Wit and Wisdom Module 2

Learning Objectives

• ELA Focus:
  • Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing complex texts from Lesson 8, Module 2 of Wit and Wisdom.
  • Enhance comprehension through annotating and summarizing key ideas, themes, and arguments.
  • Apply textual evidence to support inferences, using precise language.
• NGSS Alignment:
  While this is an ELA lesson, integrating NGSS emphasizes scientific literacy and reasoning essential for 6th grade:
  • MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem (similar to analyzing problems in texts).
  • MS-ETS1-3: Analyze data to determine similarities and differences in findings.
  • Science & Engineering Practice: Engaging in argument from evidence, critical thinking, and reasoning.
    These standards support comprehension strategies by promoting argument evaluation, synthesis, and evidence-based reasoning.

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Materials Needed

• Copies of texts from Wit and Wisdom Lesson 8, Module 2
• Highlighters and annotation sticky notes
• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart/graphic organizer for textual analysis
• Exit ticket handouts

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Lesson Duration & Breakdown (60 minutes)

1. Warm-up & Prior Knowledge Activation (10 minutes)

• Activity: Think-Pair-Share
  • Prompt: “Recall a time when you had to solve a tricky problem or understand something that wasn’t clear at first. How did you figure it out?”
  • Students write 2-3 sentences, then pair up to discuss.
  • Brief whole-class sharing focused on problem-solving strategies, connecting to NGSS practice of “defining problems.”

2. Introduction to Text and Lesson Goals (5 minutes)

• Present the learning objectives on the board.
• Briefly introduce the topic and texts in the module, emphasizing the focus on critical thinking and text evidence.

3. Close Reading and Annotating (15 minutes)

• Individual Task:
  • Students read an assigned passage from Lesson 8.
  • Using highlighters and sticky notes, annotate:
    • Important ideas
    • Evidence supporting arguments
    • Vocabulary that is key to understanding
• Teacher circulates, scaffolding annotation strategies (e.g., asking “Why do you think this sentence is important?”).

4. Collaborative Analysis (15 minutes)

• Small Group Discussion: (Groups of 4-5)
  • Students use a graphic organizer to synthesize their annotations. Sections might include:
    • Main idea(s)
    • Evidence supporting main idea(s)
    • Questions or confusion points
    • Connections to real-world situations or scientific concepts (NGSS Link)
  • Groups prepare 2-3 summary points to share.

5. Whole Class Discussion: Application & Critical Thinking (10 minutes)

• Groups share their key points.
• Teacher facilitates discussion, asking probing questions:
  • “How does the information here help us solve a bigger problem?”
  • “What evidence convinced you most in this text and why?”
  • “Can this information relate to something you’ve learned in science?”
  • Highlight the NGSS crosscutting concepts like “Patterns” and “Cause and Effect” in relation to the text.

6. Formative Assessment & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Exit Ticket:
  • Write one way you used evidence to form a conclusion today.
  • Give one example of how this skill could help in science or everyday life.
• Collect exit tickets for assessment of comprehension and ability to connect ELA and NGSS skills.

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Teacher Notes & Tips

• Integrate scientific thinking by framing text analysis as solving a problem or evaluating evidence.
• Support students struggling with annotation by modeling a think-aloud on a sample paragraph.
• Encourage rich vocabulary use by having students restate main ideas in their own words.
• Use questioning to push from literal comprehension to inference and application, consistent with NGSS science practice of “Engaging in Argument from Evidence.”
• This cross-disciplinary approach builds transferable critical thinking that serves both ELA and science learning goals.

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Standards Reference

• ELA:
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.10: Read informational texts closely, accurately citing evidence.
• NGSS Science Practices:
  • MS-ETS1-1: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems.
  • MS-ETS1-3: Analyze and Interpret Data.
  • Practice 7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence.
• Crosscutting Concepts:
  • Cause and Effect.
  • Patterns.

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This structured approach provides students with rich opportunities to engage deeply with text while simultaneously sharpening scientific reasoning aligned with NGSS. The integration highlights the natural fit between language arts and science inquiry skills—preparing students for complex problem-solving in multiple disciplines.