Sample ELA Resources for Texas

Using the autobiographical excerpt “Dogs Make Us Human” written by bestselling author and autism advocate Temple Grandin with Catherine Johnson, students learn to cite text evidence and conduct independent research. (TEKS focus 6.12)  

Using a statement posted on the Federal Communication Commission’s website, students learn to evaluate online content and distinguish between primary and secondary sources. (TEKS focus 7.8, 7.12; also addresses 7.2, 7.6, 7.10)

Using Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh,” students read about a hero’s departure before drafting a “hero’s journey” narrative of their own. (TEKS focus 8.11; also addresses 8.2, 8.4­8.10)

Using a short story set during an Iowa ice storm, students analyze how author Jim Heynen employs environmental details and word choices to create his effects. (TEKS focus E1.4(F), E1.4(G), E1.6(A), E1.8(D); also addresses E1.4(I), E1.5(F), E1.5(H), E1.9(C), E1.9(D)(i), E1.9(D)(ii))

Using an essay that begins by recounting a 1982 airline tragedy, students examine how an author Celeste Headlee combines empirical, logical, and anecdotal evidence to make her argument. (TEKS focus E2.7(E)(ii), E2.8(G), E2.10(B), E2.11(G)(ii))

Using definitions and descriptions of the 11 basic types of fallacies, students learn to identify errors in reasoning and apply that skill to analyzing claims in the media. (TEKS focus E3.5(F), E3.8(G); also addresses E3.1(A), E3.2(A), E3.2(C), E3.5(A), E3.9(C), E3.11(G)(ii))

Using three texts—a federal law, a newspaper article, and a presidential speech—related to Hurricane Katrina, students practice using different critical lenses to frame research questions. (TEKS focus E4.2, E4.4, E4.5; also addresses E4.2(A), E4.2(B), E4.4(D), E4.4(F), E4.4(G), E4.4(I), E4.5(C), E4.5(D), E4.5(E), E4.7(D)(ii), E4.8(A), E4.8(B), E4.8(F), E4.11(D))

Students increase their familiarity with poetic language using a Spanish translation of Walt Whitman’s “O Captain! My Captain!”

Students build their academic vocabulary and increase their understanding of “hero’s journey” narratives with collaborative activities. (TEKS focus 8.1, 8.6, 8.8)

Using an excerpt from a challenging book of literary nonfiction, grade 9 students practice SOAPSTone and other close reading strategies. (TEKS focus E1.8; also addresses E1.2­5, E1.8)

Using a rebuttal letter written by Adlai Stevenson, students progress from reading and analyzing an argumentative text to writing one themselves. (TEKS focus E3.4; also addresses E3.5, E3.9)