A weekly set of 10 targeted and universal ELA modules based on Gary Soto's short story 'Seventh Grade'. Designed for 35-minute SETSS sessions focusing on decoding, vocabulary, and inference.
Group C: Decoding & Phonics (Goal Phonics) Module 10
Target Students: DHa, HHa, JEl, JGa, AOl Focus: Word attack strategies, syllabification, decoding multisyllabic vocabulary, vowel teams, and tracking word endings (-ed, -ly, -tion).
Unit: Seventh Grade Survival Page 1 of 2
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Module Instructional Script
Instructional Prompts, Support Strategies, and Answer Keys
DIAGNOSTIC KEYS
Universal Modules (1–5) Facilitation
Module 1 (Impressions): Prompt students by asking: "What are some common first-day jitters? Why does Victor think scowling will make him look cool?" Expected Student Response: Students identify pressure to fit in, and peer expectations.
Module 2 (Plot): Guide students through the plot diagram. Pay close attention to the French class scene as the climax. Key plot point: Victor pretending to speak French to impress Teresa.
Module 3 (Character Map): Push for deep contrast. "On the outside Victor is scowling, but what is he actually feeling inside?" Key insight: External false-bravado vs. internal intense self-doubt.
Module 4 (Theme): Help students connect Victor's struggle to a universal message. Model theme: "Being true to yourself is better than pretending to be someone you're not to impress others."
Module 5 (Survival Guide Reflection): Scaffold paragraph structure using the C-E-R (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) framework. Encourage students to write a complete 5-sentence paragraph.
Targeted Modules (6–10) Facilitation
Module 6 & 7 (Inference & Evidence): Teach "reading between the lines". Module 6: Victor scowls because Michael saw it in GQ magazine. He wants girls to think he is mysterious. Module 7: Mr. Bueller remains silent because he remembers his own teenage awkwardness and wants to spare Victor's dignity. This shows Mr. Bueller is empathetic.
Module 8 & 9 (Vocabulary & Context Clues): Module 8: Target figurative phrases like "the horizon of her face". Explain sensory words like "quivering" and "sultry". Module 9: Teach structural breakdown of words. ferocity (root: ferox, meaning wild/fierce + suffix -ity). lingered (stayed behind/loitered).
Module 10 (Decoding & Phonics): Use syllable division rules (VC/CV and V/CV) to break down:
• e-lec-tives (Noun: chosen courses) • con-vic-tion (Noun: deep belief) • si-be-ri-a (Noun: remote, cold region) • fe-roc-i-ty (Noun: quality of being fierce)
High-Leverage Accommodations for SETSS Instruction
Always offer sentence starters for writing tasks (e.g., "Victor's choice to scowl shows..."). For decoding modules, provide magnetic letters or physical syllable blocks so students with phonological needs (AOl, JGa, HHa) can construct words physically.
Unit: Seventh Grade Survival Page 2 of 2
Scenario 2: Mr. Bueller asks if anyone speaks French
His Outer Mask:
His Inner Truth:
Critical Synthesis Question:
How does Victor's habit of hiding his true self lead directly to his near-disaster in French class?
Theme: Seventh Grade Survival Page 3 of 5
Universal Module 4
The Hard Truths
Name: ______________________ Date: _________
Theme Deconstruction: The central theme of "Seventh Grade" revolves around identity, risk-taking, and the comedy/agony of adolescent romance. Let's trace how Soto constructs this lesson.
Constructing the Central Theme
Step 1: The Character's Lesson
By the end of the day, Victor realizes he was incredibly lucky that Mr. Bueller covered for him. What does Victor learn about the energy it takes to pretend to be someone else?
Step 2: The Universal Theme Statement
Translate Victor's personal lesson into a universal rule of life that applies to everyone, not just characters in stories. Do not use character names in this statement.
Step 3: Text Evidence Foundation
Identify or describe one specific action or scene in the story that proves your theme statement is correct.
Theme: Seventh Grade Survival Page 4 of 5
Universal Module 5
First Day Survival
Name: ______________________ Date: _________
Personal Connection: Now it's your turn to synthesize these social experiences. Reflect on Victor's failures and successes, and draft a structured paragraph offering advice to future middle schoolers.
Structured Response Paragraph
Required Paragraph Blueprint:
• Sentence 1 (Topic/Claim): State one core piece of survival advice for rising 7th graders.
• Sentences 2-4 (Supporting Details): Give examples from Victor's experience in the text to back up your claim, using transitional words (first, consequently, in addition).
• Sentence 5 (Concluding Statement): Summarize why staying authentic is the ultimate first-day strategy.
1. Topic
2. Evidence
3. Elaborate
4. Support
5. Conclusion
Theme: Seventh Grade Survival Page 5 of 5
"sultry afternoon" Imagery
Soto notes the "sultry afternoon heat" of Fresno. How does the word "sultry" convey more than just "hot"? How does it mirror the romantic tension Victor is feeling?
Theme: Seventh Grade Survival Page 3 of 5
Targeted Module 9 • Vocabulary & Context Clues
Context Sleuths
Name: ______________________ Date: _________
Skill Target: Apply context clues to extract the meaning of challenging, grade-level vocabulary. Examine surrounding sentences to crack the definition.
Unlocking Story Vocabulary
1. Ferocity Noun
"Victor scowled with ferocity because he wanted Teresa to think he was serious and tough."
Based on the surrounding clues, what does ferocity mean?
2. Lingered Verb
"Teresa lingered at the door of the classroom, moving slowly while talking to the teacher, hoping Victor would notice her."
Based on the surrounding clues, what does lingered mean?
3. Unison Noun
"The classroom bell rang and all the seventh graders stood up in unison, moving like a single wave."
Based on the surrounding clues, what does unison mean?
Theme: Seventh Grade Survival Page 4 of 5
Targeted Module 10 • Decoding & Phonics
Syllable Showdown
Name: ______________________ Date: _________
Skill Target: Apply phonics and word attack chunking rules to segment and decode multi-syllabic vocabulary words from the short story.
Segmenting & Chunking Grid
Divide each multisyllabic word from "Seventh Grade" into its structural syllables. Write each chunk in a separate box below, count the total syllables, and write the core definition.
Word A: electives Definition: Optional school classes
Box 1
Box 2
Box 3
Box 4
Word B: conviction Definition: A strong belief or certainty
Box 1
Box 2
Box 3
Box 4
Word C: siberia Definition: Cold, remote region in Russia
Box 1
Box 2
Box 3
Box 4
Word D: ferocity Definition: Extreme fierce quality
