Unit Plan 9 (Grade 7 ELA): Morphology & Vocabulary Power
Grade 7 ELA unit: students use Greek and Latin roots, context clues, and reference tools to determine word meanings. They analyze figurative language, explore nuances, and apply precise academic vocabulary in writing and speaking for clarity and impact.
Focus: Greek/Latin roots & affixes; context clues; reference materials
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Language—Vocabulary & Usage)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Words are built, not just memorized. This week students use morphology (Greek/Latin roots and affixes), multiple context-clue strategies, and high-quality reference tools to unlock meaning, analyze nuance and figurative language, and deliberately use academic/domain vocabulary in speaking and writing.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words using context, roots/affixes, and reference materials; verify or refine meaning (L.7.4a–d).
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships (synonyms/antonyms/analogies), and nuances in word meanings (L.7.5a–c).
- Acquire and use grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific vocabulary, including showing precision and register in speech and writing (L.7.6).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 7
- Language 7.4a–d (L.7.4): Use context; use Greek/Latin affixes and roots; consult reference materials; verify/refine meaning.
- Language 7.5a–c (L.7.5): Interpret figurative language; use relationships between words; distinguish connotations of words with similar denotations.
- Language 7.6 (L.7.6): Acquire/use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can break a word into prefix + root + suffix and infer a text-true meaning.
- I can use context and then verify with a reputable reference.
- I can explain the nuance between near-synonyms and spot figurative uses.
- I can choose and use precise, academic words in my speaking and writing.