Grade 7 ELA – I am Malala Unit

Lesson Title: Expanding our Thinking

Outcomes Addressed:
2.1.1 Prior Knowledge
Describe and build upon connections between previous experiences, prior knowledge,
and a variety of texts.

3.1.3 Contribute to Group Inquiry

Contribute ideas, knowledge, and questions to help establish group inquiry or research
focuses and purposes.

5.1.3 Appreciate Diversity

Compare individuals and situations portrayed in oral, literary, and media texts to those
encountered in real life; recognize personal participation and responsibility in
communities.

Materials Required:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU4oA3kkAWU
• NEWS ELA articles:
• Human Rights: Questions and Answers
• The Surprising History of International Women’s Day
• Migration in the 21 Century and its effects on Education
st

• Opinion: Understanding the Rights of Children

• 5 Hat Thinking Cards (4 sets)
• Exit Slip

Teaching and Learning Activities:

Activate: (20 minutes)
As a class, students will watch the video Panyee FC and be introduced to the 5 Hat Thinking Cards.
Prior to the video, we will discuss the purpose of each colored hat and the role of each person once
they are split into groups. I will ask for 5 volunteers; these individuals will be given a different hat
and contribute to the discussion after the video is finished. By doing this, students have an example
and are aware of the expectations before doing it on their own.
• How does the video relate to Malala’s village of Mingora? → boys and girls had to
play on the roof top, used old socks stuffed with garbage for balls

Acquire: (30 minutes)

Following the discussion, students will be split into groups and distributed with an article to read as
well as the Thinking Cards. Remind students how all the articles connect to Human Rights, some
specifically education. Have students read their articles – take turns as a group or have one person
read aloud. Have students skim a second time to highlight key information that corresponds with
their card. Once they are finished reading they will go around in a circle and contribute their
thoughts in relation to their specific task. Once everyone is done, bring back class and discuss the
different articles. What do they have in common? How are they different? How can we relate as a
class?


Apply: (5-10 minutes)

Students will then return to their own desks and be given an exit slip. The exit slip will allow for the
students to reflect on their individual learning and give them the opportunity to share questions and
connect to self. * Exit slip must connect back to the article that they read

Differentiation of Instruction:
(adaptations) (cultural diversity) (grouping)
• Intrapersonal – group discussion, working within their group to speak on behalf of their
thinking card
• Interpersonal – reading the article, exit slip
• Visual / Spatial– students will watch a short YouTube video on the Smart Board
• Verbal & Linguistic: Students will be given the opportunity to answer questions orally and
share ideas within their group

Opportunity for Assessment:

(as, of, for learning) (exemplars/closure) (pre-assessment; variety; check for understanding; provides
feedback)
As – Whole class activity – students will watch the video, students will volunteer to model the 5
Thinking Hat cards. Students should be able to connect prior knowledge and expand on their
thinking

Of- Once students are in their groups and distributed their articles I will walk around and check for
understanding and answer any questions that need clarification. Through observation I will be able
to see who is either understanding or struggling with the different concepts. If a group is struggling I
will help read with them. Once students get to the hat portion of the activity I will make sure they
are effectively using them and sit in on their group discussion.

For- Exit slip will be handed in at the end of class to demonstrate their understanding of the article
that they read and to show if they can ask questions and pull out facts

Cross-Curricular/Real World Connections:

• Thinking and reasoning
• Working with others
• ELA – continue reading I am Malala as a class – connect Education articles to our
classroom and the Khushal School
• Social Studies: Connection to Grade 7 Cluster 2 àGlobal Quality of life

Groups:

Human Rights – Kiefer, Brock, Abbey, Amari, Katie, Riley

International Women’s Day – Brydon, Jayda, Kacy, Rayna, Brennan

Migration in the 21st Century – Lucas, Noah, Alexus, Ryan, Simran, Avery

Rights of Children – Josue, Jenn, Evie, Jaxon, Aiden



Exit Slip
Name:
The title of my article was: _____________________________
One thing I learned from my article was:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The article made me wonder /think about:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Exit Slip
Name:
The title of my article: _____________________________
One thing I learned from my article was:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The article made me wonder /think about:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________