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Lesson 1

We will preview the Unit Overview, Central Question, Unit Text List and Culminating Task. We will analyze a Norman Rockwell painting in order to begin our exploration of how authors might illuminate meaning and theme.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I identify task expectations and develop a plan appropriate for accomplishing the established outcomes?

  • Can I recognize and interpret important relationships among key details and ideas (characters, setting, tone, point of view, structure, development, etc.) within texts?

  • Can I work productively in various roles with other participants?

  • Can I generate a narrative that contains plot, setting, and conflict?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • The Book of Unknown Americans, Cristina Henríquez, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2015
  • Digital Access
    • The Catch, Norman Rockwell, Norman Rockwell Museum, 1919

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Discuss

We will review the unit overview and discuss the unit’s Central Question and reflect on its significance by completing a quick-write in our Learning Logs.

Step 1

Read the Unit Overview on the unit’s homepage on the website.

Review the Central Question of the unit:

How does perspective shape our understanding of events?

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 2

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 2: 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:

  • 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 3: Read – Discuss – Write

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

In a small group, read and discuss the Culminating Task Checklist. Respond to the following questions:

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

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

As a group, create a checklist in your Learning Log or use the Culminating Task Progress Tracker to determine what you need to do to succeed on the Culminating Task. Assess how prepared you are today to use the knowledge and skills you identified.

Activity 4: Discuss

We will work in a small group to set norms for small group work.

Read this goal statement:

I set norms that govern behavior in small-group activities in order to ensure a respectful and productive learning environment.

With your small group, read the Sample Discussion Norms section of the Academic Discussion Reference Guide.

  1. Which norms are essential for successful small group work?

In your Learning Logs, write down five norms that all members of your group agree upon.

Activity 5: View – Write

We will use a Norman Rockwell painting as a springboard for writing a short narrative.

Independently use the Visual Analysis Tool to examine Norman Rockwell’s painting, The Catch. Use the following question to guide your analysis:

  1. What story is conveyed by the images in this painting?

Then, in your small group, use your analysis of the painting as a springboard and craft a joint one-paragraph narrative of the painting that includes the setting, plot, and conflict.

Be prepared to support your group’s interpretations of each element (plot, setting, conflict) using evidence from the painting when you present it to the class in the next activity.

Activity 6: Present

We will share our narratives with the class.

Each group will share its narrative with the class. After you share your narrative, briefly explain what details from the painting you used to develop your narrative, including the rationale for your interpretation.