Description
This resource for “Seventh Grade” by Gary Soto includes engaging before-reading, during-reading, and after-reading activities designed to support reading comprehension and literary analysis. Centered on the universal experience of navigating seventh grade and the desire to impress others, this lesson consistently resonates with students and sparks meaningful discussion. It is also a strong addition to lessons celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting the voice of a prominent Latino author.
Students begin with a before-reading activating activity that builds anticipation and connects personal experience to the text. Instruction is supported with background information on Gary Soto and targeted vocabulary terms, reinforced through a graphic organizer to strengthen comprehension. As students read the story, they respond to reading comprehension and discussion questions that encourage close reading, inference, and thoughtful analysis of character motivation and theme.
After reading, students complete an after-reading summarizing strategy that helps solidify understanding and reinforces key ideas from the text. Complete answer keys are included to support instruction and assessment.
This resource includes a teacher guide and answer keys in PDF format, student activity pages available in both editable Word document and print-ready PDF formats, and a PowerPoint presentation covering vocabulary and author background. It is well suited for middle school ELA and supports instruction in characterization, theme, and personal connection, while offering students a relatable and engaging reading experience.