Grade

7th Grade

Duration

40 minutes

Class Size

22 students

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• RL.7.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
• RI.7.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary.
• RI.7.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
• W.7.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas clearly.
• SL.7.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners.

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Materials

• Printed worksheet (“New Year's Day” reading passage with comprehension questions) - one per student
• Pencils, highlighters
• Whiteboard and markers
• Timer or clock

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Standards Alignment

Standard	Description
RL.7.1	Cite textual evidence to support analysis of the text.
RI.7.2	Determine central ideas and summarise.
RI.7.4	Understand word meanings in context.
W.7.2	Write informative text clearly.
SL.7.1	Participate in collaborative discussions.

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Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction & Activate Prior Knowledge (5 minutes)

• Begin with a brief class discussion: “What do you know about New Year’s Day? How do people around the world celebrate it?”
• Write student answers on the board to connect with the upcoming reading.
• Briefly explain that today’s reading will introduce facts and various customs about New Year’s Day.

2. Reading the Worksheet (15 minutes)

• Distribute the “New Year's Day” worksheet (4 paragraphs).
• Read aloud the first paragraph while students follow along silently.
• Ask students to highlight or underline any words or phrases they find interesting or unfamiliar.
• Students continue reading the remaining paragraphs silently.
• Circulate and support students as needed.

3. Vocabulary and Discussion (5 minutes)

• Review 3-4 challenging words from the text (example: “celebrations,” “customs,” “tradition,” “midnight”).
• Ask students to infer meanings using context clues; write definitions on board.
• Students share examples of their own family traditions or holidays, connecting personal background to the text.

4. Comprehension Questions (10 minutes)

• Students independently answer 10 comprehension questions (6 multiple choice, 4 short answer) on the worksheet.
• Questions require citing evidence, summarizing, and brief explanations of text content.
• Collect worksheets after completion.

5. Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Discuss answers aloud as a class, focusing on key comprehension points and deeper understanding.
• Ask students to reflect on why understanding different holiday customs is important in learning about cultures.
• For exit ticket, students write one new thing they learned today and one question they still have about New Year's Day.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through participation in discussion and vocabulary activity.
• Summative assessment via completed comprehension questions worksheet.
• Exit ticket to assess personal reflections and lingering questions.

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Extension Ideas (if time permits or for homework)

• Write a short informative paragraph comparing New Year’s Day customs in the United States with another country mentioned in the text (addresses W.7.2).
• Create a visual timeline of New Year’s celebrations around the world using drawings or digital tools.

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New Year's Day Worksheet

Reading Passage (4 paragraphs)

Paragraph 1
New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1st and marks the start of a new calendar year. It is a time when many people reflect on the past year and make resolutions to improve themselves in the coming year. Resolutions often include goals such as exercising more, eating healthier, or learning a new skill.

Paragraph 2
Different countries celebrate New Year's Day with their own unique customs. In the United States, it is common for people to count down the seconds to midnight. Many watch the famous ball drop in New York City's Times Square, which has been a tradition since 1907. Families and friends gather to celebrate with parties, fireworks, and special meals.

Paragraph 3
In Spain, it is traditional to eat 12 grapes, one at each stroke of midnight. This is believed to bring good luck for each month of the new year. In Japan, people visit shrines or temples to pray for happiness and health. They also eat special dishes called "osechi," which have different symbolic meanings related to prosperity and longevity.

Paragraph 4
No matter where or how it is celebrated, New Year's Day is a special time for new beginnings and hope. It is a chance for people all over the world to share in a global tradition of starting fresh and looking forward to what the future holds.

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Comprehension Questions

Multiple Choice:

1. When is New Year's Day celebrated?
   a) December 31st
   b) January 1st
   c) February 14th
   d) January 2nd

2. What is a common New Year's resolution mentioned in the text?
   a) Traveling the world
   b) Exercising more
   c) Watching movies
   d) Sleeping less

3. Which city is famous for its New Year’s ball drop?
   a) Los Angeles
   b) Chicago
   c) New York City
   d) Miami

4. How many grapes do people in Spain traditionally eat at midnight?
   a) 10
   b) 11
   c) 12
   d) 13

5. What do people in Japan do to celebrate the New Year?
   a) Watch the ball drop
   b) Eat 12 grapes
   c) Visit shrines or temples
   d) Light fireworks

6. What is the main idea of paragraph 4?
   a) New Year’s Day is celebrated only in the US and Spain.
   b) New Year’s Day is about new beginnings and hope worldwide.
   c) People eat grapes in Spain for good luck.
   d) The ball drop has been a tradition since 1907.

Short Answer:

7. What are two examples of New Year's resolutions mentioned in the passage?

8. Why do people in Spain eat 12 grapes at midnight?

9. What is the significance of the special dishes called "osechi" in Japan?

10. In your own words, explain why New Year's Day is an important holiday worldwide.

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This lesson plan combines reading, vocabulary development, cultural awareness, and comprehension skills, all tightly aligned with Common Core standards to engage 7th graders meaningfully.