Horizontal Curriculum Map by 3-Week Block
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
RL.1, 2, 4
What is annotation?
RI.1, 2, 4
How do you use
annotation to understand?
W.3a-e, 4
What is theme?
COURSE:
Content/Materials
“The Giant’s House” and article about
World’s Tallest Man – Robert Pershing
Wadlow.
“The Girl Who Can” and article:
“LIBERIA: FGM continues in rural
secrecy”
SL.1a-d
L.1a-b
How do you determine
theme?
1A
What makes for good
writing?
Idea Development: showing vs.
telling, sensory details, holds reader’s
attention
Excerpt from Boy: Tales of Childhood
by Roald Dahl
How do our stories reflect
who we are?
Read excerpt from Call of the Wild
What are the essential
elements of a short story?
Organization – Little Red Riding
Hooks (introductions)
Language – subject-verb and pronounantecedent agreement; recognize and
correct inappropriate shifts in verb
tense
English 9
Assessments
Informal commentary
Rhetorical précis on
theme
Class discussion
Independent annotation
Write a story about one
of the rooms in Mrs.
Pratchett’s house
Create an original story
about an animal with a
great problem to solve
that shows instead of tells
and uses sensory details.
Tell a story from a
picture that help the
reader visualize what’s
happening
Choose a fairy tale and
rewrite the intro 2-3
times
Writing introductions
Autobiographical
narrative
Academic
Vocabulary
theme, annotation
claim, rhetoric,
précis, sensory
details, showing,
telling, hook,
protagonist, plot,
antagonist, conflict,
mood, tone, diction
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
RL.1, 2, 4, 6
RI.1, 2, 3, 4
W.2a-f, 3a-e, 4, 5
L.2a-c, 3a, 4a, 4d
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
What does good writing
look like?
What does a good
conclusion include?
Organization – planning, transitions,
and conclusions
Voice – passionate, compelling, unique
What is voice and why is it
“Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros
important?
How should an essay be
organized?
Why is it hard for some
people to stick up for
themselves?
1B
Content/Materials
How do you balance goals
against risks?
What is the difference
between a dictatorship and
a democracy?
What is it like to move to a
new country where you
don’t understand the
language?
“My English” pg. 107 – 113
Article on Rafael Trujillo
“Checkouts” pg.74-77
Language – spelling and punctuation
rules; choose words and phrases for
effect; produce complete sentences,
recognizing and correcting
inappropriate fragments and run-ons
Assessments
Rewrite the story
“Eleven” from a different
perspective (Mrs. Price,
Phyllis Lopez, Sylvia
Saldivar, or the red
sweater)
Analyze Alvarez’s word
choice, attitude, and
sentence structure
Write a journal entry on a
subject that is important
to you using transitions
and a good
intro/conclusion
Analyze the point of view
of “Checkouts” and how
it affected your attitude
toward the girl in the
story
Analyze theme
Planning essays with
transitions
Free writes
Writing conclusions
Academic
Vocabulary
transitions, voice,
personification,
point of view, firstperson point of view,
third- person point of
view, third-person
limited or
omniscient point of
view
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
RL.1, 3, 4, 7
W.2a-f, 3a-e, 4, 5
SL.1a, 1c, 1d, 6
1C
L.2a-c
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
How do we define
identities?
What shapes how we view
ourselves? What shapes
how others view us?
In what ways does society
influence our identities?
What literary devices do
authors use to convey the
complexity of the
individual?
Why do people daydream?
Does daydreaming serve a
purpose?
What makes someone
heroic?
Content/Materials
Assessments
Word Choice – uses everyday language
Write 10 sentences
in original ways, powerful stunning
without repeating any
verbs
words for the following
topic: Explain your
Sentence Fluency – virtually every
definition of beauty and
sentence begins differently, writing is
give examples to
lyrical, poetic, musical, it skims, sings,
illustrate your meaning.
dances along like a lively script
Write a Lost and Found
Ad for an unlikely object
(Ms. Torres’s patience, a
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
doll’s left shoe, chewed
pg.124-129
gum, etc.). You must
vary sentence beginnings
excerpts from The Secret Life of Walter
and sentence lengths.
