ELA G5:M1:U2

Writing to Inform: Threats to Human Rights in Esperanza Rising

In this unit, students continue to read Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan to make connections to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They also compare and contrast characters' reactions to situations and events in which their human rights have been threatened and interpret metaphors woven throughout the story to determine how they convey themes. For the mid-unit assessment, students independently interpret a metaphor that is woven throughout the novel and determine a theme that it conveys. They also analyze and compare the reactions of two characters to an event in Esperanza Rising.

In the second half of the unit, students choose an event in the novel to write a literary essay that compares and contrasts the reactions of two characters. Students begin by writing a two-voice poem with a partner to really get inside the minds of the characters during that event. They then follow the Painted Essay structure, writing their literary essay one part at a time after analyzing a model. For the end of unit assessment, students revise their literary essay for linking words and phrases, specifically those that signal contrast.

Big Ideas & Guiding Questions

What are human rights, and how can they be threatened?
Human rights belong to everyone, but they can look different to different people in different places.
We can better understand how human rights can be threatened by reading about the experiences of fictional characters in stories.
We can raise awareness of human rights issues by writing about the issues fictional characters face.

The Four Ts

Topic: Human rights
Task: Students reread a literary text, and answer selected response questions and write a paragraph about it (mid-unit assessment). Students revise a literary essay comparing and contrasting character reactions to events that threaten their human rights in Esperanza Rising (end of unit assessment).
Targets (standards explicitly taught and assessed): RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.10, W.5.2c, W.5.2d, W.5.5, W.5.6, W.5.9a, W.5.10, L.5.2d, L.5.5a, and L.5.6.
Text: Esperanza Rising and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Assessment

Each unit in the 3-5 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize their understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

Download this Unit’s Assessments

Content Connections

This module is designed to address English Language Arts standards and to be taught during the literacy block of the school day. However, the module intentionally incorporates social studies content that many teachers may be teaching during other parts of the day. These intentional connections are described below.

College, Career, and Civic Life C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards:

D2.Civ.3.3-5: Examine the origins and purposes of rules, laws, and key U.S. constitutional provisions.
D2.Civ.4.3-5: Explain how groups of people make rules to create responsibilities and protect freedoms.
D2.Civ.7.3-5: Apply civic virtues and democratic principles in school settings.
D2.Civ.10.3-5: Identify the beliefs, experiences, perspectives, and values that underlie their own and others' points of view about civic issues.
D2.Geo.2.3-5: Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships between the locations of places and regions and their environmental characteristics.
D2.His.2.3-5: Compare life in specific historical time periods to life today.
D2.His.4.3-5: Explain why individuals and groups during the same historical period differed in their perspectives.
D2.His.14.3-5: Explain probable causes and effects of events and developments.
D3.4.3-5: Use evidence to develop claims in response to compelling questions.
D4.6.3-5: Draw on disciplinary concepts to explain the challenges people have faced and opportunities they have created, in addressing local, regional, and global problems at various times and places.

Habits of Character/Social-Emotional Learning Focus

Central to EL Education's curriculum is a focus on "habits of character" and social-emotional learning. Students work to become effective learners, developing mindsets and skills for success in college, career, and life (e.g., initiative, responsibility, perseverance, collaboration); work to become ethical people, treating others well and standing up for what is right (e.g., empathy, integrity, respect, compassion); and work to contribute to a better world, putting their learning to use to improve communities (e.g., citizenship, service).

In this unit, students work to become effective learners. Throughout Unit 2, students practice perseverance and collaboration as they work in pairs to write a literary essay. They practice initiative and responsibility as they revise their essays using peer feedback.

The following student learning targets are a focus for this unit. Please refer to Teaching Notes in the lessons:

I work to become an effective learner:

I take initiative.
I take responsibility.
I persevere.
I collaborate.

Unit-at-a-Glance

Each unit is made up of a sequence of between 5-20 lessons. The “unit at a glance” chart in the curriculum map breaks down each unit into its lessons, to show how the curriculum is organized in terms of standards address, supporting targets, ongoing assessment, and protocols. It also indicates which lessons include the mid-unit and end-of-unit assessments.

