American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: A. Students will read a variety of literary genres
analyzing, making connections, responding, evaluating, and enjoying for the purposes of
fostering a life-long connection with literature and understanding the fundamentals of the
principles of American society as exhibited in these genres.
Approx. Time Allotment:
Standards: 1.1.11 A - H, 1.2.11 A- C, 1.3.11 A -F
Benchmark/Skills
Reading
1. Students will continue to read
independently.
a) Choose appropriate texts in language arts
and throughout all content areas
b) Analyze the structure of informational
materials with focus on ascertaining how
the author’s purpose is achieved
c) Practice and refine effective reading
strategies (skimming, predicting, close
reading, summarizing, etc.) from a variety
of texts by identifying, describing,
evaluating, and synthesizing ideas
d) Interpret and synthesize what is read and
be able to demonstrate this understanding
e) Demonstrate fluency and comprehension
in oral reading
f) Identify and explore new vocabulary using
knowledge of root words, previously
acquired vocabulary, and context
g) Extend root word knowledge to understand
the meaning of texts
h) Learn, study, and use words from teacheror student-generated vocabulary lists from
literature
Assessment
Rubric-scored assessments:
 Teacher conference
 Oral presentation
 Expository/persuasive
essay
 Peer/self-evaluation
 Journal
 Discussion
groups/literature circles
Aligned Materials/
Resources/Technology
See attachment 1 for
complete list.
Instructional Strategies
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Acting
Activating Prior Knowledge
Brainstorming
Comparing
Contrasting
Creating and Predicting
Discussing
KWL discussion, chart
Listening to music
Making associations
Mapping
Memorizing
Organizing Graphically
Perusing and utilizing maps (of the United
States during various historical periods)
Playing Games
Questioning
Reading Aloud -- students
Reading Aloud -- teacher
Sharing
Student-led lessons
Summarizing
Quizzing
Illustrating
Group Presentations
Role Playing
Freelance Graphics
Multimedia presentations
Computer research
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: A. Students will read a variety of literary genres
analyzing, making connections, responding, evaluating, and enjoying for the purposes of
fostering a life-long connection with literature and understanding the fundamentals of the
principles of American society as exhibited in these genres.
Approx. Time Allotment:
Standards: 1.1.11 A - H, 1.2.11 A- C, 1.3.11 A -F
Benchmark/Skills
Reading
2. Students will continue to read and
evaluate informational texts,
documents, and a variety of media as
well as evaluate their quality.
a) Distinguish between essential and
nonessential elements
b) Establish and use criteria (factual
information, timeliness, tone,
author’s prejudice) for decisionmaking
c) Differentiate fact from opinion by
using complete and accurate
information, coherent arguments,
and points of view to do so
d) Evaluate arguments
e) Evaluate task-appropriate materials
f) Demonstrate understanding
g) Evaluate media material
h) Explain effect of modification of
discourse based on media and
technology
i) Explain differences in purposes
based on presentation material used.
Assessment
Rubric-scored assessments:
 Teacher conference
 Formal test
 Oral presentation
 Expository/persuasive essay
 Peer/self-evaluation
 Dialectical journal
 Discussion groups/literature
circles
Adventures in American Literature:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1985
 Unit Resource Book
 Reader’s Guidesheets
 Vocabulary worksheets
 Selection and Vocabulary check
Tests
 Selection Tests
 Subunit tests
 Related skills workshop:
worksheets
Aligned Materials/
Resources/Technology
See attachment 1 for
complete list.
Instructional Strategies
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Acting
Activating Prior Knowledge
Brainstorming
Comparing
Contrasting
Creating and Predicting
Discussing
KWL discussion, chart
Listening to music
Making associations
Mapping
Memorizing
Organizing Graphically
Perusing and utilizing maps (of the United
States during various historical periods)
Playing Games
Questioning
Reading Aloud -- students
Reading Aloud -- teacher
Sharing
Student-led lessons
Summarizing
Quizzing
Illustrating
Group Presentations
Role Playing
Freelance Graphics
Multimedia presentations
Computer research
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: A. Students will read a variety of
literary genres analyzing, making connections, responding, evaluating, and
enjoying for the purposes of fostering a life-long connection with literature and
understanding the fundamentals of the principles of American society as
exhibited in these genres.
Standards: 1.1.11 A - H, 1.2.11 A- C, 1.3.11 A -F
Benchmark/Skills
Reading
3. Students will continue to read,
analyze, and interpret literature, as
well as be introduced to evaluating
the effectiveness of an author’s
craft.
a) Refine analysis of the
relationships, uses, and
effectiveness of literary elements,
verbally and in writing.
b) Refine analysis of the quality of
literary devices
c) Respond critically, analytically,
and with an historical perspective
