Literature provides an opportunity for students to access their own humanity by developing a sense of empathy while investigating complex issues. This allows students to cultivate a deep sense of common good as well as critical inquiry.
At my school, teachers plan lessons that will tie into other classes that our students are taking.
This allows us as an entire school to explore topics more deeply and from different perspectives and academic and artistic disciplines. Our classes also incorporate our "Habits of Heart and Mind" which were developed by the entire school. Our Habits are "Common Good," "Connection and Collaboration," "Investment," "Creativity," and "Critical Inquiry". Our high school students must complete 120 hours of community service in order to graduate. Academic excellence and service to the common good are woven throughout our curricula.
My Project
It is beneficial for students to explore non-fiction texts. This book will support our initiatives to integrate Common Core State Standards (CCSS) into our curriculum in meaningful ways. For example, one of the standards is the following: "By the end of grade 9, [students will be able to] read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. (9.RI.10)" (www.azed.gov). This novel, Enrique's Journey, will allow FALA to engage students in developing their skills, and the teachers will have the opportunity to incorporate CCSS into the classroom in creative ways.
Students learn how to address controversial issues by striving to understand multiple perspectives.
They develop skills that will aid them in their post-secondary goals, such as active listening, respecting others' viewpoints, and understanding real-world issues. Through exploring one boy's experience, they will have the opportunity to participate in a national debate and to analyze multiple perspectives.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Schwabacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.