7th Grade ELA Reading Curriculum Map
BIE Arizona Standards - First Semester
Table of Contents
Introduction
The 7th Grade English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is designed to foster a love for reading, improve comprehension skills, and develop critical thinking capabilities in line with the BIE Arizona Standards. The first semester consists of four units focused on exploring different literary forms, supported by various assessments to gauge understanding and application.
Unit 1: Exploring Fiction
Overview
In this unit, students will delve into various forms of fiction, including short stories and novels. They will analyze characters, settings, and plots, fostering skills in comprehension and interpretation.
Key Texts
- "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton
- Selected short stories from various anthologies
- "Holes" by Louis Sachar
Standards
- R1.1: Analyze and interpret characters and their actions.
- R1.2: Examine the elements of plot and setting.
- R1.3: Explain how an author’s choices shape a text’s meaning.
Assessments
- Literary response essays
- Character analysis projects
- Group presentations on themes and motifs
Unit 2: Understanding Non-Fiction
Overview
This unit focuses on non-fiction texts, emphasizing informational literacy. Students will learn to analyze arguments, identify main ideas, and evaluate sources.
Key Texts
- "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer (excerpts)
- Selected articles from Time for Kids
- Biographies of influential figures
Standards
- R2.1: Analyze non-fiction texts for purpose and audience.
- R2.2: Evaluate the credibility of sources.
- R2.3: Summarize and paraphrase key arguments.
Assessments
- Critical essays on selected articles
- Source evaluation projects
- Quizzes on main ideas and supporting details
Unit 3: Poetry and Figurative Language
Overview
Students will explore poetry and the various devices used in poetic expression. The unit will enable students to appreciate the richness of language and enhance their interpretation skills.
Key Texts
- Selected poems from poets such as Maya Angelou and Robert Frost
- Anthology of contemporary poetry
- "The Poet X" by Elizabeth Acevedo (excerpts)
Standards
- R3.1: Interpret figurative language and poetic devices.
- R3.2: Analyze how poets use structure to convey meaning.
- R3.3: Compare thematic elements across different poems.
Assessments
- Poetry analysis essays
- Creative poetry projects
- Class recitations and discussions
Unit 4: Literary Analysis and Critical Thinking
Overview
In this unit, students will synthesize their knowledge from previous units by engaging in literary analysis. They will learn to formulate arguments and support claims with textual evidence.
Key Texts
- "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (excerpts)
- Selected critical essays and reviews
- Short stories with rich thematic content
Standards
- R4.1: Formulate and support a thesis statement.
- R4.2: Analyze how context influences textual interpretation.
- R4.3: Engage in discussion and debate about literary texts.
Assessments
- Research papers on authors or literary movements
- Debate formats on thematic issues
- Peer review of literary analyses
Conclusion
The first semester of the 7th Grade ELA curriculum is structured to create a robust understanding of various literary forms and genres. Through engagement with fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and literary analysis, students will develop strong reading and critical thinking skills aligned with the BIE Arizona Standards. Regular assessments and projects will encourage active participation and deeper comprehension of the texts studied.