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Experience:13 Years Classroom Teaching High School 1 Year Classroom Teaching Middle School 1 Year Director School Newspaper 6 Years Student Development Higher Education Typical lesson follows this basic format using a variety of formats to touch numerous learning modalities. 1. Facilitated Socratic session and/or group activity to stimulate prior knowledge. 2. Interactive Media Presentation presenting subject area and skills with facilitated exercises to check for understanding.

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Experience:13 Years Classroom Teaching High School 1 Year Classroom Teaching Middle School 1 Year Director School Newspaper 6 Years Student Development Higher Education Typical lesson follows this basic format using a variety of formats to touch numerous learning modalities. 1. Facilitated Socratic session and/or group activity to stimulate prior knowledge. 2. Interactive Media Presentation presenting subject area and skills with facilitated exercises to check for understanding.
Christmas Activities Non-Fiction Close Reading "Defending Scrooge?"
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Christmas Activities Non-Fiction Close Reading "Defending Scrooge?"

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What's Christmas with out Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol"? These close reads will examine two different perspectives on the character of Scrooge, and whether he was truly a villian or a practical genius. The new Common Core State Standards place a greater emphasis on critical thinking and implementing expository and nonfiction texts into the English Language Arts curriculum. Understanding the basics of analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, and author's purpose and point of view are essential to understanding nonfiction texts. This 4-5 day unit teaches the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic "R.E.A.D.S" Close “R.E.A.D.S” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This multi-faceted unit integrates listening skills, reading strategies, and writing skills, as students analyze each of these elements to develop practical skills in analyzing nonfiction texts. This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Teacher "day by day" schedule 4. Articles for Analysis 5. Writing Task and Rubric 6. PPT lectures to facilitate student notes (54 slides)
Black History Month Nelson Mandela Close Reading Unit
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Black History Month Nelson Mandela Close Reading Unit

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Nelson Mandela is one of the great figures in black history. His revolutionary stance against apartheid and 27 years of in prison captivated the world. His use of rhetoric and figurative language in his speech upon his release, offers students a great opportunity to understand the basics of analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, rhetorical appeals, author's purpose, and point of view. This 4-5 day unit teaches the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic "R.E.A.D.S" Save with the Black History Month great speeches bundle Black History Month Speeches Bundle Close “R.E.A.D.S” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Teacher "day by day" schedule 4. Speech for Analysis 5. Writing Task and Rubric 6. PPT lectures to facilitate student notes (54 slides)
Black History Month Malcolm X Close Reading Unit
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Black History Month Malcolm X Close Reading Unit

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Malcolm X's great speech "Ballot or the Bullet" speech was incredibly influential during the civil rights movement. His use of rhetoric and figurative language offers students a great opportunity to understand the basics of analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, rhetorical appeals, author's purpose, and point of view. This 4-5 day unit teaches the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic "R.E.A.D.S" Save with the Black History Month great speeches bundle Black History Month Speeches Bundle Close “R.E.A.D.S” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Teacher "day by day" schedule 4. Speech for Analysis 5. Writing Task and Rubric 6. PPT lectures to facilitate student notes (54 slides)
Black History Month Barak Obama Inaugural Address Close Reading Unit
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Black History Month Barak Obama Inaugural Address Close Reading Unit

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Barak Obama’s election as the first black president represented a long awaited shift in American culture. His 1st inaugural speech was anticipated by generations of proud Americans. His use of rhetoric and figurative language offers students a great opportunity to understand the basics of analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, rhetorical appeals, author's purpose, and point of view. This 4-5 day unit teaches the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic "R.E.A.D.S" Close “R.E.A.D.S” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Teacher "day by day" schedule 4. Speech for Analysis 5. Writing Task and Rubric 6. PPT lectures to facilitate student notes (54 slides)
Night Elie Wiesel Activities Bundle
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Night Elie Wiesel Activities Bundle

