Longing to Belong: Poems, Essays, and Short Stories

Lesson 1
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 1

7th Grade

Lesson 1 of 25

Objective


Identify how the author structures the text to explain the science behind our need to belong.

Readings and Materials


Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Explain how the structure of the article conveys the central ideas.

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Key Questions


  • Why does the author include the introduction?

  • How does the diagram of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs help the reader understand belonging? How does this diagram help to develop the central idea?

  • According to the section, "Self-esteem and Belonging," what is the connection between self-esteem and belonging?

  • Interpret the graphs in the section, "The Current State of Belonging in America." Why does the author include these graphs? How do the graphs work to develop the central idea?

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

structure

the way authors organize information in text

central idea

an essential idea that the writer is communicating to the reader in a nonfiction text

Text-based

belonging

n.

(p. 1)

the condition of being comfortable and feeling connected with others

universal

adj.

(p. 1)

having to do with the whole world; something that everyone experiences

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Short Story: “Popularity” by Adam Bagdasarian 

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What is the setting of the story? 

  • What does the narrator want more than anything?

  • How does the narrator feel about Sean Owens? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

  • Does the narrator accomplish his goal? Why or why not? 

Enhanced Lesson Plan

Fishtank Plus Content

Bring your most engaging lessons to life with comprehensive instructional guidance, detailed pacing, supports to meet every student's needs, and resources to strengthen your lesson planning and delivery.

Common Core Standards


  • RI.7.2 — Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
  • RI.7.5 — Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RI.7.1
RI.7.3
RI.7.4
RI.7.10
SL.7.1
SL.7.6
W.7.1
W.7.1.a
W.7.1.b
W.7.4
W.7.9
W.7.9.b
W.7.10

Next

Analyze figurative language to reveal character perspective and motivation. 

Lesson 2
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free