7480+Mini+Module

ELA7R1.a: Distinguishes between the concepts of theme in literary work and the author's purpose in an expository text. ELA7R1.e: Identifies events that advance the plot and determines how each event explains past or present action(s) or foreshadows future action(s). ||
 * ===** Whitney Prather **=== ||
 * =** Rising 7th Grade Language Arts (Summer Online Course Sample)-Module 6 **= ||
 * ** Course Information: ** This Language Arts course has been designed as a summer supplemental class for rising 7th grade students designed to preview 7th grade reading and writing standards. Students will read a short novel, Gary Soto's //Taking Sides//, and respond to a literary element in each chapter using a variety of writing types and tools. The class is fully online and asychronous with students independently using their home computers. A certified classroom teacher has created and facilitates the course by regularly corresponding with students and offering standards-based feedback. This is a sample Learning Module featuring two sections that take place over one week. ||
 * ** Standard 1: Comprehension of Literary Text ** The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a warranted and responsible explanation of a variety of literary and informational texts. For literary texts, the student identifies the characteristics of various genres and produces evidence of reading that:
 * ** Module 6 Learner Outcomes: **
 * 1) Apply textual clues to reveal and support the author’s theme or hidden message about human nature contained within the novel using at least 3 examples that include page citations. (ELA7R1a)
 * 2) Create a written and spoken informational presentation to summarize the events in a story with at least 90% accuracy. (ELA7R1e) ||
 * ==** Part 1 Assignments: **==

** 1) **** Tour of Theme **
Remember the story //The Wizard of Oz//? Most of you would probably say that it is about a lost girl who finds her way home. But wait! Just that description does not tell you what the story is all about because there is more to a story than just what happens and who it happens to. There is also a deeper meaning in a story called **theme. A theme is a message about life that a writer wants you to understand.** A story usually has at least one theme, but a novel like //Taking// //Sides// has more than one theme. When you can figure out a story’s theme, you can get some insight into human character. All that from just reading a story…pretty deep, huh? Let’s review all the parts of a story, including theme with this funky video. Pay close attention to the theme section near the end. media type="youtube" key="c6I24S72Jps" height="315" width="560" It is //easy// to confuse a story’s theme with its topic, so here is how you tell the difference: See the difference? There is a lot more to theme. Theme should mean something to you as are a reader, and what’s neat about theme in a story is that no two readers will ever see theme the same way. Two people might describe a story’s theme differently or even see completely different themes. What readers must be able to do is support their theme with evidence from the story. Now read through the following two short articles. Heads up…they are really written for adults, but you CAN handle them. They give you good ideas about theme. Here is more information and a chart that I have prepared for you. Check it out, and print a PDF copy to keep, if you want to.
 * A topic can be summed up in a word or two such as “taking risks.” **
 * A theme is a writer’s message about a topic, and it usually takes at least one complete sentence to express a theme…like “Life’s biggest rewards come from taking risks.” Theme is usually NOT directly stated in the story, it is implied. **

2 **)** ** Theme Self-Assessment **
How about some practice on theme now? Let’s work with some fun Aesop’s Fables first! Find at least 3 fables using the following links. Read them, and see if you can figure out their theme (moral). Check your answers to see if you are right, and then think about the clues the led to you the story’s theme. [|Interactive Aesop’s Fables] (Click on the book and flip through it to get started.) [|Illustrated Aesop’s Fables] [|Multimedia Aesop’s Fables] How about some practice on theme now? Here is a multiple choice self-quiz. Jot down your answers as you go, and then check them at the bottom of the page.

** 3) **** Time to Read **
Read or to //Taking Sides//, Chapter 11.

** 4) **** Time to Discuss **

 * Discussion Board Link **

** 5) **** Time to Respond **
Download the Theme Graphic Organizer. Make sure to save it in your files. ** Directions: ** 1. Choose one theme that you have seen in //Taking Sides//, and type it in the box. 2. Support your theme choice by explaining how 3 story events relate to it and cite their page numbers. 3. Pick the **1 story event** from the three support boxes that relates most to you. For example, Event #2, and  then explain why it relates you. 4. Explain how you could apply a lesson about life to yourself or to Linc from the 1 event you picked. You will be graded using the. Pay close attention, and make sure that you do not call a story event a theme. Make sure your theme is an idea about life. ||
 * ==** Part 2 Assignments: **==

** 1) News Break! **
As we finish //Taking Sides//, you will be completing a short 2-3 minute newscast about the big basketball game between the two rivals, Columbus and Franklin! This will be challenging because you will be discussing the details of fictional events, but you will be using informational writing and speaking to describe and explain what happens at the basketball game. You should be creative, and consider this like a real sports news story. As you read or listen to the chapters, think about the details that would be actual news to a listener. You will write your news story in Word and read it in VoiceThread, but your instructor has prepared a video example for you. Watch...and learn. media type="youtube" key="2PZzb_y6_C0" height="315" width="420" The example is written down.

** 2) Time to Read **
Read or listen to //Taking Sides//, Chapters &.

**3) Time to Discuss**
Discussion Board Link

** 4) Time to Respond **
You will now compose and perform your sportscast about the big game between Franklin and Columbus. Remember to make your report at least 2 minutes, but no more than 5 minutes. You will respond to each other as part of an assigned “Reporter Circle” in VoiceThread at the start of Module 7. Be creative and have fun! **Directions:** 1. Write your sportscast in Word, and save your file. 2. Practice reading it several times, and then get ready to record using a VoiceThread link in the dropbox. You will be graded using the. Make sure that you use lots of descriptive details that paint a picture of the game and how it ends for your listeners. Keep your events in order, and make sure that you are clear in your writing and speaking. Remember, you are doing informational writing about narrative events. ||
 * ==** Part 1: Assessment **==

** Chapter 11 Response **
By Thursday, July 12, midnight, turn in your “Theme Graphic Organizer” HERE. Make sure to name the Word file with your first and last name and the assignment title. Example: whitneypratherthemegraphicorganizer.
 * You will be assessed using the Theme Graphic Organizer Rubric. **

**Remember to post your two Spanish word sentences to the class wiki with your online alias for Chapter 11!** ||
 * ==**Part 2: Assessment **==

** Chapter 12 Response **
By Sunday, July 15, midnight, post your "Rivals Sportscast" in [|VoiceThread]. Remember to speak clearly and in a tone we can all hear and understand as your read your broadcast-just like a real reporter. [|VoiceThread Help](if you need any reminders). [|VoiceThread Login and Password Help](if you have forgotten yours) Make sure to name the Word file with your first and last name and the assignment title. Example: whitneyprathersportscast. **Remember to post your two Spanish word sentences to the class wiki with your online alias for Chapter 12!** || **Link to Mini-Module References**
 * You will be assessed using the Sportscast Rubric. **
 * Also, please submit the saved Word document of your "Rivals Sportscast" HERE. **