Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 1: Longing to Belong: Poems, Essays, and Short Stories / Lesson 7
ELA
Unit 1
7th Grade
Lesson 7 of 25
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Explain how the structural choices in the poem, "Where You From?" develop meaning.
Poem: “Where You From?” by Gina Valdés
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Prior to the start of class, print out the quotes in the Hamlet Quote Card resource and glue/tape them to a notecard in order to be prepared for the opening activity. If possible, move the student desks/tables to the side of the room so that there is room for students to walk around. Alternatively, take students to a space outside the classroom where they will have more room to engage in the activity.
This poem touches on themes of immigration and may be a sensitive topic for some students. Be aware that even if you have Spanish speaking students in your class, they may or may not feel comfortable reading the poem out loud for the class. If appropriate, check-in with individual students prior to class to see if anyone is interested in reading the poem out loud for the class. Review the following resources as a part of intellectual preparation, if needed:
Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved.
How do the structural choices contribute to the meaning of the poem?
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Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Why is the poet's use of Spanish and English impactful to the overall meaning of the poem? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.
How does repetition contribute to the meaning in the poem?
How does the poet structure the poem? Why does Gina Valdés structure it this way?
Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.
Literary terms, text-based vocabulary, idioms and word parts to be taught with the text
enjambment
when a word, sentence, or phrase runs over from one poetic line to the next, without punctuation
Reading and/or task to be completed at home in preparation for the next lesson.
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.
Essay: “Carmen Perez” by Carmen Perez
While reading, answer the following questions.
What was Carmen Perez passionate about as she was growing up?
Describe Perez's relationship with her family.
Describe where Perez grew up.
What values did Perez learn through playing basketball? How were these beneficial as Perez grew up?
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RL.7.2 — Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.7.5 — Analyze how a drama's or poem's form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning.
Standards that are practiced daily but are not priority standards of the unit
L.7.5 — Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.7.5.a — Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context.
L.7.5.b — Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.
L.7.5.c — Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending).
L.7.6 — 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.
RL.7.1 — Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.7.10 — 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.
SL.7.1 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
SL.7.6 — Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
W.7.1 — Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
W.7.1.a — Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
W.7.1.b — Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
W.7.4 — Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.7.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
W.7.9.a — Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history").
Next
Explain how Carmen Perez's experiences in her community shape her life.
Identify how the author structures the text to explain the science behind our need to belong.
Standards
RI.7.2RI.7.5
Analyze figurative language to reveal character perspective and motivation.
RL.7.3RL.7.4
Analyze how the podcast and the delivery of the lines adds a layered meaning to the words in the transcript.
RI.7.4RI.7.7
Summarize Geoffrey Cohen's research on the science of belonging and connection.
RI.7.2
Analyze how word choice and structure contribute to the speaker's perspective in the poem.
RL.7.4RL.7.5RL.7.6
Gather information from various multimedia sources to determine the central idea of belonging for Native People of the Northern Plains.
RI.7.2RI.7.9
RL.7.2RL.7.5
RI.7.2RI.7.3
Analyze how the poet uses repetition to convey the tone of a poem.
RL.7.4RL.7.5
Unpack the elements of argumentative writing through a Mentor Text.
W.7.1W.7.9
Unpack an argumentative essay prompt, write a strong claim statement, and outline an essay.
W.7.1W.7.5W.7.9
Draft and revise two strong body paragraphs.
W.7.1W.7.1.aW.7.1.bW.7.1.c
Draft strong introduction and conclusion paragraphs.
W.7.1W.7.1.aW.7.1.e
Revise essays for tone and strengthen argument through counterclaims.
W.7.1W.7.1.cW.7.1.d
Compare the theme presented in a nonfiction essay, "Hello, My Name Is _______" and a poem, "Teenagers."
RL.7.2
Analyze how Farizan develops the symbol of cooking in the novel.
RL.7.2RL.7.4
Students will explain the theme or message in America Ferrera's introduction.
Explain how the structure of "First Day Fly" conveys the narrator's perspective.
RL.7.5RL.7.6
Analyze how Polanco develops the theme of the poem through figurative language and word choice.
Take a clear position on a question and share evidence to support that point of view in a Socratic dialogue.
SL.7.1SL.7.1.aSL.7.1.bSL.7.4
Unpack the expectations of a Writing Task, study a Mentor Text, and begin to plan a personal narrative.
W.7.3W.7.5
Draft a body paragraph that includes descriptive, sensory details about a specific food.
W.7.3W.7.3.bW.7.3.d
Draft an engaging introductory paragraph and experiment with narrative pacing while writing body paragraphs.
W.7.3W.7.3.aW.7.3.b
Write strong conclusions, differentiate between sentence types, and engage in peer feedback.
L.7.1L.7.1.bW.7.3W.7.3.eW.7.5
Gauge student understanding of unit content and skills with one of Fishtank's unit assessments.
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