to literature (both fiction and
nonfiction)
d) Analyze literary structure of texts
Assessment
Rubric-scored assessments:
 Teacher conference
 Formal test
 Oral presentation/Computergenerated projects
 Expository/persuasive essay
 Peer/self-evaluation
 Discussion groups/literature circles
Adventures in American Literature:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1985
 Unit Resource Book
 Reader’s Guidesheets
 Selection Tests
 Subunit tests
Approx. Time Allotment:
Aligned Materials/
Resources/Technology
See attachment 1 for
complete list.
Instructional Strategies
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Acting
Activating Prior Knowledge
Brainstorming
Comparing
Contrasting
Creating and Predicting
Discussing
KWL discussion, chart
Listening to music
Making associations
Mapping
Memorizing
Organizing Graphically
Perusing and utilizing maps (of the United
States during various historical periods)
Playing Games
Questioning
Reading Aloud -- students
Reading Aloud -- teacher
Sharing
Student-led lessons
Summarizing
Quizzing
Illustrating
Group Presentations
Role Playing
Freelance Graphics
Multimedia presentations
Computer research
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: A. Students will read a variety of
literary genres analyzing, making connections, responding, evaluating, and
enjoying for the purposes of fostering a life-long connection with literature and
understanding the fundamentals of the principles of American society as
exhibited in these genres.
Approx. Time Allotment:
Standards: 1.1.11 A - H, 1.2.11 A- C, 1.3.11 A –F
Adaptations/Inclusion
Techniques
Reading
 As per student’s IEP
 Audio tape reading assignments
 Books on tape
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Extend time parameters
Give advance notice regarding
future assignments
Note taking by classmates for
reproduction
Offer alternative assignments
Offer reading and study guides
Peer tutoring and pairing
Provide classroom aide
Reduce the length of reading
assignments
Use computer technology
Enrichment
Strategies
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Additional reading
After school or lunch period
learning activities (films,
mini-discussion groups) to
emphasize unit learning
objectives
Field trips (museums, plays)
Independent study
Make given assignments
multi-layered and
multifaceted
Musical adaptations
Student-designed activities
Computer research
Remediation
Strategies
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
Peer Tutor
Differentiated Instructional
Assignments
Multicultural/
Interdisciplinary Connection
See attachment 2 for complete list.
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: B. Students will continue to engage in the
writing process focusing primarily (but not exclusively) on the expository domain, with
emphases on using the text as support, clarity in language, integration of concepts from
reading into written work, and personal record keeping and resumes.
Standards: 1.4.11 A - E, 1.5.11 A - H
Benchmark/Skills
Writing
1. Students will continue to practice
and refine persuasive and
informational essays connected to
literature read.
a) Organize thoughts using varying
models
b) Plan and or brainstorm prior to
writing
c) Follow models to facilitate practice
d) Practice self-and peer-editing
e) Utilize correct form of that writing
type
f) Use a variety of structures in writing
g) Use precise language and details
h) Use text citations to support ideas
i) Use correctly quotation marks,
parentheses, punctuation with
citations
j) Synthesize ideas from written
material in both formal and informal
essays
k) Maintain a writing folder
l) Write timed essays
Assessment
Rubric-scored assessments:
 Teacher conference
 Teacher/self/ peer evaluation
 Oral presentation comparing
drafts with final copy
Adventures in American Literature:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1985
 Writer’s Workshops:
Worksheets, assessments
guidelines, and peer and selfevaluations
 Language workshop: worksheet
 Related skills workshop:
worksheets
Approx. Time Allotment:
Aligned Materials/
Resources/Technology
See attachment 1 for
complete list.
Instructional Strategies
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Activating Prior Knowledge
Brainstorming
Comparing
Creating and Predicting
Discussing
Drilling
Editing
Extending (add to the piece modeling the
writer’s style, tone, purpose)
Interviewing
KWL discussion, chart
Listening to music
Making associations
Mapping
Organizing Graphically
Perusing and utilizing maps (of the United
States during various historical periods)
Playing Games
Publishing
Questioning
Reading Aloud -- students
Reading Aloud -- teacher
Revising
Self-evaluating
Sharing
Student-led lessons
Summarizing
Computer research
Literary criticism
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: B. Students will continue to engage in the writing Approx. Time Allotment:
process focusing primarily (but not exclusively) on the expository domain, with emphases
on using the text as support, clarity in language, integration of concepts from reading into
written work, and personal record keeping and resumes.
Standards: 1.4.11 A - E, 1.5.11 A - H
Benchmark/Skills
Assessment
Aligned Materials/
Resources/Technology
Writing