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This Night by Elie Wiesel Activities Bundle and Literary Analysis Writing Unit has a wide variety of unique and engaging activites. Each lesson develops close reading skills and a deep understanding of literary elements such as: symbolism, characterization, setting mood and tone, narrative conflict, and theme. The writing standards focus on developing student skills in literary analysis essay writing. Detailed packets provide guided instruction on how to write a literary analysis essay with detailed lessons that teach students the fundamental literary elements such as characterization, narrative setting, narrative conflict, symbolism, and theme. Each lesson provides systematic, facilitated writing exercises that address each element of essay writing: analyzing a prompt, writing thesis statements, writing introductions, deeply analyzing a text, using evidence, writing commentary and explanation, and writing conclusions. Unique acronyms help students remember how to approach each part of an essay. This Bundle of Activities Includes: 1. Art, Poetry, Memior Theme Comparison Activity 2. "First They Came" Poem Activity 3. Letters from the cattle car activity 4. United Nations Genocide Conventions Project 5. Holocaust Headlines Activity 6. Chapter Vocabulary Activities 7. Characterization Literary Analysis Writing 8. Setting Mood/Tone Literary Analysis Writing 9. Narrative Conflict Literary Analysis Writing 10. Symbols Literary Analysis Writing 11. Theme Literary Analysis Writing 12. Writng Introduction Paragraphs 13. Writing Conclustion Paragraphs 14. Writing PEEL Body Paragraphs 15. Writing Thesis Statements 16. Writing Topic Sentences 17. Sample Paragraphs 18. Literary Elements PPT 19. Literary Analysis Essay PPT 20. Over 15 Close Reading Passages 21. Annotation and Close Reading Guidelines 22. Graphic Organizers
Compare and Contrast Essay Writing
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Compare and Contrast Essay Writing

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Compare and Contrast: Make compare and contrast tasks easy and practical for your students with this comprehensive writing packet. PPT lecture coincides with student notes to provide direct instruction and guided practice. Students will benefit from scaffolded exercises designed to generate classroom discussion, graphic organizers to outline brainstorming, thesis templates designed for a variety of purposes, essay planning graphic organizers, and a guided practice paragraph. Included with this product: 1. PPT lecture to support student notes (15 slides) 2. Student notes with integrated exercises (4 pages) 3. Facilitated point-by-point practice paragraph (2 pages) 4. Essay planning graphic organizers (4 pages) 5. Using Venn Diagrams Effectively (3 pages) 6. Teacher's guide
Literary Elements Analysis Bundle
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Literary Elements Analysis Bundle

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Common Core Aligned. CHECK OUT THE PREVIEW. This toolbox of resources contains everything needed to instruct students in basics of literary narrative devices and organize/analyze literary elements within a novel. PPT lectures with student notes make it easy to provide direct instruction. Graphic Organizers provide scaffolding to aid students in identifying and organizing literary elements found within a text. Bloom's Taxonomy based prompts provide critical thinking activities and progressive assessments for teacher evaluation. Purchased individually the cost would be $26.00. Purchase this bundle for incredible savings at $9.00. Included in this bundle: 1. Introduction to the Plot Chart (26 slides 11 pages) 2. Active Reading and Annotation Guidelines (8 slides 5 pages) 3. Setting Mood and Tone (24 slides 6 pages 4 videos) 4. Characterization (15 slides 8 pages) 5. Narrative Conflicts (12 slides 5 pages) 6. Symbols and Motifs (12 slides 6 pages) 7. Theme (14 slides 4 pages 3 videos) 8. Literary Devices Poster Pack (28 High Quality JPEG Posters) 9. The Hero's Journey (27 slides 13 pages) 10. Character Chapter Organizers (3 pages) 11. Character Instagram Activity (1 page) 12. Cause and Effect Mapping (1 page) 13. Character Letter Activity (1 page)
Literary Elements Analysis Theme
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Literary Elements Analysis Theme

