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In this unit of study, students will focus on the ways word choices support the changes and development of story, characterization, and theme over a course of a text; how a plot unfolds; and how texts are structured with an emphasis on argument and claim. They will investigate concepts of tradition and progress as they read and analyze Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

Students will compare and contrast a variety of printed and non-printed materials to increase background knowledge on thematic influences of Lord of the Flies, such as herd behavior, survivor stories, and behavioral patterns. Students will participate in group activities which will assist students in developing a deeper sense of character analysis and perspective. Tasks will support instruction so that students gain a deeper understanding of the ways that tradition and progress contribute to identity and how personal and community identity are shaped while exploring complex texts. These texts will connect to the unit’s guiding questions and students will have the opportunity to make deeper connections to the anchor text throughout the unit of study. In the assessments, students will have an opportunity to analyze diction, complete a research paper, or draw from textual evidence to support claims (spiraling of Unit 1-3), while showing an understanding of the reading standards in Unit 4. It is also suggested they be given an opportunity to create a digital publication that could be showcased in their digital portfolio, which would synthesize connections between the anchor and supplemental texts while addressing the standards and guiding questions of the unit.

As a culmination of their studies, students will be able to...

Understand how word choice is developed over the course of a text.
Understand how texts are structured, developed and changed over the course of the text.
Understand how the plot formation and the unfolding of the plot drives a story and supports the development of the story.
Understand multiple text integrations as it relates to the symbols or concepts of the text.
Reflect on the way allegories can shape the written and spoken word.
Understand there are a variety of purposes for writing (can include inquiry, exploration, analysis, and interpretation).

Over the course of the unit, students will build knowledge around:

Golding’s classic and how it is considered one of the staples in ELA.
How personal and social identity are developed and influenced.
How diction supports the development and changes over the course of a text to build characterization and tension.
How those word choices impact the plot.
How supplemental readings support a deeper understanding of motifs found in the anchor text.

Essential Questions:

How are tradition and progress interconnected?
What is tradition?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of tradition?
How do traditions influence whom individuals become?
What is progress?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of progress?
How does progress influence whom individuals become?