Suggested Time Frame: 6 Weeks, Semester 1
Grade 7 - Developmental Language Arts - Collection 3 - Nature at Work
Close Reader
Selections
Anchor Text:
Memoir: from Mississippi Solo
by Eddy Harris 830L, p. 137
LG: Identify features of a
memoir and to analyze the
author’s style.
Close Reader:
Memoir: Polar Dream by Helen
Thayer p. 144c
Soliloquy: from The Tempest
by William Shakespeare p.
145
LG: Identify elements of
Close Reader:
Shakespearean language,
interpret meaning, and analyze Informational Text: “The
a soliloquy.
Hidden Southwest: The Arch
Hunters” by James Vlahos p.
Short Story: “Allied with
168c
Green” by Naomi Shihab Nye
900L, p. 149
LG: Determine the theme of a
short story and to analyze word
choice and style.
Expository Essay: “Big Rocks’
Balancing Act” by Douglas Fox
1060L, p. 157
LG: Analyze elements of an
expository essay and its
structure.
Reading Focus
Memoir
Style
Personification
Figurative Language
Tone
Soliloquy
Monologue
Theme
Infer
Imagery
Point of View
Expository Essay
Quotation
Text Features
Cause and Effect
Patterns of Organization
Central Idea
Ode
Lyric Poem
HMH Writing Resources
Interactive
Whiteboard
Lessons
Language Focus
(grammar, vocabulary, syntax)
Dramatic Reading
Allusion
Precise Language
Using a Glossary
Compound Sentence
Coordinating
Conjunction
Latin Roots
Prepositional Phrases
Intertextual Unit:
“Nature”
Golden Novel:
Tangerine
(Novel will be
addressed in QBA2
exam) Resources
Vocabulary:
Vocabulary.com: Academic & Critical Critical Vocabulary
Summative
Assessments:
Performance
Task A: Write a
Memoir p.175
Task A: Memoir
Rubric p.178
Performance
Task B: Write a
Poetry Analysis
Task B: Poetry
Analysis Rubric
p.182
Academic Vocabulary
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases
Analyze Form
Analyze Point of View: Interactive Whiteboard Lesson:
Analyze Point of View
Analyze Texts: Fact and Opinion

Tic-Tac-Toe Board
affect (affectation, affections, affective, affects, disaffected, unaffected)
element (elemental, elementally, elementary, elements)
ensure (ensured, ensuring)
participate (participant, participation, participator, participating)
specify (nonspecific, specific, specific gravity, specific heat, specificity)
Extensions - Secondary Gifted Resources

Graphic Organizers
Teengagement
Listening & Speaking
Focus
Jim Burke Vocabulary List
Poem: “Sleeping in the Forest”
by Mary Oliver p.169
LG: Analyze poetic form and
learn how poets use figurative
language to express feelings
and ideas.



Write a Memoir
Cite Textual Evidence
Kylene Beers Discussion Terms
Formative and
Summative
Assessments
Online Selection
Tests
Writing Focus
Close Reader:
Poems: from Poems About
Nature by Leslie Marmon Silko,
Victory Hernandez Cruz, and
Gwendolyn Brooks p. 174c
Anchor Text:
Poem: “Ode to Enchanted
Light” by Pablo Neruda p. 169
Additional
Suggested
Resources
EQ1: In what ways does nature demand respect?
EQ2: How does nature inspire you?
Central Text
Selections
Print Version
Determine Theme: Interactive Whiteboard Lesson:
Theme/Central Idea
Strategies for Gifted Learners - FL Gifted Frameworks
Collection 3 Test
Interventions ESE Accommodations - ELL Strategies



Analyze Text: Memoir: Interactive Graphic Organizer:
Spider Map
Determine Meaning of Words and Phrases
Determine Theme: Level Up Tutorial: Theme