View the unit-at-a-glance chart

Accountable Independent Reading

The ability to read and comprehend texts is the heart of literacy instruction. Comprehension is taught, reinforced, and assessed across both components of this curriculum: module lessons and the Additional Language and Literacy Block. Refer to the 5M1 Module Overview for additional information.

In this unit, students continue to read research texts independently for homework, collect new academic and domain-specific vocabulary, and engage in frequent research reading shares during the module lessons for accountability.

Supporting English Language Learners

The Meeting Students' Needs column in each lesson contains support for both ELLs and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and some supports can serve a wide range of student needs. However, ELLs have unique needs that cannot always be met with UDL support. According to federal guidelines, ELLs must be given access to the curriculum with appropriate supports, such as those that are specifically identified as "For ELLs" in the Meeting Students' Needs column.

Prioritizing lessons for classrooms with many ELLs: To prepare for the Unit 2 assessments, consider prioritizing and expanding instruction in Lessons 1-4, which establish the pattern of reading and analyzing character reactions to events in Esperanza Rising, and interpreting metaphors and answering questions about their meaning. Also prioritize the analysis of essay structure using the color-coding system and the Language Dive in Lessons 12-15. If necessary, consider condensing instruction in Lessons 6-9, which continue the patterns established in previous lessons, but do not introduce as many new concepts.
Language Dives: ELLs can participate in an optional Language Dive in Lesson 12. This Language Dives is designed to help students notice and apply the English subject-predicate structure using the subordinating conjunction while. Most lessons also offer optional Mini Language Dives for ELLs. Language Dives are guided conversations about the meaning of a sentence from the central texts, models, or learning targets. The conversation invites students to unpack complex syntax, or "academic phrases," as a necessary component of building both literacy and habits of mind. Students then apply their understanding of language structure as they work toward the assessments and performance task. All Language Dives follow a Deconstruct-Reconstruct-Practice routine, in which students discuss and play with the meaning and purpose of the sentence and each chunk of the sentence; put the chunks back together into the original order and any possible variations; and practice using the chunks in their own speaking and writing. To maximize language practice and accommodate time, consider dividing or reviewing each Language Dive over multiple lessons. A consistent Language Dive routine is critical in helping all students learn how to decipher complex sentences and write their own. In addition, Language Dive conversations can hasten overall English language development for ELLs. Avoid using the Language Dive Guide to lecture about grammar; the Guide is designed to prompt students as they grapple with the meaning and purpose of the chunks and the sentence. Consider providing students with a Language Dive log inside a folder to track Language Dive sentences and structures and collate Language Dive note-catchers. Assure students that this log will not be graded; however, consider inviting students to use their log and note-catchers to gauge the progress of their speaking and writing skills. For more information on Language Dives and supporting English language learners, see the Tools page.
Diversity and inclusion: Investigate the languages, routines, practices, rituals, beliefs, norms, and experiences that are important to ELLs and their families. An ideal context for inclusiveness emerges as students are invited to add their feelings and experience in regards to Esperanza Rising and the UDHR. Create a safe space for students to express their experiences and feelings, in both their home language and English, about the sensitive issues embedded in the texts, knowing that these discussions may help create equity or unearth trauma or both. Consider integrating this background into the classroom as students discuss Esperanza's immigrant experience, culture, history, and language in Esperanza Rising, and as students read about human rights in the UDHR. Consult with a guidance counselor, school social worker, or ESL teacher to further investigate diversity and inclusion.
Goal 1 Conversation Cues: Continue to encourage productive and equitable conversation with Conversation Cues, which are questions teachers can ask students to help achieve four goals: (Goal 1) encourage all students to talk and be understood; (Goal 2) listen carefully to one another and seek to understand; (Goal 3) deepen thinking; and (Goal 4) think with others to expand the conversation (adapted from Michaels, Sarah and O'Connor, Cathy. Talk Science Primer. Cambridge, MA: TERC, 2012. Based on Chapin, S., O'Connor, C., and Anderson, N. [2009]. Classroom Discussions: Using Math Talk to Help Students Learn, Grades K-6. Second Edition. Sausalito, CA: Math Solutions Publications). Refer to the Tools page for the complete set of cues. Goal 1 Conversation Cues are introduced in Unit 1, Lesson 3. Heightened language processing and development is a primary potential benefit for ELLs.
Strategic grouping: As students are invited to pair up to analyze characters' reactions to events in Esperanza Rising, to make connections between the events and the UDHR, and interpret metaphors and theme, seriously consider grouping ELLs with partners who have greater language proficiency. The conversations that happen as a result of such strategic grouping will greatly serve the language development of both partners. Be aware that partnering with, looking at, talking with, or touching the opposite gender may be uncomfortable and inappropriate for some students. In addition, some students may believe it is inappropriate to speak with other students at all during class. Let them know that, in the United States, speaking with a peer of either gender when the teacher gives the signal is appropriate, and it is one way that students can become independent learners and develop their content knowledge and language ability. At the same time, tell them you respect their needs, and if necessary, seek alternative arrangements for students according to their cultural traditions.
Metaphor and theme: Students will analyze metaphors in Esperanza Rising and explore how metaphors that run throughout the story contribute to themes in the book. Support student understanding of the concept of metaphors by inviting students to share examples of metaphors and their meanings in their home languages, and consider working closely with students who need additional support in understanding the figurative language and answering questions about metaphors.
Essay organization: Students will receive explicit instruction in how to craft an informational essay: introductory paragraph, focus statement with points 1 and 2, Proof Paragraphs 1 and 2 with a transition, and concluding paragraph. Students will use the Painted Essay format. Organization may be difficult to grasp for some students who may struggle to comprehend the language itself. Use color-coding and manipulatives inspired by the Painted Essay routines, such as sentence strips, to support this skill. Also, this essay structure may be different from the text structure students may be familiar with in their home languages. Compare and contrast home language text structure whenever possible. As students work on writing complete sentences, color-code sentences to support students' understanding of subject-predicate sentence structure.
Celebration: Celebrate the courage, enthusiasm, diversity, and bilingual assets that ELLs bring to the classroom.

