My students need a highly engaging novel, The Hate U Give, to guide our class discussions. This novel is astonishingly relevant and will inspire us to explore difficult issues in a responsible, respectful manner.
My students are part of a large rural high school with an urban culture. Our classes are ability grouped and our standard classes have a large minority representation. This year, second semester, it will be my honor to teach a group of 11th graders in a standard class. The class is 50% minority and many of my students are children of active military parents. I intend to focus on student engagement, acceptance of one another and respectful, thoughtful discussion.
The children of military families bring with them a global view of the world.
Other students in my class will have never traveled outside the boundaries of my rural county. In order to offer a better understanding of our area, I share the following: Ten years ago, I traveled outside the county with a standard English class. We not only heard an amazing lecture by an outstanding young adult author, but many of my students also rode escalators for the first time in their lives!
As to my new group of students, two things have already magically fallen into place that mark us as a fortunate group! Please help us keep the momentum going!
My Project
I have recently enjoyed a spirited conversation with a respected colleague, seeking her advice about literature to engage my students and to raise relevant questions that will inspire thoughtful discussion. She recommended I consider the book, The Hate U Give. This searing and thought provoking novel will not only serve to inspire healthy discussion on tough issues, but will also engage my students and assist them in becoming more accepting, enlightened members of society.
Secondly, our local community is fortunate to have an annual free lecture series.
The February lecture will focus on the importance of respectful conversation as a balm for racism. As a public school teacher, I have applied to be the one teacher in the county who is selected to have the presenters visit my class the afternoon before the lecture. My 11th grade English class has been granted this honor! Our first class was January 29th. The presenters arrive in our class the afternoon of February 8th! In preparation for this event, we will be reading Hansberry's masterpiece, A Raisin in the Sun. I would love to follow up with the class reading and discussing The Hate U Give.
This novel will help all of us process this extraordinary occasion and the thought provoking suggestions the speakers will offer on how to constructively eliminate racism and foster understanding and listening.
Any lesson that helps break down the poison that stereotypes infuse into our school culture is a win for every student. I believe this lesson will do that!
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