would be best for the majority of the people.
B. The ruler revealed the sketch should be completed in black and white.
C. The ruler is a great tool to have when drawing the lines of the coordinate plane. *
D. The ruler took over after the king became ill.
Standards Covered with This Lesson Activity: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.4, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.5, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.4,
Task 2: Discussion Activity
(30 points)
Instructions: This discussion forum will have questions for students to respond. Read the posted questions, and respond to each. Students are responsible for posting one initial and and two peer responses for each topic.
Topic Title
Replies
Freshman Orientation
What is the narrator's opinion about freshman orientation? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Sent on: Sep 21, 2015 by: DeSherra Gilchrist Bonner
0
Obstacles
Based on the passage, what will likely be one of the toughest obstacles for the narrator to overcome while adjusting to the high school? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Sent on: Sep 21, 2015 by: DeSherra Gilchrist Bonner
0
Class Schedule
According to the narrator's synopsis of classes, explain which class is likely to be his favorite as the year progresses? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
Sent on: Sep 21, 2015 by: DeSherra Gilchrist Bonner
0
Standards Covered with This Lesson Activity: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.6,
Task 3: Writing Activity
(50 points)
Instructions: At the end of the passage, the narrator explains that his social studies teacher said computer skills are the skills that will be needed in every class. His English teacher says writing is the one skill that will be used in every class. Write a 500 word essay about three skills necessary to be successful in middle school. Be sure to include specific examples of how each skill will contribute to being a successful middle school student.
Standards Covered with This Lesson Activity: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.4,
