CHECK OUT THE PREVIEW. Getting students to read informational text can be trying, but analyzing humorous, satirical viewpoints on the Thanksgiving holiday will be a great way to spark their interest. The new Common Core State Standards place a greater emphasis on critical thinking and implementing expository and nonfiction texts into the English Language Arts curriculum. Understanding the basics of analyzing the rhetorical situation, mood and tone, and author's purpose and point of view are essential to understanding nonfiction texts. This 4-5 day unit teaches the fundamentals of analyzing informational text with the unique acrostic "R.E.A.D.S" ***For other holiday items, visit the link below*** Holiday Items ***All notes and resources are designed for the ability of the instructor to use them as resources for other units that involve close reading or satire*** ***PPTs are editable and can be used for other units involving Satire, Close Reading, Tone/Mood, Viewpoint, Rhetorical Appeals, etc.*** Close “R.E.A.D.S” Recognize (purpose, tone, point of view) Evaluate (support) Analyze (rhetoric) Develop (questions and judgments) Summarize (the main idea of the text) This multi-faceted unit integrates listening skills, reading strategies, and writing skills, as students analyze each of these elements to develop practical skills in analyzing nonfiction texts. If you are interested in the Thanksgiving close reading bundle including PPT lectures and guided student activities visit the link below Thanksgiving Close Reading Satire Bundle If you are interested in other close reading resources or close reading bundles, visit the link below: Close Reading Resources This Unit Includes 1. Common Core Alignment 2. Student Notes and Handouts 3. Teacher "day by day" schedule 4. Articles for Analysis 5. Writing Task and Rubric 6. PPT lectures to facilitate student notes (75slides) ***PPTs are editable and can be used for other units involving Satire, Close Reading, Tone/Mood, Viewpoint, Rhetorical Appeals, etc.*** Unit Lessons: Day 1 Use the Active Reading and Annotation Handouts to teach students the fundamentals of Close Reading found in the “READS” system for analyzing informational text and the ICE system for taking annotations. Introduce students to the “Close Reading READS Assignment” sheet and explain the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd read in close reading of informational text. Use the PPT Lecture and Student Handout to introduce the concept of Parody and Satire Day 2 Use the 3 different “Determining Purpose, Viewpoint & Bias” handouts to instruct students on essential terms and concepts for their first close read. 1st Read (article of choice) 1. Analyze title to make predictions 2. Underline statements that reveal the author’s viewpoint and purpose. Day 3 Review fundamentals of 1st, 2nd, 3rd read in close reading (READS assignment sheet), and review student’s annotations identifying the author’s viewpoint and purpose. Use the “Analyzing Tone and Mood” handouts to instruct students on the essential terms and concepts surrounding tone and mood. Have students complete their first read and look for connotative words and figurative language that establish the author’s tone in the article. Explain the concept of Rhetorical Appeals and Ethos/Pathos/Logos. Have students review their analysis of tone and identify the author’s use of Rhetorical Appeals. Day 4 Review the Facts vs Opinions handout and have students complete their 3rd read of the article. In the 3rd read students should evaluate the details/evidence used to support the author’s viewpoint/purpose, and develop personal questions or judgments in the margins. Have students use their annotations to fill in the READS handout. Have students complete another Close Reading process on the (2nd article of choice). Day 5 Use writing tasks assess students understanding and analysis of the articles. Keywords: expository; exposition; non-fiction; non fiction; real-life; informational text; Common Core; article; printable; worksheet; handout; easy; bundle; package; lesson plans; close reading