COMMON CORE STANDARDS ELAGSE 6 RL 2 Determine

COMMON CORE STANDARDS • ELAGSE 6 RL 2: Determine a theme and/or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments. ELAGSE 6 W 2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. ELAGSE 6 SL 1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-onone, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on Sixth Grade topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

LEARNING TARGET • Students will learn and apply the skill of summarizing to text being read, determine theme of a film or story by analyzing details such as setting, plot, and character and write an explanatory paragraph explaining how these elements contribute to theme.

SO HOW DO THE ELEMENTS OF THE STORY AFFECT THEME? This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

SETTING • The setting enhances the story by folding the plot into a place and time that fits perfectly with what is going on; in fact, it is often the setting that makes the action possible.

CLASS PRACTICE!!!! Identify possible themes for the novel The Watson's go to Birmingham. Remember that a theme should be a message or lesson the narrator learned from the experience, not just a topic.

WRITING TO SOURCES: EXPLANATORY TEXT • Write a paragraph about how the setting, plot, or characters in the novel The Watson's go to Birmingham contribute to theme. • Be sure to: • Use a topic sentence that states a theme. • Include supporting details and commentary. • Refer to specific literary elements (theme, setting, plot, character). • Use transitions and correct verb tense and pronoun agreement.

EXPLANATORY TEXT • Use C. E. R. C. to construct your explanatory paragraph. Use the words/phrases in yellow to guide you through the steps of the writing process.