Analyze Structure: Essay: Level up Tutorial:
Chronological Order; Cause-and-Effect Organization;
Comparison-Contrast Organization
Determine Meanings of Words and Phrases: Level Up
Tutorial: Figurative Language
Language Arts Florida Standards addressed in this unit are highlighted below:
Reading: Literature
LAFS.7.RL.1.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
LAFS.7.RL.1.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal
opinions or judgments.
LAFS.7.RL.2.3 Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves
toward a resolution.
LAFS.7.RL.2.4 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
LAFS.7.RL.2.5 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.
LAFS.7.RL.2.6 Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.
LAFS.7.RL.3.7 Compare and contrast the experience of reading a story, drama, or poem to listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live version of the text,
including contrasting what they “see” and “hear” when reading the text to what they perceive when they listen or watch.
(RL.7.8 not applicable to literature)
LAFS.7.RL.3.9 Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their approaches
to similar themes and topics.
LAFS.7.RL.4.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6–8 text complexity band
proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
Reading: Information
LAFS.7.RI.1.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
LAFS.7.RI.1.2 Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions
or judgments.
LAFS.7.RI.1.3 Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
LAFS.7.RI.2.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
LAFS.7.RI.2.5 Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the
ideas.
LAFS.7.RI.2.6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text.
LAFS.7.RI.3.7 Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent
understanding of a topic or issue.
LAFS.7.RI.3.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that
are not.
LAFS.7.RI.3.9 Compare and contrast one author’s presentation of events with that of another (e.g., a memoir written by and a biography on the same person).
LAFS.7.RI.4.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at
the high end of the range.
Writing
LAFS.7.W.1.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
LAFS.7.W.1.1a Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
LAFS.7.W.1.1b Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
LAFS.7.W.1.1c Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.
LAFS.7.W.1.1d Establish and maintain a formal style.
LAFS.7.W.1.1e Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument presented.
LAFS.7.W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and
analysis of relevant content.
LAFS.7.W.1.2a Introduce a topic; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and
cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
LAFS.7.W.1.2b Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
LAFS.7.W.1.2c Use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
LAFS.7.W.1.2d Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
LAFS.7.W.1.2e Establish and maintain a formal style.
LAFS.7.W.1.2f Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the information or explanation presented.
LAFS.7.W.1.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured
event sequences.
LAFS.7.W.1.3a Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds
naturally and logically.
LAFS.7.W.1.3b Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
LAFS.7.W.1.3c Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another.
LAFS.7.W.1.3d Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events.
LAFS.7.W.1.3e Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events.
LAFS.7.W.2.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Gradespecific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)
LAFS.7.W.2.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or
trying a new approach. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 6 here.)
LAFS.7.W.2.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient
command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.
LAFS.7.W.3.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
LAFS.7.W.3.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and
conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.
LAFS.7.W.3.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
LAFS.7.W.3.9a Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature (e.g., “Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres [e.g., stories and poems; historical
novels and fantasy stories] in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics”).
LAFS.7.W.3.9b Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., “Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims
that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not”).
LAFS.7.W.4.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)
for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Speaking and Listening
LAFS.7.SL.1.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts,
and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
LAFS.7.SL.1.1a Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic,
text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
LAFS.7.SL.1.1b Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
LAFS.7.SL.1.1c Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under
discussion.
LAFS.7.SL.1.1d Review the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.
LAFS.7.SL.1.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or
issue under study.
LAFS.7.SL.1.3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
LAFS.7.SL.2.4 Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use
appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
LAFS.7.SL.2.5 Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, images, music, sound) and visual displays in presentations to clarify information.
LAFS.7.SL.2.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 6 Language