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Common Core Aligned. This collection of resources is designed to help facilitate student understanding of the development of theme within a text. PPT slides and lecture instruct a student with the knowledge of theme vs. thematic subject. Supplementary videos touch multiple learning modalities to create deeper understanding of theme in literature. The "F.I.N.D." method for theme analysis, combined with a graphic organizer/flowchart, provide a step by step process to evaluate literary elements as the tools of developing theme in literature. Bloom's Taxonomy prompts provide a platform for students to interact with and evaluate the theme relative to student experience and real world circumstances. This Lesson Plan Includes: 1. Teacher Instructions 2. Student Handouts (4 pages) 3. Theme Notes 4. Graphic Organizers 5. 4 Analysis prompts 6. PPT Lecture (14 slides)
Literary Elements Analysis Symbols Motifs
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Literary Elements Analysis Symbols Motifs

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Common Core Aligned. This collection of resources is designed to help facilitate student understanding of the development of symbols and motifs within a text. PPT slides and lecture instruct a students with the knowledge of motifs vs. symbols in literature. Students then use the graphic organizer to track the development of motifs and symbols within the novel. Bloom's Taxonomy prompts provide a platform for students to interact with and evaluate the symbols and motifs relative to the plot and theme of the novel. This Lesson Plan Includes: 1. Teacher Instructions 2. Student Handouts (6 pages) 3. Symbol Motif Student Notes 4. Graphic Organizers 5. 3 Analysis prompts 6. PPT Lecture (12 slides)
Literary Elements Mood Tone Figurative Language Connotation
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Literary Elements Mood Tone Figurative Language Connotation

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Common Core Aligned. PPT lecture, graphic organizer, and writing prompts focused on analyzing the development of narrative setting, mood, and tone within literature. Students will use active reading strategies while reading each chapter of the novel and collect samples of connotative words, imagery, and figurative language that create the mood and tone of the setting. Students will then use this graphic organizer to write analysis paragraphs that are built upon the principles of Bloom's Taxonomy of Higher Order Thinking. This Lesson Plan Includes: 1. Teacher Instructions 2. Student Handouts (6 pages) 3. Videos to support instruction (4 videos) 4. Graphic Organizers 5. Analysis prompts 6. PPT lecture on denotation, connotation, mood, tone, imagery, figurative language (24 slides)
Literary Elements Analysis Narrative Conflict
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Literary Elements Analysis Narrative Conflict

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These handouts are a great resource and activity/homework to teach students to analyze an author's use literary conflicts within a narrative. Teacher uses PPT lecture and notes to instruct students on the purpose and types of internal and external conflict. Students will use organizers to track the development of conflict within the narrative. Students then write analysis paragraphs (Reflecting Bloom's Taxonomy) explaining how the conflicts are developed within the narrative and their connection to the student experience.
Literary Elements Analysis Characterization
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Literary Elements Analysis Characterization

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Common Core Aligned. Bundle of organizers and activities focusing on developing active reading skills, specifically in analyzing characterization and the development of a character within literature. Students will use active reading strategies while reading each chapter of the novel to fill in examples of characterization within the text. After completing the graphic organizers, students will write analysis paragraphs, based off Bloom's Taxonomy of Higher Order Thinking, that evaluate the changes within dynamic characters within the text. This Lesson Plan Includes: 1. Teacher Instructions 2. Student Handouts 3. Characterization Notes 4. Graphic Organizers 5. Analysis prompts 6. PPT Lecture
Back to School Decorations: Essay Writing Poster Set
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Back to School Decorations: Essay Writing Poster Set

