The time is approaching to explore and create a unit plan to be used in a mid-level classroom. I will not be student teaching until Fall 2012, so this unit plan will be more theoretical until I will be able to put it to future use. Five lessons are to be fully created within the context of an entire unit.
I constantly go back to the first day of our Language Arts Pedagogy class and our carousel of defining an "adolescent." I was disturbed by the stereotyping and broad classification that we instinctually agreed upon. We looked at a website, then, of adolescents using their artistic talents to create a voice for themselves - a unique, original, individual voice. These students are individuals, with unique stories to tell. What's more, they have a voice that they want to use - a voice with more power than they might even realize.
Coming of Age stories are common and popular in literature. Students today, I feel, want to "grow up" faster than ever before; however, it is difficult for them to find their voice and escape the realm of childhood that adults continually place them in. Yes, they are still children, but they have more potential and talent than I think we give them credit for. It is for this reason that I plan to incorporate the "coming of age" theme into my unit plan. Using short stories (and/or perhaps a text?), we will explore this theme and incorporate what we learn into our own writing. This transition from childhood into adulthood happens at different ages for everyone, so no two stories will be alike. Perhaps many students will still be anticipating the shift into adulthood. This lesson plan will be created for 8th graders to teach them to analyze and understand a recurring theme in literature and in an effort to explore their experiences and empower them to use their potential.
I will give more detail as more details work themselves out.
A text you might want to consult is Bronx Masquerade. You don't have to use the entire text because it is comprised of poems by teenagers, but maybe you could teach a few of them that revolve around your "coming of age" theme.
ReplyDeleteI really like this idea. I think that this can be a relevant opening unit for a new school year. There are a lot of YA novels and short stories anthologies--and I agree with Karla about checking out Bronx Masquerade. It is edgy, but powerful. You might also think about embedding a literature circle component that allows small groups of students to choose and read their own YA title. Finally, I would encourage you to think about media texts as well. Teens in the news, as well as teens on TV or film have a lot to do with the stereotypes you expressed concern over. Students could do some high level critical thinking deconstructing those images of teens.
ReplyDeleteHi Olivia-
ReplyDeleteI like this idea as a theme in that 8th grade is a perfect time to introduce this idea of "what does it mean to come into adulthood?" I remember being at that strange period where you are getting ready for high school and face the real possibility of losing some friends, making new ones in the process in finding out who you are. I like the idea of using bits of movies or film to incorporate different types of media. Maybe they could even create a slideshow or memory book of some sort to remember their childhood as they take this drastic step forward. Just as idea!
I sense your passion for empowering students. And I like the topic.
ReplyDeleteIf you still want to partner with me on this unit plan, then I'd like to shape your plan to fit my student teaching class of 5th graders next semester. These students are already exploring what it means to be an adult in their own way, and I think it would be just as relevant as to 8th graders.
We we would need to each write 3 lesson plans, all for 80 minute sessions.