Rubric-scored assessments:
2. Students will continue to practice
See attachment 1 for complete 
mechanics and conventions of
list.
 Formal tests

writing.
 Teacher/self/peer evaluation

a) Use complete sentences
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b) Follow grammar rules
Adventures in American Literature:

c) Use controlled and /or subtle
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1985
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organizational techniques (logical
 Writer’s Workshops:

order, effective introduction and
Worksheets, assessments
conclusion)
guidelines, and peer- and selfd) Use correct spelling
evaluations
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e) Revise
 Language workshop: worksheet
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f) Edit writing using the conventions of
 Related skills workshop:

language
worksheets
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g) Write using well-developed content
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appropriate for topic
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h) Write with a command of the stylistic
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aspects of composition (different types
and lengths of sentences, precise
language)
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Instructional Strategies
Activating Prior Knowledge
Brainstorming
Comparing
Creating and Predicting
Discussing
Drilling
Editing
Extending (add to the piece
modeling the writer’s style, tone,
purpose)
Interviewing
KWL discussion, chart
Listening to music
Making associations
Mapping
Organizing Graphically
Perusing and utilizing maps (of
the United States during various
historical periods)
Playing Games
Publishing
Questioning
Reading Aloud -- students
Reading Aloud -- teacher
Revising
Self-evaluating
Sharing
Student-led lessons
Summarizing
Computer research
Literary criticism
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: B. Students will continue to engage in the
writing process focusing primarily (but not exclusively) on the expository domain, with
emphases on using the text as support, clarity in language, integration of concepts from
reading into written work, and personal record keeping and resumes.
Approx. Time Allotment:
Standards: 1.4.11 A - E, 1.5.11 A - H
Adaptations/Inclusion
Techniques
Writing
 As per student’s IEP
 Extend time parameters
 Give advance notice regarding future
assignments
 Note taking by classmates for
reproduction
 Offer alternative assignments
 Peer tutoring and pairing
 Provide classroom aide
 Reduce the length of writing
assignments
Enrichment
Strategies
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Newspaper articles
Letters to the editor
Contests
Field trips (museums, plays)
Independent study
Make given assignments multilayered and multifaceted
Musical adaptations
Student-designed activities
Computer research
Remediation
Strategies
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Multicultural/
Interdisciplinary Connection
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Peer Tutor
Differentiated Instructional
Assignments
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Raise awareness of the
connections between English
and other languages (root
words, vocabulary, and
literary terms)
Use art and music as both
prewriting stimulation and
enhancements to literature
( spirituals, Jazz, American
art movement)
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: C. Students will develop appropriate and
effective skills in all facets of oral communication.
Approx. Time Allotment:
Standards: 1.6.11 A - F, 1.7.11 A - C
Benchmark/Skills
Speaking and Listening
1. Students will practice speaking and
listening.
a) Participate in large and small group
discussion.
b) Present information orally, both in
formal and informal settings
c) Take notes from discussions, lectures,
and media presentations
d) Practice polite social conventions in
regard to speaking and listening
e) Ask relevant questions (of teacher and
classmates)
f) Initiate discussion
g) Summarize others’ points
h) Demonstrate awareness of negative or
positive stereotypes through language
Assessment
Rubric-scored assessments:
 Class discussion
 Debate
 Notebook
 Oral presentation: dramatic reading,
speech
Aligned Materials/
Resources/Technology
See attachment 1 for
complete list.
Instructional Strategies
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

