Abby Newkirk

Sixth Grade ELA

Lesson Plan 6-3: 3/4/14

Background: In the sixth grade at PAUS we are currently working through our nonfiction unit. We have
made general observations about how nonfiction texts function and analyzed the connection between
rights and responsibilities. We have done readings and activities about Gandhi, Claudette Colvin, and
The Childrens March in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement. We also have been working to
weave MCAS prep into this unit, using readings and discussion to support open response writing.

Objectives:
Students will.
- Apply strategies for earning a 75% or higher on Achieve3000 activities during an Achieve session.
- Be able to describe character traits/qualities based on a read aloud.

Agenda:
1. Do Now: Achieve3000 (20-25 min)
- Students to check in with:
o DM, SH, JE, NC, JD
2. Regroup/ Check in about the day:
- We have done a lot of reading and work with people and movements connected to standing
up for something, or fighting for what is right. Today we will look into two people with
similar goals. One more recent, that you may have seen in the news, and another more
historical figure.
- We will start our conversation today, with this quote by Malcolm X
3. Introduce Malcom X quote:
A man who stands for nothing falls for anything
4. Turn and Talk: what do you think this is saying?
- Looking back: what did Gandhi stand for? Did his actions match his beliefs?
5. Transition to interview with Malala:
- Malala is a young teenage girl from Pakistan who spoke out against the Taliban because she
felt so strongly about what she stands for. She was attacked for speaking but she fortunately
survived and continues to fight for what she believes in, using nonviolent methods. So, pay
attention to what it is that she stands for and how she perseveres even though it is
dangerous.
6. Watch Interview with Malala, Keeping in mind:
- What does she stand for?
7. (Quickly) Share out first responses/ Observations to lead into
8. As a class, fill out graphic organizer to answer:
- What are the qualities (character traits) that help Malala overcome challenges in her life?
9. Quick stretch/ yoga break
10. Read Aloud: When Marian Sang
- What did she stand for?
- How did she hold onto what she stood for, even when it was hard?
11. Students work in groups to fill out graphic organizer as a preparation for writing to the open
response prompt:
Based on the story, explain the qualities that helped Marian Anderson overcome the challenges
in her life. Support your answer with important details from the story.
- If there is time, students will start writing their open responses to the prompt, using the
graphic organizers.
Assessment:
This is the preparation for the newest open response work (with Marian Anderson) so
the final assessment will be on that writing. We will collect the graphic organizers to check in on
progress.