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  • April 2023: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of April 2023. Set the expectation that students will write in complete, grammatically correct sentences, and use GrammarAid to check their work automatically. Each prompt includes optional background information that may help students develop and support their responses.

    Consider these strategies to extend the High 5 experience:

    • Individual Review: Have students evaluate and revise their work using the rubric criteria or the grammar check function.
    • Peer Feedback: Have students share their sentences with others to get star ratings evaluating how well they meet the rubric criteria.
    • Spotlights: Display student work that represents well-crafted sentences and insightful thinking as a way to spark discussion.
    • Extension Activities: Use student responses as the basis for a paragraph or Essay exploring the topic in more depth.
    • April 3: Girls' Wrestling Is Riding a Nationwide Wave

      April 3: Girls' Wrestling Is Riding a Nationwide Wave

      This week's assignment asks students to write an analysis of the rise in popularity in girls’ wrestling. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write. 

      SKILLS (2):Analyze Argument / Informational Text, Determine/Explain Topic
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2, RI.7.3
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Analyze Argument / Informational Text
      • Determine/Explain Topic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
      • RI.7.3
    • April 3: The Museum of Failure

      April 3: The Museum of Failure

      This week's assignment asks students to view a video introducing a new museum that celebrates well-known product failures. Then, students are asked to write a reflection about what one can learn from failure. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write. 

       

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
  • March 2023: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of March 2023.

    • March 27: Frenchies for the Win!

      March 27: Frenchies for the Win!

      This week's assignment asks students to read an article about the new most popular dog breed and then summarize the reasons why. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write. 

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
    • March 27: The Massive Potential of Women's College Basketball

      March 27: The Massive Potential of Women's College Basketball

      This week's assignment asks students to listen to a report about the popularity of women's college basketball (as well as its relative lack of media coverage and resources) and identify the main idea. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or any time you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
    • March 20: Women Scientists Look to the Future

      March 20: Women Scientists Look to the Future

      This week's assignment asks students to think over and describe their career goals and the steps they will take to achieve them. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • March 20: Drama at the Oscars

      March 20: Drama at the Oscars

      This week's assignment asks students to describe and make connections to one inspiring moment from a recent Oscar awards ceremony.  Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • March 13: International Women's Day

      March 13: International Women's Day

      This week's assignment asks students to summarize the main idea behind a video produced for International Women’s Day. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
    • March 13: Is TikTok a Ticking Bomb?

      March 13: Is TikTok a Ticking Bomb?

      This week's assignment asks students to take a position on a potential U.S. ban of TikTok. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.a
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.a
    • March 6: Change for Trailblazing Women

      March 6: Change for Trailblazing Women

      This week's assignment asks students to write a reflection about the significance of new U.S. coins that feature groundbreaking American women. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • March 6: Killer Whales are "Mommy's Boys"

      March 6: Killer Whales are "Mommy's Boys"

      This week's assignment asks students to summarize information about the difficulties killer whale moms face when raising sons as opposed to daughters. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
  • February 2023: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of February 2023.

    • February 27: Reflections on Black History

      February 27: Reflections on Black History

      This week's assignment asks students to write a reflection of Black History Month. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • February 27: One-Eared Dog Paints in Style of Van Gogh

      February 27: One-Eared Dog Paints in Style of Van Gogh

      This week's assignment asks students to analyze the appealing details of the story of a rescue dog. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Evaluate Ideas & Texts (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.8
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Evaluate Ideas & Texts (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.8
    • February 22: Cowboys and Horses in Los Angeles

      February 22: Cowboys and Horses in Los Angeles

      This week's assignment asks students to summarize what they learn about a unique community leader after watching a brief interview. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
    • February 22: Artist Honors Haitian Model and Disability Rights Activist

      February 22: Artist Honors Haitian Model and Disability Rights Activist

      This week's assignment asks students to choose someone to commemorate in a Google Doodle—or other art form—and write a description of this person. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • February 13: Young Fossil Hunter Makes Huge Discovery

