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Lesson 1

We will discuss the title of the novel in preparation for reading the text. Then we will discuss the Culminating Task for the unit.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I take necessary action to prepare for this unit?

  • Can I identify task expectations and develop a plan appropriate for succeeding on the Culminating Task for this unit?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe, Penguin Random House, 1994

Materials

Tools

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read

We will review the Unit Text List to familiarize ourselves with the texts we will analyze and discuss throughout the unit.

Step 1

Access and review the Unit Text List. Note the information that is included about each text. These texts are also listed in the activities in which they appear, under the Materials tab. You will notice that each text has an icon by it. These indicate where the text is located, which corresponds to the Location column in the Unit Text List.

Text locations are as listed below:

  • Tradebook: These texts are full-length novels or nonfiction books you will most likely have copies of.

  • Digital Access: You can find these texts online. Use the information provided in the Unit Text List or on the Texts tab for the activity to conduct a web search for the resource. Digital Access resources include online articles, videos, podcasts, and other web sources.

  • PDF Texts: These are formatted PDFs of texts that are available for download on the Materials tab.

  • CD/DVD: Material this is available on a CD or DVD. These audio and video materials might also be available through online content providers.

Step 2

Review the Independent Reading Text Options. Here, you will find suggested options for independent reading related to the unit.

Activity 2: Read

We will consider the title of the novel: Things Fall Apart.

Step 1

In small groups, discuss what you think the author meant by the title of this novel: Things Fall Apart. Consider what this phrase could mean for individuals, families, and society, and respond to the following question:

  1. What are some examples of things falling apart in life? In each example, what caused things to fall apart?

Share your answers with the class and discuss the following questions:

  1. Do all things fall apart?

  2. What keeps things from falling apart?

  3. What do we do when things fall apart?

Step 2

Consider the Central Question: What does it mean for things to fall apart?

Use the following questions to guide a discussion with a partner or small group:

  1. What is the Central Question asking?

  2. What might you already know in relation to the Central Question?

  3. What about the question piques your curiosity?

  4. How do you think this question relates to the texts or topic of the unit?

  5. If you were to provide an answer to the Central Question today, what would it be?

Step 3

In your Learning Log, write a response to Question 5. You will return to this initial response in later lessons to examine how your understanding of the Central Question has evolved.

Activity 3: Read

We will read and analyze the Culminating Task and will identify the specific knowledge we are expected to learn throughout the unit and the specific skills we will need to succeed on the Culminating Task.

In a small group, read and discuss the Culminating Task Checklist. Determine what skills and knowledge you need to succeed on the Culminating Task. Respond to the following questions:

  1. What do I need to know to succeed on the Culminating Task?

  2. What do I need to do to succeed on the Culminating Task?

Discuss the questions as a class. Create a checklist in your Learning Log or use the Culminating Task Progress Tracker to determine what you need to know and do to succeed on the Culminating Task. For each knowledge and skill identified, assess how prepared you are.