Unit 1: Changes in Me

Unit Context: This unit will focus on the challenges and triumphs of growing up through the lens of diverse narratives. Students will conduct self-exploration and use symbolism to analyze themselves. Students will also analyze the elements of theme and characters, creating a graphic essay that reflects the interaction of characters, setting, and theme from literature circle novels.

Anchor Text: Literature Circles- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, and Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Standards: 5F, 6C, 6D, 7A, 10Bii

Unit 2: Changes From the Past

Unit Context: In this unit, students will explore how culture and time period affect people, decisions and themes. Students will research specific time periods with an emphasis on society, conflict and innovation. They will in turn create an immersive experience for other students and ultimately write a narrative piece that examines a different point of view from a novel of their choice.

Anchor Text: Historical Fiction Book Clubs

Standards:  5H*, 10Bii, 10C, 12D

11D - Fentanyl Prompt

Unit 3: Changes For the Future

Unit Context: In this unit, students will dive into the genre of science fiction and explore the importance of technology in society. Students will focus on the ethics behind science and technology and consider various perspectives to form educated arguments by way of nonfiction resources and A Wrinkle in Time. Students will develop communication skills through collaborative projects of various mediums.

Anchor Text: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Standards: 1D, 5F, 6D, 10C

Unit 4: Imagination and Innovation

Unit Context: Unit 4 is the year’s capstone, celebrating everything students have mastered in previous units. It focuses on the power of a student's imagination through the foundational language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking. This unit also allows students to explore a passion or interest where they will create an informational presentation that synthesizes their experiences from this year.

Anchor Text: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (teacher read aloud excerpts)

Standards: 8Di, 9A, 12D