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18 High resolution JPEG posters to display in the classroom. Each poster addresses a different element of expository and persuasive essay writing. This Bundle of Posters includes 1. Introduction Paragraphs: Outlines the unique ACT strategy for remembering the elements of the introduction. 2. Body Paragraphs: Outlines the unique PEEL strategy for remembering the elements of the body paragraphs. 3. Conclusion Paragraphs: Outlines the unique RIP strategy for remembering the elements of the conclusion. 4. Thesis Writing: Outlines the unique TOPS strategy for remembering the elements of the thesis statement. 5. Attention Grabbers: Outlines the unique GRAB strategy for remembering the elements of the attention grabber. 6. Choosing Evidence: Outlines the unique FACT strategy for remembering the elements of choosing evidence. 7. Transitions: 5 Different Posters that outline different transition phrases to use in different writing circumstances. 8. Commentary: Outlines the unique IDEAS strategy for remembering the elements of the commentary. 9. Counter Argument Rebuttal: 3 Posters defining counter argument and rebuttal and providing sentence starters for each.
Back to School Nonfiction Close Reading
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Back to School Nonfiction Close Reading

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"Back To School" is a reality students face each Fall. This fun article about returning to high school, provides an engaging resource for students to analyze an author's use of figurative language, analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, rhetorical appeals, author's purpose, and point of view. This 4-5 day unit teaches the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic "R.E.A.D.S" Close “R.E.A.D.S” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Teacher "day by day" schedule 4. Text for Analysis 5. Writing Task and Rubric 6. PPT lectures to facilitate student notes (54 slides)
Halloween Short Stories Unit: Monkey's Paw Masque of the Red Death
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Halloween Short Stories Unit: Monkey's Paw Masque of the Red Death

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This Halloween Horror Short Story Unit includes the full text of 2 classic and creepy short stories that students will enjoy during the Halloween season: Masque of the Red Death and The Monkey's Paw. Learn about each packet in the descriptions below: MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH These short story lesson plans use Masque of the Red Death as the platform for developing student skills in literary analysis writing. Multiple activities provide guided instruction on how to write a literary analysis paragraph, with detailed lessons that teach students the fundamental literary elements of characterization and narrative setting. Each lesson provides systematic, facilitated writing exercises that address each element of analysis writing: analyzing a prompt, writing statements, deeply analyzing a text, using evidence, writing commentary and explanation, and writing conclusions. Unique acronyms help students remember how to approach each part of an essay. Each lesson includes PPT lectures, student notes, guided practice, and individual practice. THE MONKEY'S PAW These short story lesson plans use The Monkey's Paw as the platform for developing student skills in literary analysis writing. Multiple activities provide guided instruction on how to write a literary analysis paragraph, with detailed lessons that teach students the fundamental literary elements of foreshadowing and irony. Each lesson provides systematic, facilitated writing exercises that address each element of analysis writing: analyzing a prompt, writing statements, deeply analyzing a text, using evidence, writing commentary and explanation, and writing conclusions. Unique acronyms help students remember how to approach each part of an essay. Each lesson includes PPT lectures, student notes, guided practice, and individual practice. To learn more about the unit, look at the detailed preview. This resource includes: PPT Lectures Literary Element Student Notes Body Paragraph Literary Analysis Writing Exercises Introduction Paragraph Exercises Conclusion Paragraphs Graphic Organizers Sample Paragraphs Literary Analysis Annotation Guidelines PPT and Notes. Three different options for chapter organizer worksheets Full Text and Analysis Questions for "Masque of the Red Death" Full Text and Analysis Questions for "The Monkey's Paw"
Monsters Non-Fiction Close Reading Bundle: Zombies Vampires Urban Legends
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Monsters Non-Fiction Close Reading Bundle: Zombies Vampires Urban Legends

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Getting students to read informational text can be trying, but the engaging topics (Zombies, Vampires & Urban Legends) will spark a student's interest. The new Common Core State Standards place a greater emphasis on critical thinking and implementing expository and nonfiction texts into the English Language Arts curriculum. Understanding the basics of analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, and author's purpose and point of view are essential to understanding nonfiction texts. These 4-5 day units teach the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic "R.E.A.D.S" Close “R.E.A.D” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This multi-faceted unit integrates listening skills, reading strategies, and writing skills, as students analyze each of these elements to develop practical skills in analyzing nonfiction texts. This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Video links and analysis worksheet 4. Teacher "day by day" schedule 5. 7 Different Articles for Analysis 6. 3 Different Writing Tasks and Rubrics 7. PPT Lectures
Nonfiction Close Read Zombies Zombies Zombies
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Nonfiction Close Read Zombies Zombies Zombies

