We have just recently wrapped up our foundational unit using short stories. Students were introduced to or were expected to develop their concept understandings with literary terms, plot devices, thematic ideas, and symbolism.
We have just begun our second unit. Unit 2 uses the modern novel, Monster (by Walter Dean Myers) as a way for students to work on their reading skills in both fiction and non-fiction. Because Monster is about a young teen on trial for the possible murder of a store clerk, students will be exploring data bases to read non-fiction articles on gangs, peer pressure, crime with teens and other social topics related to the novel. In addition, this novel lends itself to media exploration, exploitation, and bias. Students will be involved in a few informal bias tests and they will have to track the media for various types of bias. In addition, they will need to create a mini-documentary of their neighborhood using Power Point (movie maker is also an option) to show point of view.
As a culminating activity and formal assessment, students will choose a character from the novel to portray. They will dress in that role and then be a part of a court room simulation, putting Steve on trial to determine if he is guilty or not. The students will generate their own questions and responses (evidence) based on their readings and conduct this trial on their own as a way for me to assess their reading for details, making connections and inferences, and for their speaking skills.
It is an exciting unit, and the students year-to-year really enjoy the novel.
