of Mice

and Men

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Unit Plan
Intro Teacher's GuideIntro Teacher's Guide
Stage 1: Unit OverviewStage 1: Unit Overview
Stage 2: AssessmentStage 2: Assessment
Stage 3: Learning PlanStage 3: Learning Plan
9th Grade English Language Arts — 6 Week Plan

Stage 3: Learning Plan

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Please note: The activities designed in these plans are meant to be flexible starting points, not prescriptive lesson plans. This is why they're presented in outline format rather than fully detailed scripts. Feel free to adapt, replace, or supplement them with other resources. We strongly encourage you to explore the extensive lesson plan library available on the SITS website. As long as your chosen activities align with the Stage 1 Desired Results and Stage 2 Assessment Evidence established in this unit, use what works best for your students.

Key Instructional Features of Understanding by Design (UbD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 

1. WHERETO Framework (Stage 3)

As you look at the Day by Day Stage 3 Learning Plan, you will see where each of these WHERETO elements are embedded throughout the unit.

  • Where & Why: Students understand learning goals and relevance
  • Hook: Engaging entry points connecting to students' lives
  • Equip: Explicit instruction and modeling of skills
  • Rethink & Revise: Ongoing opportunities for feedback
  • Evaluate: Self-assessment and reflection
  • Tailored: Differentiated for diverse learners
  • Organized: Logical, coherent progression

2. Gradual Release of Responsibility

The unit moves from:

  • Teacher modeling (Weeks 1-3)
  • Guided practice with scaffolds (Weeks 3-4)
  • Independent application (Weeks 4-6)

3. Built-in Differentiation for all Learners

For Multilingual (ML) Learners:

  • Sentence frames for academic language production
  • Bilingual vocabulary support (e.g. vocabulary preview with Spanish cognates)
  • Think-pair-share before whole-class sharing
  • Option to use home language in planning/drafting
  • Visual and graphic supports (e.g., for tracking character’s dreams

For students who need deeper extension:

  • Push for deeper analysis through essential questions
  • Encourage sophisticated connections
  • Provide mentor texts demonstrating advanced writing
  • Offer opportunities to explore contemporary parallels

For students who need greater support:

  • Audiobook access
  • Chunked reading assignments
  • Vocabulary pre-teaching
  • Additional conferences and check-ins