LESSON PLAN
STEAM English Language Arts – Grade 7
1/18/23
Introduction: Using the five foundational aspects of STEAM learning, including observation,
creativity, innovation, planning, revision, collaboration, and presentation and combining two
common core ELA standards 1. historical, cultural analysis and 2. comparative texts
interpretation, students will create an ELA project from their literary interpretations.
Unit: Interpreting Hawaiian cultural through mythical story- telling based on the theme of “a
time of change,
Content Areas: 7th grade Hawaiian Studies, Language Arts, Visual Arts
Common Cores in ELA:
LA.7.3.2. Interpretive Stance: Describe how a common theme is developed in two or more
texts
LA.7.3.3. Critical Stance: Describe how historical or cultural influences help explain a text
Objectives:
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Students are able to recognize and compare similar themes by comparing two
texts
Students are able to interpret meaning of cultural mythology in texts
Students recognize historical context within reading materials
Students create reading/art journals to share their visual interpretations of
mythology from texts
Materials:
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Meet the Hawaiian Menehunes by Vivian Thompson
article with photos and information about Hawaiian Menehune mythology,
students’ self-created reading/art journals,
art paper, glue, scissors, and colored pencils.
Prior Knowledge and Pre-Activity:
Students will begin class with a warm-up discussion about the Pele story they learned the
previous week After a brief discussion, students will be invited to share their reading/art journals
in front of the class to increase class collaboration.
Procedures of Lesson:
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Hand back reading/art journals
Begin review discussion of last week’s lesson
Invite students to share their art journals in front of class
Show photos of Menehunes and give students a brief background- knowledge of their
mythic place in Hawaii
Read Meet the Hawaiian Menehunes
Have students glue their reading/art paper into their journals and express their
understanding of the story through their art
Discussion and Review: Ask for students’ ideas and feedback about the story and its
underlying mythological messages while they do their art. Ask them how the text relates to “a
time of change.”
Assessment: At end of class, collect reading/art journals to further assess students’
understanding of the text and their interpretation of the mythical values-based theme.