      February 13: Young Fossil Hunter Makes Huge Discovery

      This week's assignment asks students to describe the most surprising aspects of a girl's amazing discovery. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Analyze Argument / Informational Text, Determine/Explain Topic
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2, RI.7.3
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Analyze Argument / Informational Text
      • Determine/Explain Topic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
      • RI.7.3
    • February 13: New Jersey Plans Black Heritage Trail

      February 13: New Jersey Plans Black Heritage Trail

      This week's assignment asks students to read the linked article and reflect on the way(s) their community does, or could, commemorate the contributions of Black people. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • February 6: Deep Sea Diver Lost at Sea

      February 6: Deep Sea Diver Lost at Sea

      This week's assignment asks students to write a description of a dramatic rescue at sea. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
    • February 6: Oldest Living Person Passes Away

      February 6: Oldest Living Person Passes Away

      This week's assignment asks students to consider the changes that have occurred during an extraordinarily long life. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
  • January 2023: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of January 2023.

    • January 9: Teens Deliberately Ditch Smartphones

      January 9: Teens Deliberately Ditch Smartphones

      This week's assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety ofThis week’s assignment asks students to consider what life might be like if they ditched their smartphones. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the this week’s assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety of countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • January 9: Teens Battle Blizzard to Help Rescue Dogs

      January 9: Teens Battle Blizzard to Help Rescue Dogs

      This week’s assignment asks students to review the actions of two teen do-gooders and then explain what happened. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • January 17: Football Player Damar Hamlin's Serious Injury

      January 17: Football Player Damar Hamlin's Serious Injury

      This week's assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety ofThis week’s assignment asks students to express opinions about how a recent injury to an NFL player affects their views of football. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the this week’s assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety of countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Support with Reasons & Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Support with Reasons & Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
    • January 17: Storming the Presidential Palace in Brazil

      January 17: Storming the Presidential Palace in Brazil

      This week’s assignment asks students to compare the recent violent attack on the Brazilian Congress with the attack on January 6, 2020, on the U.S. Capitol. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.rite.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • January 23: Student Builds App to Sniff Out AI Bots

      January 23: Student Builds App to Sniff Out AI Bots

      ofThis week’s assignment asks students to consider how new bots like ChatGPT might change their schoolwork. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.k Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • January 23: Teens Change a Life with a 3D Hand

      January 23: Teens Change a Life with a 3D Hand

      This week's assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety ofThis week’s assignment asks students to read an article about how three high school students designed a prosthetic hand to help a fellow student and then think about how they might use the same technology to help someone they know. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.
      countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the this week’s assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety of countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • January 30: Environmental Activist Greta Thunberg Fights Big Coal

      January 30: Environmental Activist Greta Thunberg Fights Big Coal

      This week's assignment has students use the 5W’s and H to summarize what happened at a recent protest that environmental activitist Greta Thunberg joined. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
    • January 30: Yale Welcomes Young Scientist after Racial Profiling Incident

      January 30: Yale Welcomes Young Scientist after Racial Profiling Incident

      This week's assignment asks students to summarize what happened after a neighbor called in a complaint on Bobbi Wilson, a nine-year-old helping to kill spotted lanternflies in her yard. Use this High 5 activity during the first five minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
  • December 2022: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of December 2022.

    • December 5: Covid Protests Escalate in China

      December 5: Covid Protests Escalate in China

      This week's assignment asks students to summarize information about the widening Chinese protests over the government’s strict Covid policies. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
    • December 5: Penguins Threatened by Climate Change

      December 5: Penguins Threatened by Climate Change

      This week's assignment asks students to read an article and demonstrate their understanding of how climate change is affecting the emperor penguin population. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Demonstrate Comprehension (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.3
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Demonstrate Comprehension (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.3
    • December 12: Is Soccer the Future?

      December 12: Is Soccer the Future?

