$5 - $10 7th Grade English Language Arts Thematic Unit Plans (by date, latest first)

Bring the heartwarming and inspiring Disney+ adaptation of Out of My Mind into your classroom with this comprehensive movie guide and activity bundle. Perfect for grades 5-8, this resource engages students in thoughtful discussion, critical analysis, and creative reflection while exploring key themes of inclusion, perseverance, and advocacy.

What’s Included:

Pre-Watching Activities:

• Agree/Disagree/Justify Statements: Students reflect on key themes like inclusion, disability, and perseverance before viewing the movie.
• Author Investigation: Research questions about Sharon M. Draper’s life, career, and motivations for writing Out of My Mind.

During-Watching Questions:

• 3 Open-Ended Discussion Questions: Encourage critical thinking and active viewing, focusing on the film’s characters, themes, and key moments.

Post-Watching Reflection:

• Creative Reflection Choices: Students choose from a variety of activities, including:

• A personal essay exploring connections to Melody’s story.

• A diary entry written from the perspective of a character.

• A 6-panel brochure highlighting the movie’s plot, characters, and themes.

Skills Covered:

• Critical Thinking: Through open-ended questions and reflection activities.
• Research Skills: Investigating Sharon M. Draper’s life and work.
• Creative Expression: Writing diary entries, essays, or designing brochures.
• Empathy and Inclusion: Exploring themes that challenge perspectives and foster understanding.

Why Teachers Love It:

Engaging & Flexible: Perfect for a wide range of learners with multiple activity options.
Low Prep: Ready-to-use activities designed for easy implementation.
Standards-Aligned: Meets objectives in reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking.

Perfect For:

• Movie Companion Activities
• SEL Lessons on Inclusion and Perseverance
• Sub Plans or Flexible Learning Days
• Cross-Curricular Connections in ELA and Social Studies

This complete guide offers everything you need to turn Out of My Mind into a powerful teaching moment. Inspire your students to think deeply, reflect creatively, and grow in understanding with this must-have resource. Grab it today!

Additional resources with similar themes: 18-Day Disabilities & Equity Unit Grades 6+ Project, Essay, Assessments, Seminar

This is a differentiated mini-unit on Elizabethan England to prepare students for studying Shakespeare's works! It can be used as an introduction to any of Shakespeare's plays. It begins with a day of research into Shakespeare's life and times, then asks students to create a group collage on their topic and ultimately perform a presentation of their findings.

Included in this product:

- Rationale for Project

- English Language Arts Frameworks

- 4 Meticulously Explained Lesson Plans

- Extensive explanation of differentiation strategies embedded in lessons (Perfectly aligned with Standard II of Teacher Evaluations)

- 5 Separate packets with questions for 5 separate topics

- Rubric

- Picture of my students' work from this year

This is an engaging group project that keeps students working from start to finish while playing to their very different strengths. I have put hours upon hours into this project so that you don't have to - truly, you will find that it runs itself!

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Also, check out these great products to add to your Shakespeare unit:

⭐ Introduction to Shakespeare Powerpoint, Scavenger Hunt & Lesson Plan

⭐ Shakespeare ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Shakespeare Bell Ringer Journal Prompts

⭐ Shakespeare Crossword Puzzle

⭐ Shakespeare's "Death Lines" Activity

⭐ Shakespeare's Epitaph Assignment

⭐ Shakespeare Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

⭐ Sonnet 130 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

⭐ Sonnet 18 Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

⭐ William Shakespeare Quote Posters

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