This semester, I am excited to teach two core texts, while, not new, have not been in my list of potential texts: To Kill a Mockingbird and The Crucible. Both moved to accommodate changing curriculum maps and missing gaps.
Traditionally, To Kill a Mockingbird has been taught in junior high. This year, though, we moved it to grade 10. The kiddos are quick to tell me they have read this one. I am quick to respond, "Good! BUT you have never read it like I am going to lead us through this text!"
Focusing on the power of the story, the students are researching myths, legends, folk tales, and tall tales of our area and learning the impact of each. Just as the myths about Boo Radley had quite the impact! The goal: to compile and publish this collection. Fun!
As for The Crucible, which has returned to grade 11 curriculum, this one is a one-time placement for grade 12...or they will have missed having this one in their background knowledge. This time, the students and I are focusing on the impact of fake news...then and in the 1950's and definitely now!
Both of these texts were/are being used to also bring increased awareness to the stance that Martin Luther King took, as we approach his day of recognition:
- To Kill a Mockingbird: MLK and Atticus Finch, one more successful than the other, both working to increase awareness. While TKM is fiction, the impact of this novel over time, arguably, has stood the test of time, impacting many as we study, as we re-read, as we chatter. "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."(Lee 243). So true...yes, that skin...just skin deep, isn't it?
- The Crucible: MLK and Abigail Williams...as outliers, both bringing attention to a situation, a crisis...yet one positive, one negative...but both accomplishing gaining the attention during the negative.
This is how I incorporate the holidays right into the current curriculum. Granted, I waste time in class (even though I am determined to work them from bell to bell...earn that paycheck!); therefore, I love to find the connection to what is currently being analyzed and the holiday on which we should focus and bring those two together in a timely, concise manner. Every building background knowledge. Fun!
Also, tradition does continue as I asked each student to choose a theme word for 2018. I am ever impressed with their serious approach to this request, with their rationales for the word choices. This. Is. A. Good. Thing. Each designed an index card for his/her word, and we shared their words on a bulletin board this week. So much good on that board. Love it!
My one word this year is less. As I explained to my students, my personality is such that, once I take on a project and make it my "baby," I have a hard time giving up this treasure, resulting is a mounting load of treasure that can lose its value! Less must occur!
Also, my family's health must remain a focus this year. This week, my sister just came home from a four-month stay in the hospital: common surgery, during which her bowel was injured, which resulted in a horrible bacteria running rampant for too long, followed by 22 surgeries. Wow! Also, my husband has rocker bottom feet, a fairly rare form of arthritis, resulting in quite the lifestyle change for us.
Less is more. That is one of the lessons I am being taught. All is well. Yes.
I hope you have had an exciting and rewarding two weeks into 2018! Please share!
Be blessed!