      This week's assignment asks students to explore the possibility of soccer becoming the USA's most popular sport. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Support with Reasons & Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Support with Reasons & Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
    • December 12: Refugees Compete in the World Cup

      December 12: Refugees Compete in the World Cup

      This week's assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety ofThis week’s assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety of countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the this week’s assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety of countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Make Connections (IR), Synthesize (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Make Connections (IR)
      • Synthesize (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.9
    • December 19: Choose the Next Ambassador for Literature

      December 19: Choose the Next Ambassador for Literature

      This week's assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety ofThis week’s assignment asks students to read an article about the author Jason Reynolds, who is ending his term as the national ambassador for young people’s literature. They are then asked to nominate a new ambassador to take his place and give a reason for their choice.countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the this week’s assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety of countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Support with Reasons & Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Support with Reasons & Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
    • December 19: WNBA Star Released from Russian Prison

      December 19: WNBA Star Released from Russian Prison

      This week's assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety ofThis week’s assignment has students analyze Brittney Griner’s Russian experience to form an opinion of American athletes in Russia. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the this week’s assignment asks students to consider how refugees from a variety of countries earned their spot in the 2022 World Cup. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Support with Reasons & Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Support with Reasons & Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
  • November 2022: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of November 2022.

    • November 7: Votes for Teens on the Line

      November 7: Votes for Teens on the Line

      This week's assignment asks students to consider the idea of lowering the right to vote in local elections. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.a
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.a
    • November 14: Thanksgiving History: Did You Know?

      November 14: Thanksgiving History: Did You Know?

      This week's assignment asks students to view a video about some surprising Thanksgiving facts and then write a brief summary. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Identify Main Idea and Details (IR), Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Identify Main Idea and Details (IR)
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
    • November 28: Climate Activists Sentenced after Vandalism Protest

      November 28: Climate Activists Sentenced after Vandalism Protest

      This week's assignment asks students to offer an opinion about the sentencing of climate change activists for their acts of vandalism. Use this prompt at the beginning of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Support with Reasons & Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Support with Reasons & Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
  • October 2022: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of October 2022.

    • October 3: Future Asteroid Impact? Not Today!

      October 3: Future Asteroid Impact? Not Today!

      This week's assignment asks students to consider the success of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) in targeting a large asteroid. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write. 

      SKILLS (1):Evaluate Ideas & Texts (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.8
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Evaluate Ideas & Texts (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.8
    • October 3: Banned Books in the News

      October 3: Banned Books in the News

      This week’s assignment asks students to consider the recent challenges to books in schools and libraries. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Demonstrate Comprehension (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.3
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Demonstrate Comprehension (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.3
    • October 10: Be the Judge - Should Aaron Judge Hold the World Record?

      October 10: Be the Judge - Should Aaron Judge Hold the World Record?

      This week’s assignment asks students to consider who should take the title of baseball's home-run champion. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Support with Reasons & Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Support with Reasons & Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
    • October 10: Celebrate Indigenous People's Day

      October 10: Celebrate Indigenous People's Day

      This week’s assignment asks students to write a brief summary of an article about Indigenous People's Day. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Demonstrate Comprehension (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.3
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Demonstrate Comprehension (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.3
    • October 17: Defiant Protests in Iran Led by Gen-Z

      October 17: Defiant Protests in Iran Led by Gen-Z

      This week's assignment has students examine the current protests in Iran, largely led by Gen Z women. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Analyze Argument / Informational Text, Determine/Explain Topic
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2, RI.7.3
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Analyze Argument / Informational Text
      • Determine/Explain Topic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
      • RI.7.3
    • October 25: Emojis Under Fire

      October 25: Emojis Under Fire

      This week's assignment asks students to weigh in on the controversy about emojis. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Analyze Argument / Informational Text, Determine/Explain Topic
      STANDARDS:RI.7.2, RI.7.3
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Analyze Argument / Informational Text
      • Determine/Explain Topic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.2
      • RI.7.3
    • October 31: Teen Trick-or-Treating

      October 31: Teen Trick-or-Treating

      This week's assignment asks students to express their views about teenagers trick-or-treating. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (1):Support with Reasons & Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Support with Reasons & Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
  • September 2022: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of September 2022.

