Unit Overview:
This four-week unit will explore the effects of bullying. Students will read a series of non-fiction feature articles about bullying. The articles will address cyber bullying, the role of a bystander, the effects of bullying and ways to overcome bullying. Student will then examine ways to control this ongoing issue by researching reasonable consequences for this offense.
Task Details
Task Name: How Can We Control Bullying?
Grade: 7
Subject: English Language Arts
Depth of Knowledge: 4
Task Description: Through close analysis of the texts provided, students will write a formal essay addressing the concept of bullying. Using examples from our sources, students will examine bullying and its effects. Through valid research, students will evaluate appropriate repercussions (consequences) that would help control this ongoing issue, both in school and online. The in-depth analysis will enable students to develop a clear position and maintain it throughout the essay, produce a favorable consequence of action, and incorporate a suitable counter argument, opposing their original position. Students will present their textual analysis in an argumentative manner, ultimately swaying the reader’s opinion through reasoning and use of textual evidence.
The formal essay must include references to the resources we read in class. Students must include a works cited page using proper MLA format. There should be a minimum of three sources.
Standards Assessed:
ELA-Literacy.W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2a Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2b Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2c Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2d Use precise language and domain- specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2e Establish and maintain a formal style.
* CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2f Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.
Materials Needed:
Articles:
“Confessions of a Teenage Bully” by Rachel Simons
“Cyberbulling” by Kathy Wilmore
“Students are Suspended for Verbally Abusing School Bus Monitor” by Jennifer Preston
“Meet the New Sheriff” by Suzanne McCabe
“Monona Police Can Now Cite Parents For A Child’s Bullying” by Doug Erickson
“Cyberbullying Can Be A Crime But It Can Be Punished: The Judicial Notice” by Jessica Brewbaker
Books:
Excepts from Teen Cyberbullying Investigated by Judge Tom Jacobs
Excerpts from Dear Bully by Meagan Kelley Hall & Carrie Jones
Documentary:
Bullied: A Student, A School, and The Case That Made History
I.S. 239 Name ______
Class _____ ID _____Date ______
Directions to Students
Performance Task: How Can We Control Bullying?
Bullying may have a devastating effect on those who are bullied if gone unchecked. The consequences are far reaching not only for those who are being bullied, but for those who are silent bystanders as well. You will read and watch a series of informational texts and sources dealing with the effects of bullying on those who are bullied, as well as the consequences of remaining silent in the face of bullies. Through close analysis and further research, you will write a formal response on the effects of bullying. You will address a means of control by acknowledging a consequence and punishment, as well as a counter argument to your claim.
You will write a formal essay on bullying. Using examples from your sources, you will examine bullying and its effects.
The formal essay must include references to the articles we read in class. You must include a works cited page using proper MLA format. There should be a minimum of THREE sources.
You must have the following pieces to submit for me:
Outline: due ______
Edited rough draft including the works cited page: due ______
Final copy including cover and works cited page: due ______
I expect you to have at least TWO different people edit your rough draft. Each person should use a different color when editing. Please ask the person to print and sign his/her name. It can be a friend, a family member or a teacher.
Prompt:Bullying may have a devastating effect on those who are bullied if gone unchecked. Discuss the negative effects of bullying and establish a means of control by determining a sufficient consequence.
Use explicit and inferred evidence from the texts to support your claim.
Be sure to acknowledge a counter claim and include evidence from your sources.
CHECKLIST
____ You will need a cover. The cover should include your essay title in the center (no pictures). Your name, homeroom and English ID must be in the lower right- hand corner of the cover.
____ Do NOT include a heading on the first page of your essay.
____ The essay title should be in the center at the top of the first page of your essay.
_____Establish and maintain a clear position.
____ Your essay must have an introduction, at least three body paragraphs and a clear conclusion. Create an organizational structure that introduces and concludes the argument and orders reason and evidence so that they make sense. Make transitions between and within sections clear.
____ Your essay must be double spaced. Use size twelve font.
____ Your goal is to explain the effect of bullying, provide a way to control this growing problem by establishing a consequence (punishment). Incorporate insight from the pieces we read and watched (the non-fiction articles we read, and the media pieces we viewed in class). Provide multiple reasons that make sense and support the overall position. Include RELEVANT evidence to support your reasoning.
_____ Discuss an alternate or opposing position of consequence: demonstrate understanding that there is another possible position on the topic.
_____ Demonstrate accurate literal and INFERENTIAL understanding of the source material.
____You must use at least THREE sources. You must choose from the non-fiction articles we read. This does not limit you to three quotes! This just means that you must use AT LEAST THREE SOURCES of information.
_____ Youmust also include a works cited page using correct MLA format. It must be the last page of your essay. There should be three different sources on this page
_____ Demonstrate a command of grammar, usage, and mechanics across the essay.