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Getting students to read informational text can be trying, but analyzing the cultural phenomenon of a zombie outbreak. The new Common Core State Standards place a greater emphasis on critical thinking and implementing expository and nonfiction texts into the English Language Arts curriculum. Understanding the basics of analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, and author's purpose and point of view are essential to understanding nonfiction texts. This 4-5 day unit teaches the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic "R.E.A.D.S" Close “R.E.A.D” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Teacher "day by day" schedule 4. Articles for Analysis 5. Writing Task and Rubric 6. PPT lectures to facilitate student notes (54 slides)
Non-Fiction  Close Reading "Urban Legends" 4 Days Instruction
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Non-Fiction Close Reading "Urban Legends" 4 Days Instruction

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Getting students to read informational text can be trying, but analyzing the cultural phenomenon of urban legends. The new Common Core State Standards place a greater emphasis on critical thinking and implementing expository and nonfiction texts into the English Language Arts curriculum. Understanding the basics of analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, and author's purpose and point of view are essential to understanding nonfiction texts. This 4-5 day unit teaches the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic "R.E.A.D.S" Close “R.E.A.D” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Teacher "day by day" schedule 4. Articles for Analysis 5. Writing Task and Rubric 6. PPT lectures to facilitate student notes (54 slides)
Non-Fiction Close Reading Vampires
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Non-Fiction Close Reading Vampires

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Getting students to read informational text can be trying, but analyzing the trending vampire craze will spark their interest. The new Common Core State Standards place a greater emphasis on critical thinking and implementing expository and nonfiction texts into the English Language Arts curriculum. Understanding the basics of analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, and author's purpose and point of view are essential to understanding nonfiction texts. This 4-5 day unit teaches the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic R.E.A.D.S Close “R.E.A.D” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Teacher "day by day" schedule 4. Articles for Analysis 5. Writing Task and Rubric 6. PPT lectures to facilitate student notes (54 slides)
Martin Luther King Jr. I Have a Dream Close Read Rhetorical Analysis
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Martin Luther King Jr. I Have a Dream Close Read Rhetorical Analysis

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Great short unit for Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Black History Month. COMMON CORE ALIGNED: This lesson involves direct instruction, engaging supporting videos, guided rhetorical analysis practice exercises, and a structured rhetorical analysis close reading of MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech. After direct instruction, students will work alone or in groups to analyze MLK's speech for use of ethos, pathos, logos, and literary devices. Lesson includes 1. Teacher Lesson Plan 2. PPT Facilitated Lecture 3. Student Notes and Exercises 4. Structured Close Read 5. Prompt for Analysis Paragraph 6. Active Listening Exercise 7. Teacher Answer Sheet providing correct response for rhetorical anlysis Lesson Plan: CCSS: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.2 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.3 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.4 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.5 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.6 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.9 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2.A CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2.B CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2.D ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: 1. What are the elements of Aristotle's Rhetorical Triangle 2. What are elements of a rhetorical situation? (SOAPS) 3. How do rhetorical appeals and devices further a text’s purpose ACADEMIC OBJECTIVES (All Students Will Be Able To): 1. Memorize the elements of the rhetorical situation 2. Identify the elements of the rhetorical situation of "I Have A Dream" 3. Identify and analyze the use of rhetorical appeals within “I Have A Dream” DIRECT INSTRUCTION AND CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:  DIRECT INSTRUCTION  Definition of Rhetoric and Analysis  Aristotle's Rhetorical Triangle  Rhetorical/Literary Devices  STUDENTS COMPLETE CLOSE READ EXERCISE  Either as one exercise or in sections followed by class discussion  TEACHER FACILITATED DISCUSSION  Discuss students’ responses for each section of the close read FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: 1. Student close read worksheet and class discussion. 2. Student paragraphs Total Pages 40 slides 28 pages