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Lesson 1: Famous Writers Throughout History   Topic: Famous and…

Lesson 1: Famous Writers Throughout History

 

Topic: Famous and Influential Authors in History

Grade Level: 7th

Duration:  3 hours over 3 days

Subject Area: Reading

Education Standards Addressed:

ELA.7.R.2.2: Compare two or more central ideas and their development throughout a text.
ELA.7.R.2.4: Track the development of an argument, analyzing the types of reasoning used and their effectiveness.
ELA.7.C.1.3: Write and support a claim using logical reasoning, relevant evidence from sources, elaboration, a logical organizational structure with varied transitions, and acknowledging at least one counterclaim.
ELA.7.C.1.5: Improve writing by planning, revising, and editing, considering feedback from adults and peers.
ELA.7.C.4.1: Conduct research to answer a question, drawing on multiple reliable and valid sources, and generating additional questions for further research.

Stage 1 – Desired Results

Established Goals:  

Students complete a three-day study to create persuasive essays and visually compelling art work answering, “Who is the most influential writer of all time?” Day 1 involves a Lecture and Research session, followed by intensified research on Day 2 ending with writing their essay. Day 3 culminates in the completion of their artwork. This holistic approach enhances their understanding of literary history and refines analytical and creative skills, promoting cross-curricular learning. 

Lesson 1: Famous Writers Throughout History- After completing this lesson, students will craft a persuasive essay and design an art piece to answer the writing question “Who is the most influential writer of all time?”.
Day 1: Lecture and Research
Day 2: Research and Writing
Day 3: Artwork Completion

Students will understand that: 

historical literary figures have played a pivotal role in shaping the world of literature
influence is a result of unique contributions, perspectives, and the historical contexts in which people have lived and worked

 Students will know:

Students will know that this unit’s lessons and activities are designed to help them acquire essential skills in critical thinking, research, persuasive writing, and effective communication.

 

 

Essential Question(s): 

 

How did writing from this time contribute to the evolution of literary art?
What criteria can be used to evaluate the influence of a literary figure?
How can we effectively communicate and defend our perspectives through persuasive writing and meaningful discussions?

 

Student objectives (outcomes):

Students will be able to:  

Analyze the contributions, literary works, and historical contexts of prominent literary figures, including Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Mary Shelley.
Develop persuasive essays that effectively argue for the selection of one of these historical figures as the most influential writer of all time.
Create visual representations or artwork that visually depict and support their chosen figure’s significance in the literary world.

Stage 2 – Assessment Evidence

Performance Task(s):

Research and Analyze: Explore the contributions, literary works, and historical contexts of literary figures like Poe, Shakespeare, Austen, and Shelley.
Persuasive Essay: Craft a persuasive essay arguing for one of these figures as the most influential writer ever.
Visual Tribute: Create artwork that visually depicts and supports their chosen writer’s significance in literature.

Performance Task Criteria:

Research Depth: Accuracy and depth of research on the writer’s life, works, and impact.
Persuasive Essay: Clarity, persuasiveness, and structure of the argument.
Artwork: Creativity, relevance, and craftsmanship.
Presentation: Confidence and articulation during the presentation.

Other Evidence:

 

Think-Pair-Share: Have students think about a question or concept, discuss it briefly with a partner, and then share their thoughts with the class. This encourages participation and reveals misconceptions.
Concept Mapping: Have students create visual concept maps or diagrams that show the relationships between different historical literary figures, their works, and their influences.
Research Sources: Students must demonstrate chosen sources of information are credible and unbiased.
Peer Assessment: After completing a task, have students assess their peers’ work based on specific criteria, fostering peer learning and self-reflection.
Gallery Walk: Post students’ visual tributes or artwork around the classroom and have them walk around to review and comment on their peers’ work.

Use WHERETO outline for the lesson plan above.

Microsoft Word – WHERETO (pdesas.org)