Unit 1: Values and Beliefs

Time Frame:  9 Weeks

 

 

 

ELA > English I > Unit 1

Unit Description

In this thematic unit on the analysis of and connections between values and beliefs, the students will understand how values and beliefs are shaped by the past, guide the present, and affect the future. Students will also come to understand that values and beliefs can change with time and life experiences. This unit will focus on reading and responding to a variety of short stories, both classic and contemporary, and applying a variety of reading and comprehension strategies. The development of compositions that interpret and analyze short story elements and the use of self-assessment and peer review to edit preliminary drafts and produce final products are essential elements of this unit. Written responses to a variety of writing prompts in a journal/learning log; grammar instruction differentiated for students’ specific needs; independent reading instruction and monitoring; definition of vocabulary words within the context of the literature and appropriate use of the words in self-generated sentences; and listing of important literary terms are ongoing.

Enduring Understandings

·         Values and beliefs determine how I conceptualize my world.

·         My response to adversity reveals the core of my character.

·         Given extraordinary circumstances, strong values and beliefs can be reordered or changed.

Essential Questions

·         How are values and beliefs developed? How does my belief system influence my behavior?

·         In adverse situations how can studying others inform my actions?

·         How do values and beliefs change over time?

·         How can a significant emotional event change or reorder values and beliefs?

GLEs:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9a, 9e, 10a, 10c, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 24, 25, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 43

Assessments

·       Performance Task

·       Performance Task Rubric

·       Unit Assessments - LCC