    • September 12: Good Sportsmanship

      September 12: Good Sportsmanship

      This week's assignment asks students to think about a heartwarming act of good sportsmanship. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write. 

      SKILLS (1):Demonstrate Understanding
      STANDARDS:W.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Demonstrate Understanding
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.9
    • September 19: Back-to-School Inflation

      September 19: Back-to-School Inflation

      This week's assignment taps into students’ awareness of the burden of price inflation and how everyday people are adjusting. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a quick write.

      SKILLS (2):Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic
      STANDARDS:W.7.4
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.4
    • September 26: Queen Elizabeth Dies: The End of an Era

      September 26: Queen Elizabeth Dies: The End of an Era

      This week’s assignment asks students to examine what actions made Queen Elizabeth memorable in times of constant and dramatic change. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Cite Evidence from Text (IR), Make Inferences (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.1
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Cite Evidence from Text (IR)
      • Make Inferences (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.1
  • Summer 2022: High 5 Summer Collection


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the Summer of 2022.

    • June 6: Imagination Vacation

      June 6: Imagination Vacation

      This week's assignment asks students to identify an interesting place to visit and explain what is interesting about it. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a quick write.

      SKILLS (2):Elaborate (Info), Support with Reasons & Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.2.b
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Support with Reasons & Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.2.b
    • June 20: Year-Round School

      June 20: Year-Round School

      This week's assignment asks students to state an opinion about whether their school should switch to a year-round schedule. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a quick write.

      SKILLS (3):Elaborate (Info), State an Opinion or Point of View, Support with Reasons & Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.2.b
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • State an Opinion or Point of View
      • Support with Reasons & Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.2.b
    • July 4: Independence Day

      July 4: Independence Day

      This week's assignment asks students to reflect on what the Fourth of July holiday means to them. Use this HIgh 5 Quick Write during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a quick write. 

      SKILLS (1):Establish a Claim
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.a
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Establish a Claim
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.a
    • July 18: Curfew Laws

      July 18: Curfew Laws

      This week's assignment asks students to reflect on what the Fourth of July holiday means to them. Use this HIgh 5 Quick Write during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a quick write. 

      SKILLS (2):Style, State an Opinion or Point of View
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Style
      • State an Opinion or Point of View
    • August 1: Expert Advice

      August 1: Expert Advice

      This week's assignment asks students to write instructions for an activity they understand well. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a quick write.

      SKILLS (2):Use Correct Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation, Organize Sequentially
      STANDARDS:W.7.2.a, W.7.5
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Correct Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation
      • Organize Sequentially
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.2.a
      • W.7.5
    • August 15: Extreme Heat

      August 15: Extreme Heat

      This week's assignment asks students to determine practical ways to protect themselves against the effects of unsafe heat exposure. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a quick write. 

      SKILLS (1):Apply Readings
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Apply Readings
    • August 25: Emotional Support

      August 25: Emotional Support

      This week's assignment asks students to write about how they give themselves emotional support. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a quick write. 

      SKILLS (1):Demonstrate Comprehension (IR)
      STANDARDS:RI.7.3
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Demonstrate Comprehension (IR)
      Standards in this Assignment
      • RI.7.3
  • May 2022: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of May, 2022.

    • May 2: School Dances

      May 2: School Dances

      This week's assignment asks students to take and support a position on the tradition of formal school dances. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a quick write. 

      SKILLS (4):Cite Evidence from Text (LR), Demonstrate Comprehension (LR), Demonstrate Understanding, Cite Text Evidence
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b, W.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Cite Evidence from Text (LR)
      • Demonstrate Comprehension (LR)
      • Demonstrate Understanding
      • Cite Text Evidence
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
      • W.7.9
    • May 9: Happy Place

      May 9: Happy Place

      This week's assignment asks students to describe a place, real or imagined, in detail. Use this High 5 activity during the first five minutes of class or any time you want to assign a quick write.  

      SKILLS (3):Choose Words Carefully, Consider Language and Word Choice, Use Precise Words
      STANDARDS:W.7.3.d
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Choose Words Carefully
        • Use Precise Words
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.3.d
    • May 16: High Stakes Tests

      May 16: High Stakes Tests

      This week's assignment asks students to take and support a position on high stakes testing. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a quick write.