Mitty movie
Present to class
“Hiking Trip”
Context Clues PowerPoint
Language – correctly use frequently
confused words (e.g., to/too, two;
there/their; your/you’re); punctuation
and spelling rules; root words
Character analysis essay
for Jeff in Hiking Trip
Character analysis essay
of Walter Mitty
Context Clues quiz
Create a new daydream
for Walter Mitty. Be Sure
that he is heroic and
outgoing.
Academic
Vocabulary
character analysis,
personality,
motivation,
round/flat character,
dynamic/static
character,
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
RL.1, 2, 4, 6
What is poetry?
L.2c
Why is poetry important?
L.3a
What makes poetry
different from prose?
L.5a
W.3a, 3d
2A
W.5, 6
What literacy devices are
used in poetry?
How are literary devices
used to engage readers?
How can poetry achieve a
great deal in terms of
feeling, emotion, and
description in a concise
way?
Content/Materials
“Introduction to Poetry” by Billy
Collins
“Fast Break” by Edward Hirsch
Assessments
Annotate for literary
elements, meaning, tone,
theme, mood, etc.
Analyze poems using
STEPStone strategy
“Sidekicks” by Ronald Koertge
“Dream Deferred” pg. 566
“Dreams” pg. 567
“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” pg.
658-569
“Hope is the thing with Feathers” pg.
578
“Three Haiku” pg.679
Language – choose punctuation for
effect; punctuation rules; recognize and
correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun
number and person and vague
pronouns
Write essay analyzing
theme of a poem
Write a description of a
scene in nature in poem
form
Poetic Devices
PowerPoint
Academic
Vocabulary
stanzas, couplets,
quatrains, figurative
language, figures of
speech, similes,
metaphors,
personification,
imagery, images,
sensory language,
sound devices,
rhythm, rhyme,
rhyme scheme,
alliteration,
assonance,
consonance,
repetition,
onomatopoeia,
narrative poem, epic,
ballad, dramatic
poem, lyric, free
verse, haiku, sonnet,
speaker
2B
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
RL.1, 2, 4, 6
Topic(s)/
Content/Materials
Essential Question(s)
Why is imagery and
“Summer” pg. 592
symbolism as a
L.2c
poetic/literary device
“The Eagle” pg. 593
important to the
L.3a
understanding/appreciation “Analysis of Baseball” pg. 594-595
of poetry?
L.5a
“Twister Hits Houston” pg.635
What does learning about
W.3a, 3d
ourselves teach us about
“The Raven” pg. 639-643
others?
W.5, 6
“The Road Not Taken” pg. 661
How does a reader
SL. 1a, 1c, 1d, 4b identify, respond to,
“Fire and Ice” pg.667
analyze, and compare the
elements of poetry?
“The Seven Ages of Man” pg.671
How can one utilize life
experiences as a
Language – vary sentence patterns for
foundation for creative and meaning, reader/listener interest, and
expressive thinking?
style; maintain consistency in tone and
style
Assessments
Write a response to a
poem(s) that engages you
as a reader
Paraphrase poems for
understanding
Poetry book that includes
haikus, extended
metaphor poem, found
poem, personification
poem, dramatic poem,
and narrative poem
Academic
Vocabulary
stanzas, couplets,
quatrains, figurative
language, figures of
speech, similes,
metaphors,
personification,
imagery, images,
sensory language,
sound devices,
rhythm, rhyme,
rhyme scheme,
alliteration,
assonance,
consonance,
repetition,
onomatopoeia,
narrative poem, epic,
ballad, dramatic
poem, lyric, free
verse, haiku, sonnet,
speaker
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
What is persuasive
writing?
“I Have a Dream” pg.
What are logos, pathos,
and ethos?
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s USC
Commencement Address: Rules of
Success
RI.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
W.1a-e, 4, 5, 9b
SL.1a, c, d
2C
SL.3
SL.4, 5, 6
L.1b, 2a-c, 3a, 4a
Content/Materials
What is an author’s
motive?
Commercials that use specific
persuasive techniques in advertising
What persuasive
techniques do advertisers
Language – recognize and correct
use? Why is it important to
misplaced and dangling modifiers;
know these techniques?
choose language that expressed ideas
concisely and eliminate wordiness and
redundancy
Academic
Vocabulary
Analyze Martin Luther
Persuasive
King’s speech to explain techniques, logos,
persuasive techniques
pathos, ethos,
used and why it was
bandwagon appeal,
successful
snob appeal,
testimonial, transfer,
Analyze Arnold’s speech loaded language,
for persuasive techniques glittering
and explain how effective generalities, name
he was
calling
Assessments
Using a planning sheet,
plan persuasive essay
using logos, pathos, and
ethos.
