Help support Mrs. O'Connell's Classroom

I emphasize building a love of books in my classroom and strive to build readers who crave the next read and have enough reading stamina to serve them throughout their lives. Part of this reading education entails reading individually and in book groups. During our argument unit, I want my students to read multiple titles of high-interest dystopian novels, like Delirium and Red Queen, and have the opportunity to discuss the novels' major themes within small reading groups and, eventually, as a whole class. My goal is for my students to notice the similarities between the novels' themes and historical and current events. The debates and discussions stemming from their novel inquiries will work well with our argument unit. As we finish our novels, the whole class will transition into the study of a dramatic adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank where students will be challenged to consider the the common thematic thread in their group novels, Anne Frank's experiences in Hitler's Germany, and current events we will read about in daily newspapers. Using a variety of dystopian titles to explore the human heart, history, and modern news is a deeply complex, higher-thinking-order way for my students to expand their understanding of the world and the different opinions of others, while also appreciating the role of literature as a tool for enjoyment and spirited inquiry.

About my class

I emphasize building a love of books in my classroom and strive to build readers who crave the next read and have enough reading stamina to serve them throughout their lives. Part of this reading education entails reading individually and in book groups. During our argument unit, I want my students to read multiple titles of high-interest dystopian novels, like Delirium and Red Queen, and have the opportunity to discuss the novels' major themes within small reading groups and, eventually, as a whole class. My goal is for my students to notice the similarities between the novels' themes and historical and current events. The debates and discussions stemming from their novel inquiries will work well with our argument unit. As we finish our novels, the whole class will transition into the study of a dramatic adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank where students will be challenged to consider the the common thematic thread in their group novels, Anne Frank's experiences in Hitler's Germany, and current events we will read about in daily newspapers. Using a variety of dystopian titles to explore the human heart, history, and modern news is a deeply complex, higher-thinking-order way for my students to expand their understanding of the world and the different opinions of others, while also appreciating the role of literature as a tool for enjoyment and spirited inquiry.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. O'Connell's Classroom Edit display name

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. O'Connell's Classroom Edit display name

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.