Texts to Buy

Texts that need to be procured. Please download the Trade Book List for procurement guidance.

Text or Resource	Quantity	ISBNs
A Life Like Mine: How Children Live Around the World by DK Publishing	1 per classroom	ISBN: 9780756618032
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan	1 per student	ISBN: 9780439120425

Preparation and Materials

Prepare two individuals (e.g., students, other teachers, adult guests, etc.) to perform the model two-voice poem in Lesson 11. This will require them to read parts both independently and in unison.
Prepare materials for the Painted Essay lesson plan in Lesson 12:

Paintbrushes (one per student)
Read, yellow, blue, and green watercolor paint (one set per pair)
Cups of water (one per pair)
Painting an Essay lesson plan (for teacher reference)
Red, yellow, blue, and green colored pencils (one set; for teacher modeling)

Prepare technology for students to type their final literary essays in Lesson 16.
The following materials are introduced in this unit and referenced both throughout the module and the school year:

Peer Critique Protocol anchor chart
The Painted Essay template
Painting an Essay lesson plan
Working to Become Effective Learners anchor chart
Parts of Speech anchor chart
Linking Words and Phrases handout

Technology and Multimedia

Google Docs - Complete note-catchers: Students complete their note-catchers, write their essays and monologues, and create their programs in Google Docs.
Speech to Text (Many newer devices already have this capability)- To create writing by speaking: Students complete their note-catchers and create written work by speaking rather than writing or typing.
Seesaw - Create student learning portfolios to share with other students, families: Video/audio record students reading aloud their monologues to share with families and other students.
The Mexican Revolution - Additional reading and research: Students read more about the Mexican Revolution with adult support.

Knight, Alan. "The Mexican Revolution." History Today May 1980: n. pag. History Today. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.

The Mexican Revolution: November 20th, 1910 - Additional reading and research: Students read more about the Mexican Revolution with adult support.

"The Mexican Revolution: November 20th, 1910." EDSITEment. National Endowment for the Humanities, n.d. Web. 3 June 2016.