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Acting
Discussing
Interviewing
KWL discussion, chart
Listening to music
Making associations
Memorizing
Reading Aloud -- teacher
Revising Questioning
Reading Aloud -- students
Student-led lessons
Group Presentations
Role Playing
Multimedia presentations
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: C. Students will develop appropriate and
effective skills in all facets of oral communication.
Approx. Time Allotment:
Standards: 1.6.11 A - F, 1.7.11 A - C
Adaptations/Inclusion
Techniques
Speaking and Listening
 As per student’s IEP
 Extend time parameters
 Give advance notice regarding
future assignments
 Note taking by classmates for
reproduction
 Offer alternative assignments
 Provide classroom aide
Enrichment
Strategies



After school or lunch period
learning activities (films, minidiscussion groups) to
emphasize unit learning
objectives
Field trips (museums, plays)
Musical adaptations
Remediation
Strategies


Peer Tutor
Differentiated Instructional
Assignments
Multicultural/
Interdisciplinary Connection
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
Interview with Leslie
Marmon Silko
Interview with Scott
Momaday
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: D. Students will focus on elements of the research
process which emphasize working with literary criticism.
Approx. Time Allotment:
Standards: 1.8.11 all
Benchmark/Skills
Research
1. Students will continue to learn,
practice, and use research skills,
particularly with regard to literary
criticism.
a) Select topics from among those offered
or applicable
b) Practice development of information
seeking strategies
c) Practice locating information using a
variety of formats
d) Practice searching for information
using a variety of formats
e) Begin to differentiate between
authoritative and non-authoritative
sources
f) Practice notetaking
g) Learn and practice reevaluating
research questions and findings to
determine if steps need to be repeated
h) Read, respond to, and evaluate
criticism of literary works
i) Continue to critically examine findings
j) Cite correctly
k) Create a bibliography correctly
l) Practice responsible and ethical use of
all resources according to copyright
law
m) Practice responsible and ethical
behavior in regard to the intellectual
property of peer
Assessment
Rubric-scored assessments:
 Teacher/self/peer evaluation
Aligned Materials/
Resources/Technology
See attachment 1 for
complete list.
Instructional Strategies
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



Brainstorming
Comparing
Contrasting
Editing
Interviewing
KWL discussion, chart
Making associations
Mapping
Organizing Graphically
Perusing and utilizing maps (of
the United States during various
historical periods)
Publishing
Revising
Questioning
Computer research
Literary criticism
American Writers
Essential Question, Concept or Theme: D. Students will focus on elements of the
research process which emphasize working with literary criticism.
Standards: 1.8.11 all
Adaptations/Inclusion
Techniques
Research
 As per student’s IEP
 Audio tape reading assignments
 Books on tape









Extend time parameters
Give advance notice regarding future
assignments
Note taking by classmates for
reproduction
Offer alternative assignments
Offer reading and study guides
Peer tutoring and pairing
Provide classroom aide
Reduce the length of reading
assignments
Reduce the length of writing
assignments
Enrichment
Strategies






Independent study
Make given assignments
multi-layered and multifaceted
Field trips (museums, plays)
Independent study
Make given assignments
multi-layered and multifaceted
Computer research
Approx. Time Allotment:
Remediation
Strategies


Peer Tutor
Differentiated Instructional
Assignments
Multicultural/
Interdisciplinary Connection
See attachment 2 for complete
list.
American Writers