My students enter the classroom with positive attitudes and lots of energy every day, despite the fact that many of them have lost everything, including their homes because of Hurricane Harvey. They are passionate about learning and eager to try new projects, games, and technological tools to make their literature come alive.
I have students focusing on the big picture, with regards to literature, not just reading a selection, answering questions, and taking a test.
They need to understand that even a work of fiction can teach a real-life lesson. Students also use Blooms Taxonomy to create questions about their literature for use in Socratic Seminars. Their questions focus on higher-order thinking skills utilized in college and career.
Overall, students have been able to achieve a lot with minimal supplies and resources. However, they need additional resources to reach their maximum potential.
My Project
'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer is a nonfiction book every high school student should read. It generates exciting in-depth class discussion among students regarding the decisions people make in life and whether or not they have chosen the correct path, literally as Christopher McCandless does in the book.
Students want to know how does what they read relate to them.
If they feel a connection to the book, they will want to read it not just be required to read it. Although many of my students enjoy reading the classics, they have been requesting more modern literature selections that they can relate to.
Along with reading and discussing the themes of forgiveness and freedom in the book, students will also use online resources to create a map and timeline of Christopher McCandless's journey, an extensive portfolio, and a self-reflective creative project.
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