Write a persuasive essay
Analyze commercials for
persuasive techniques
and effectiveness
In a small group, write a
commercial that utilizes
at least three specific
persuasive techniques
and present it to the class
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
RL.1, 2, 3, 4
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
Content/Materials
How are characters’ traits
shown in the novel?
Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes by Chris
Crutcher
How do the main
characters change?
A few comics from The Far Side by
Gary Larson
How do characters’
motivations influence the
plot?
Picture of Punji sticks or stakes
RI.1, 2, 4
W.2a-f
SL.1a-d
L.1a-b, 2a-c, 3a,
4a, 4d, 5a-b, 6
3A
How do conflicts in the
novel affect the plot?
Is the world a good or bad
place?
Is it better to know things
or not know them?
“We’re Not Gonna Take it” and “From
a Distance” lyrics and songs
Article on the Ayatollah
Optical illusion examples
Language – use parallel structure;
revise and edit
Academic
Vocabulary
Discuss plot, theme, and Allusion, simile,
characters using
metaphor, idiom,
accountable talk.
alliteration, motif,
static/dynamic
Essay to explain internal characters, flat/round
and external conflicts and characters, plot,
how the affect the plot.
motivation,
internal/external
Find at least two
conflicts, theme,
connections between the universal themes,
songs and explain how
accountable, enigma
they relate to the novel
congruous,
appendage,
Essay examining themes hyperventilate, rote,
mercenary,
Explain the following
nonsensically,
topics and how they fit
contempt, extortion,
the novel: if the world is cretin, fiendish,
a good place or bad
chasm, sacrilegious,
place, whether it’s better pompous,
to know the truth or stay tempestuous,
in the dark, how human
treacherous, incisive,
pain vs. human joy and
intrepid, dauntless,
being accountable for
beseeched, euphoria,
one’s actions
expose,
Assessments
Essay test on the novel
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
RL.1, 2, 3, 4
RI.1, 2, 4, 9
W.1a-e
W.7, 8, 9b
SL.1a-d
3B
L.1a-b, 2a-c, 3a,
4a, 4d, 5a-b, 6
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
Content/Materials
Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes by Chris
What themes are present in Crutcher
the novel?
Article on Son of Sam: David Richard
How does human joy vs.
Berkowitz
human pain and being
accountable for one’s
Video clip from Leave It to Beaver
actions fit the novel as
recurring themes?
Bring in Amendment I and V
What price do we pay for
individual freedom?
How does shame and
emotional truths affect the
characters?
How does Eric stay loyal
to Sarah throughout the
plot and why is this
important?
Discuss plot, theme, and
characters using
accountable talk.
Essay on character
development and
motivation.
Essay on themes
throughout the novel
Articles on abortion and suicide
Language – revise and edit
How does physical and
emotional pain play a part
in the characters’ lives as
well as our own lives?
Assessments
Discuss how physical
pain and emotional pain
can affect us and what
role they play in the
characters’ lives; explain
when to tell secrets and
when to keep them.
Analyze suspense in
chapter 16
Conduct research on
topics then write a
persuasive letter to one of
the characters in the
novel
Academic
Vocabulary
allusion, simile,
metaphor, idiom,
alliteration, motif,
static/dynamic
characters, flat/round
characters, plot,
motivation,
internal/external
conflicts, theme,
universal themes,
symbolism,
clandestine, foray,
meticulously,
insignia, singe,
blaspheming,
piousness,
analgestic, covetous,
tenacity,
inextricably,
incensed, sacred,
voluminous,
vigilante
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
Content/Materials
Assessments
Annotate for main idea
RL.1, 2, 4, 5, 7
What is suspense?
Article on catacombs in Italy and
Carnival
Annotate for suspense
RI. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
What elements do writers
use to make a suspenseful
W.1a-e, 2a-f, 4, 5
story?
SL.1a-d, 3, 4a, 6
L.1a-b, 2a-c, 3a,
4a
How does setting affect
plot?
