The guiding questions in this 16-page document can be used to help create lessons and assessments that are aligned with Common Core Standards for 7th grade English Language Arts. The questions could also be used as essential questions in lesson plans or to show administrators and/or students which standard is being addressed each day.
The document takes each standard and turns it into one or more questions that you can pose to yourself as you create lessons or to students at the beginning of a lesson. It also has space to brainstorm ideas for potential lessons and a place to write when each standard was addressed during the year.
Each question can be used as a topic for a mini-lesson or as a "Question of the Day" to guide the lesson. For example, one of the guiding questions under Writing Standard 7.1 is "How can I acknowledge opposing claims in my argument?" The teacher can model this strategy, have students practice it, and finally challenge students to complete it independently.
These questions allow for flexibility in planning lessons. For example, two potential guiding questions for Speaking and Listening Standard 7.1 (letter C) could be "What's the best way to respond to others' questions?" OR "How can I use relevant observations and ideas to respond to others' questions?" It's up to you to choose how you want to frame the lesson.
I created this document because I couldn't find anything else like it. It's been a tremendous help in terms of making the transition to the new standards. I hope you find it as helpful as I have as you plan for the year!
8th Grade Guiding Questions -
6th Grade Guiding Questions -
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