Mexican Revolution - Additional reading and research: Students read more about the Mexican Revolution with adult support.

"Mexican Revolution." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.

Immigration Past and Present - Additional reading and research: Students read more about immigration.

"Immigration Past and Present." Accessed June 3, 2016.

Teach Unicef - Additional reading and research: Students read about current events that are threats to human rights.

"Teach Unicef." Unicef. Web. Accessed Jun 3, 2016.

Human Rights Education - Additional reading and research: Students read about current events that are threats to human rights.

"Human Rights Education." Amnesty International. Web. Accessed Jun 3, 2016.

Human Rights Watch - Additional reading and research: Students read about current events that are threats to human rights.

Human Rights Watch. Web. Accessed Jun 3, 2016.

Additional Language and Literacy Block

The Additional Language and Literacy (ALL) Block is 1 hour of instruction per day. It is designed to work in concert with and in addition to the 1-hour Grades 3-5 ELA "module lessons." Taken together, these 2 hours of instruction comprehensively address all the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.

The ALL Block has five components: Additional Work with Complex Text; Reading and Speaking Fluency/GUM (Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics); Writing Practice; Word Study and Vocabulary; and Independent Reading.

The ALL Block has three 2-week units which parallel to the three units of the module.

Lessons

ELA G5:M1:U2:L1

Analyzing Character Reactions: Esperanza Rising: “Las Cebollas”

ELA G5:M1:U2:L2

Metaphors in Esperanza Rising: “Las Almendras”

ELA G5:M1:U2:L3

Analyzing Character Reactions: Esperanza Rising: “Las Ciruelas”

ELA G5:M1:U2:L4

Metaphors in Esperanza Rising: “Las Papas”

ELA G5:M1:U2:L5

Making Connections: “Los Aguacates” and Article 2 of the UDHR

ELA G5:M1:U2:L6

Analyzing Character Reactions: Esperanza Rising: “Los Espárragos”

ELA G5:M1:U2:L7

Analyzing Character Reactions: Esperanza Rising: “Los Duraznos”

ELA G5:M1:U2:L8

Writing a Character Reaction Paragraph: Esperanza Rising: “Los Duraznos”

ELA G5:M1:U2:L9

Metaphors in Esperanza Rising: “Las Uvas”

ELA G5:M1:U2:L10

Mid-Unit 2 Assessment: Interpreting Metaphors and Analyzing Character Reactions

ELA G5:M1:U2:L11

Character Reactions in Esperanza Rising: Writing a Two-Voice Poem

ELA G5:M1:U2:L12

Writing a Literary Essay: Analyzing a Model

ELA G5:M1:U2:L13

Writing a Literary Essay: Introduction

ELA G5:M1:U2:L14

Writing a Literary Essay: Proof Paragraphs

ELA G5:M1:U2:L15

Writing a Literary Essay: Conclusion

ELA G5:M1:U2:L16

End of Unit 2 Assessment: Revising a Literary Essay

Optional: Community, Experts, Fieldwork, Service, and Extensions

Community:

If students have families with experience with some of the issues described in Esperanza Rising, consider inviting them in to speak to students about their experiences.
If students come from Spanish-speaking families, consider inviting adults to come in to share some words with students in Spanish.
If you have a number of English language learners speaking the same native language, invite family members to come into the classroom to talk with ELLs in their native language about human rights.
If students have families with experience of some of the current threats to human rights that students will read about in research in Lesson 9, consider inviting them in to speak to students about their experiences.

Experts:

Invite experts on local human rights issues or immigration in your area to come in to talk to the students about the work that they do and about the local population.
Have experts on human rights or immigration come in to talk with the students about the work that they do.
Have experts on dramas and plays come in to talk with students about writing and performing monologues.

Fieldwork:

Take students to exhibitions about immigration or about Mexican history or culture.
Take students to performances of monologues.

Service:

Reach out to local immigration charities to find out if students can participate in any charity events or work or if they can raise funds for a specific cause.
Identify a local threat to human rights that students could learn more about and take action on.

Extensions:

Encourage students to read other articles of the complete version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Encourage students to consider other ways to raise awareness about human rights issues.