What would you be
willing to do to survive?
3C
What are superstitions?
How far would you go to
uphold your traditions
(family/culture)?
What role do superstitions
play in society?
“The Cask of Amontillado” pg. 61-67
“The Most Dangerous Game” pg. 215235
“The Lottery” and The Lottery movie
Article on the Vietnam lotteries
Write a critique to
evaluate “The Cask of
Amontillado” as a
suspenseful story
Rewrite a nursery
rhyme/fairy tale in the
voice of Edgar Allan Poe
Debate on hunting
Annotate “The Most
Dangerous Game” for
conflict and suspense
Project for “The Most
Dangerous Game”
Annotate “The Lottery”
Précis for theme in “The
Lottery”
Write an essay to analyze
suspense in The Lottery
movie
Compare/contrast
Vietnam lotteries to
lottery the story
Academic
Vocabulary
foreshadow, climax,
build up of tension;
deadline (or the
ticking clock);
problems, obstacles,
disasters, and
failures; atmosphere,
withheld knowledge,
twist ending,
conflict, resolution,
mood, superstitions,
irony
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
RI.1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
W.2a-f, 4, 5, 6
SL.1a-d, 2, 3, 4a,
5
4A
L.1a-b, 2a-c, 3a,
4a, 4d, 5a, 6
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
What are the benefits and
boundaries of a culture?
How is our understanding
of society and culture
constructed?
How are stereotypes
constructed and
deconstructed?
How are children and
young adults affected by a
cultural revolution?
How do cultures radicalize
people?
Are graphic novels
literature worthy of study
in the classroom?
Content/Materials
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Persepolis movie
Article about Iranian culture
Assessments
Complete Webquest on
Islamic Revolution and
present to the class
In groups, have students
respond to questions
about culture on large
paper and then they
circulate to answer all
questions and the discuss
Students write about the
experience of moving to
a new country using their
imagination and/or
personal experiences.
Using graphic organizer,
choose two characters
besides Marji to analyze
for personality traits,
dreams, values, quirks,
and talents
Academic
Vocabulary
retrospection,
reflection, scene
summary, setting
sensory details,
subjective, objective
active verbs,
metaphoric,
imperialism,
radicalize,
fanaticism,
fundamentalism,
terrorism,
coup
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
RI.1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
What is the main idea of
each chapter?
W.1a-e, 2a-f, 3ae, 4, 5, 6
SL.1a-d, 3
4B
L.1a-b, 2a-c, 3a,
4a, 4d, 5a, 6
What was the author’s
perspective on wearing the
veil?
How does her account help
you understand the context
of the Islamic Revolution
in Iran?
How does the author’s
point of view change our
understanding of the
history of this Revolution?
Content/Materials
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Persepolis movie
Assessments
Research a revolution
from history and then
create a storyboard based
on one important event of
a revolution.
Write a persuasive essay
defending or rejecting the
use of graphic novels, as
a medium for academic
study
Essay on theme of novel
Using notes on characters
create a graphic story
about them
What is the role of
women in the story?
Compare and contrast the
various women: Marji,
her mother, her
grandmother, her school
teachers, the maid, the
neighbors, the guardians
of the revolution
Academic
Vocabulary
covert,
insurgency,
counterinsurgency,
emigration, exile
Block
Common Core
Standard(s)
RL.1, 3, 4, 6
What are archetypes?
RI. 1, 2, 4
What are archetypal
themes?
W.2a-f, 3a-e, 4,
5,
4C
Topic(s)/
Essential Question(s)
L.1a-b, 2a-c, 3a,
4a
What are tall tales? What
features do they include?
What are myths? What
values are shown from
myths?
What characteristics does
a mythic hero possess?
Content/Materials
Assessments
“Pyramus and Thisbe” pg. 859-861
Annotations
“Pecos Bill” pg.1115-1120
Analyze theme in
“Pyramus and Thisbe”
Article on life on the prairie during the
1920s
“Perseus” pg. 1121-1128
PowerPoint on the importance of the
Greek Gods to ancient Greek culture
In an essay,
compare/contrast the
values that Pecos Bill and
Perseus represent as well
as their character traits
Write a myth or tall tale
Academic
Vocabulary
archetype, symbols,
archetypal themes,
tall tales, myths