Lesson 1 Study Notes

Lesson 1: Gathering Evidence and Drafting a Thesis

Overview of Lesson 1

  • Purpose: This lesson is designed to help students understand the essay prompt and the process of drafting thesis statements based on textual evidence from the novel "Summer of the Mariposas."
  • Character Analysis: Students will review character traits of the Garza sisters, gleaned from their previous annotations in the Amplify Library, to determine the most important trait that contributed to a selected character's success in their hero's journey.
  • Activities: The lesson includes gathering evidence from the text, organizing it, and drafting a thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument of their essay.

Key Terms

  • Thesis Statement: A summary of the controlling ideas for the essay.
  • Textual Evidence: Specific quotations or instances from the text that support the thesis statement.

Lesson Structure

  1. Introduction to Essay Prompt and Calendar

    • Discuss the expectations for the essay with students.

  2. Evidence Gathering Activity

    • Students will identify and compile textual evidence demonstrating a hero's special characteristics.

  3. Thesis Statement Drafting

    • Students draft a preliminary thesis statement outlining the main ideas they wish to explore in their essays.

  4. Evaluation and Wrap-Up

    • Students self-assess their understanding of the lesson goals and their progress.

Lesson at a Glance

  • Activity 1: Vocabulary Activities (5 min)
    • Discuss the characteristics that could help heroes succeed in their journeys.
  • Activity 2: Discuss A Hero’s Success (5 min)
    • Explore traits and sources of strength that contribute to heroism in the story.
  • Activity 3: Present Essay Prompt and Calendar (5 min)
    • Review essay prompt and outline timeline for lessons.
  • Activity 4: Select Text: Finding Evidence (20 min)
    • Identify textual evidence that supports character traits.
  • Activity 5: Write: Drafting a Thesis (8 min)
    • Draft preliminary thesis statements based on chosen evidence.
  • Activity 6: Wrap-Up (3 min)
    • Review and evaluate task completion and understanding.
  • Activity 7: Solo Work to Collect Evidence
    • Allow students to independently gather additional evidence if necessary.

Materials Needed

  • Textual Resources:
    • "Summer of the Mariposas"
  • Assessment Tools:
    • Grade 6 Essay Rubric
  • Organizers:
    • Essay Graphic Organizer
    • Evidence Chart
  • Support Materials:
    • PDF of Essay Sentence Starters

Connections to Other Lessons

  • This is the first lesson of a five-part sequence.
    • Lesson 1: Focus on thesis statement and evidence gathering.
    • Lesson 2: Body paragraphs drafting.
    • Lesson 3: Essay refinement and further drafting.
    • Lesson 4: Strengthening evidence inclusion and writing introductions.
    • Lesson 5: Concluding the essay and final edits.

Skills and Standards (TEKS)

  • TEKS 6.1.D: Participate in discussions, taking notes and identifying agreement or disagreement.
  • TEKS 6.5.F: Make inferences and utilize evidence for comprehension.
  • TEKS 6.6.C: Use text evidence for appropriate responses.
  • TEKS 6.7.B: Analyze character responses to develop the plot.
  • TEKS 6.10.A & B: Plan and develop a coherent piece of writing.
  • TEKS 6.11.B: Compose multi-paragraph essays conveying clear ideas.

Note on Differentiation

  • Provide supports, such as access to audio resources for students needing auditory assistance.
  • Use the Essay Graphic Organizer to help students plan their essays effectively.
  • Make available the Essay Sentence Starters for language support, particularly for ELL students or those writing below grade level.

Activity Details

Activity 1: Discuss Characteristics of Heroes
  • Goal: Consider what aids heroes in their journey.
  • Examples of Strengths:
    • Physical traits: strength, agility, speed.
    • Personality traits: bravery, intelligence, resilience, determination.
    • Support systems: knowledge, hope, family, friends, community.
Activity 2: Essay Prompt and Calendar Review
  • Discussion Points:
    • Review elements of the essay that will be included, such as thesis statement and supporting evidence.
    • Discuss timeline and deadlines for essay components.
Activity 4: Selecting Textual Evidence
  • Collaborative Learning:
    • Students work in pairs to discuss and review their annotations relevant to their chosen hero.
    • Compile and organize evidence that supports their argument regarding the character’s strength.
Activity 5: Drafting the Thesis Statement
  • Prompt for Thesis Writing:
    • Provide a structured sentence starter:
    • "[Character name] uses the (special characteristic/source of strength) to be successful when she ____ (moment 1) and _____ (moment 2)."
Activity 6: Wrap-Up and Self-Evaluation
  • Reflection Questions for Students:
    • What evidence have you gathered?
    • How clear is your thesis statement?
    • What are your next steps?
Activity 7: Solo Evidence Collection
  • Opportunity for Further Work:
    • Take additional time to search for evidence aligned with previously collected annotations before drafting essays.

Summary

  • Important Tasks: Throughout the lesson, students focus on honing their ability to gather textual evidence and articulate a cohesive thesis statement as a foundation for their essays on "Summer of the Mariposas." Emphasis is placed on understanding, collaboration, and structured writing, with ongoing assessments of student comprehension and progress.