standards 1 and 3 here for specific expectations.)
Language
LAFS.7.L.1.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
LAFS.7.L.1.1a Ensure that pronouns are in the proper case (subjective, objective, possessive).
LAFS.7.L.1.1b Use intensive pronouns (e.g., myself, ourselves).
LAFS.7.L.1.1c Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person.*
LAFS.7.L.1.1d Recognize and correct vague pronouns (i.e., ones with unclear or ambiguous antecedents).*
LAFS.7.L.1.1e Recognize variations from standard English in their own and others' writing and speaking, and identify and use strategies to improve expression in
conventional language.*
LAFS.7.L.1.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
LAFS.7.L.1.2a Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, dashes) to set off nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements.*
LAFS.7.L.1.2b Spell correctly.
LAFS.7.L.2.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
LAFS.7.L.2.3a Vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.*
LAFS.7.L.2.3b Maintain consistency in style and tone.*
LAFS.7.L.3.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly
from a range of strategies.
LAFS.7.L.3.4a Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word
or phrase.
LAFS.7.L.3.4b Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., audience, auditory, audible).
LAFS.7.L.3.4c Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or
clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.
LAFS.7.L.3.4d Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
LAFS.7.L.3.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
LAFS.7.L.3.5a Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.
LAFS.7.L.3.5b Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., cause/effect, part/whole, item/category) to better understand each of the words.
LAFS.7.L.3.5c Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., stingy, scrimping, economical, unwasteful,
thrifty).
LAFS.7.L.3.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when
considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Teacher Version
Collection 3 - Nature at Work
Connection: In Text 1 and Text 5, the authors
use various figurative comparisons as they
share their experiences with nature.
In Text 1, the author uses simile, metaphor
and personification in his memoir. In line 23,
he says "The river kept me company and kept
me satisfied." The river is compared to a
person because it keeps the writer company.
In Text 5, the author uses simile and
metaphor as a means of developing the
connection with nature.
Text 5: The first poem,
“Ode to Enchanted Light” uses simile and
metaphor to make a connection with
nature. Pablo Neruda expresses his
appreciation for natural light shining
through a tree.
The second poem, “Sleeping in the Forest”
uses personification to stimulate the senses.
Mary Oliver recounts her experience walking
in the forest.
Connection: In Text 4 and Text 5, the authors use
literary comparisons to stimulate interest and heighten
reader’s awareness to unique interactions with nature.
In Text 4, the expository essay provides the reader with
information about rock formations and their unique
attributes. In Text 5, literary comparisons enhance the
meaningful experiences with nature.
Text 4: In “Big Rocks’ Balancing
Act”, the author familiarizes the
reader with a curiosity in nature,
unique rock formations. Various
patterns of organization are used
when focusing on the experiences of
real scientists who are studying
earth’s physical structure and the
forces that keep rocks balanced.
Text 1: In the Memoir
“from Mississippi Solo,” Eddy Harris
recalls a special moment from his life as
he canoed down the Mississippi River.
The use of figurative language adds
emotion and meaning to his experience.
Simile, metaphor, and personification
enhance his personal experiences and
observations.
Connecting Theme:
Nature at work explore the beauty,
power and mystery of
nature.
Essential Question:
In what ways does
nature demand
respect?
Connection: In Text 3 and
Text 4, both authors talk
about destructive forces.
In text 3, the author makes a
point that development is a
destructive force because
cities develop for greed and
money; and people often feel
remorseful about not
preserving green spaces.
In Text 4, Douglas Fox
describes how studying
balanced rocks gives us clues
about the severity of
earthquakes.
Connection: Man against the forces of
nature
In Text 1, the author uses a memoir as a
means of communicating his feelings and
experiences with nature. In lines 90-92, “I
enjoyed the feeling of water all around me
and on me, enveloping me a like a cocoon
…” The author feels protected by the river
even though he is in a canoe experiencing
a severe storm.
In Text 2, Prospero uses magical spells and
power to influence the forces of nature.
Text 2: In the excerpt from
“The Tempest,” Prospero reveals his
thoughts, feelings and plans as he learns
to use his power and cast spells to
control the forces of nature. He conjures
a powerful storm, a tempest, causing his
enemies, Antonio and Alonso, to become
shipwrecked on his island.
Shakespeare uses imagery, strong
vocabulary, and blank verse (unrhymed
iambic pentameter) to create rhythm
and meaning to this excerpt.
Connection:
In Text 2, Prospero uses his magic to create destructive forces with
nature. In lines 9-18, Prospero describes the powerful things he
has done, “bedimmed the noontide sun and calling forth a
mutinous winds.” He has dimmed the sun at noon and caused a
destructive storm at sea.
In Text 3, the author uses imagery to visualize a scene. The words
"green poking up between the buildings" in lines 5-11 is an
example.
Text 3: “Allied with Green” is driven
by language and imagery rather than
plot. The author’s style involves words
that appeal to the senses. The story’s
main character, Lucy, is a sensitive,
perceptive person who cares about
the importance of green plants
because plants sustain human life.
Student Version
Thematic Connections