Growing Up: 6th grade
The Growing Up unit is designed for students to explore the possibilities of immortality, and what does that mean? Would they choose to live forever? What would living forever look like? Students will compare and contrast their current age to that of an adult. Would they prefer the life of a grown-up person and share your life with someone you love, or would they choose to remain as they are? In his novel, Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt explores what if you could live forever? Would you? Click on the book link to view the book trailer for Tuck Everlasting.
Brown Girl Dreaming: 7th grade
My Warrior Self unit is designed to help students explore experiences growing up for an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s. The novels open dialogue about identity, family, and the power of words. This unit view a period of intense energy and organization surrounding questions of race and racial justice. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
click on the book link to view the book trailer for Warriors Don't Cry.
Unheard Voices: 8th grade
This unit will challenge students to explore the concept of community and how the life experiences of individuals connect to form a community. Through a thorough study of fiction and non-fiction texts, students will come to understand that community is comprised of both physical and nonphysical elements. They will also reflect on and discuss the ideas that (1) the life experiences of individuals impact a community, (2) community includes both topography and humanity, and (3) empathy for and understanding of others is essential for a community’s survival. Students will investigate ways to enact positive change in their communities.
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Click on the book link to view the book trailer 145th Street.