      SKILLS (1):State an Opinion or Point of View
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • State an Opinion or Point of View
    • May 23: Puerto Rico Statehood

      May 23: Puerto Rico Statehood

      This week's assignment asks students to take and support a position on statehood for Puerto Rico. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a quick write. 

      SKILLS (1):State an Opinion or Point of View
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • State an Opinion or Point of View
    • May 30: Summer Work

      May 30: Summer Work

      This week's assignment asks students to use a formal style to share their qualifications for a summer job or internship. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a quick write. 

      SKILLS (1):Use Voice/Style/Tone
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.d
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.d
  • April 2022: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of April, 2022.

    • April 4: Disability in the Media

      April 4: Disability in the Media

      This week's assignment asks students to watch a short video and then share an opinion about representations of people with disabilities in popular media. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (3):Cite Evidence from Text (IR), Cite Text Evidence, State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b, W.7.1.a
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Cite Evidence from Text (IR)
      • Cite Text Evidence
      • State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
      • W.7.1.a
    • April 11: Effects of Covid-19

      April 11: Effects of Covid-19

      This week's assignment asks students to reflect on one way in which the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has changed their lives, for better or worse. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write.

      SKILLS (2):Use Voice/Style/Tone, Choose Words Carefully
      STANDARDS:W.7.3.d
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Choose Words Carefully
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.3.d
    • April 18: Favorite Musical Artist

      April 18: Favorite Musical Artist

      This week's assignment asks students to write a brief argument explaining what they like about a favorite musical act, and addressing a reason why someone might disagree with their choice. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a quickwrite.

      SKILLS (1):Consider & Refute Counterclaims
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Consider & Refute Counterclaims
    • April 25: Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety

      April 25: Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety

      This week's assignment asks students to explain one way to make a specific route safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. Use this High 5 activity during the first 5 minutes of class or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write. 

      [Note: The optional link provides a general event overview for National Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day.]

      SKILLS (1):Demonstrate Understanding
      STANDARDS:W.7.9
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (2)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Demonstrate Understanding
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.9
  • March 2022: Weekly High 5's


    Make use of these prompts in the first 5 minutes of class to build students’ writing fluency through engagement in current events and timely issues for the month of March, 2022.

    • March 7: Dealing with Stress

      March 7: Dealing with Stress

      This week's assignment asks students to describe a strategy they use to handle stress. Use this HIgh Five Quick Write during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write experience. Students consider a topic and write from their own experience. Students should write in complete sentences.

      SKILLS (1):Follow the Prompt
      STANDARDS:W.7.4
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Follow the Prompt
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.4
    • March 14: World Conflicts

      March 14: World Conflicts

      This week's assignment asks students to weigh in on US international policy as it relates to the current conflict in the Ukraine. Use this HIgh Five Quick Write during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write experience. Students watch a video and respoind to a prompt based on this important topic in the news. 

      SKILLS (1):State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.a
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.a
    • March 21: Climate Change

      March 21: Climate Change

      This week's assignment asks students to state their opinions about the climate change crisis, based on a new scientific report published by the UN. Use this HIgh 5 Quick Write during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write experience. For additional background information, students may read a brief article before responding to the prompt.

      SKILLS (1):State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.a
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.a
    • March 28: Daylight Saving Time

      March 28: Daylight Saving Time

      This week's assignment asks students to state their opinions about Daylight Saving Time, based on a possible new legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Use this HIgh 5 Quick Write during the first 5 minutes of class, or anytime you want to assign a Quick Write experience. For additional background information, students may read a brief article before responding to the prompt.

      SKILLS (3):Cite Evidence from Text (IR), Cite Text Evidence, State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      STANDARDS:W.7.1.b, W.7.1.a
      FORMAT:High Five
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Cite Evidence from Text (IR)
      • Cite Text Evidence
      • State a Claim, Opinion, or Point of View
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.7.1.b
      • W.7.1.a

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