Project Overview: This assignment asks students to read a book of their choice that serves as a window into the perspective of someone different from them. As they read, they track “window moments” that allow them to see from a new perspective AND “mirror moments” that allow them to see themselves reflected back. After they read, they choose window and mirror moments to write up and create a visual component that incorporates the concept of windows and mirrors.
Lesson Overview: Students read the blog post, “I Fit the Description” by Steve Locke about his experience being stopped and questioned about a crime he did not commit. Working on their own and in small groups, students discuss Locke’s experience and identify examples of implicit bias.
Assignment Overview: Students read various essays from the book American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures edited by America Ferrara. Using the book's essays as models, students then write their own narrative essay that reflects on their own experience being between cultures (American or living in America).
Project Overview: Using this assignment description, each student creates a family garden, based upon interviews and interactions with family members. Students are encouraged to broaden their definition of family (see below).
Student Reflections:
“I really enjoyed this interview with my grandma. I was supposed to talk with her for about 20 minutes, but it turned into an hour long conversation. I learned so much about her childhood and family.” “When I received this assignment I thought it was going to be one of those long and tedious projects. Instead it turned out to be a wonderful experience being able to interview my family members on their lives and learn more about my family history.” “I had a better understanding of the lifestyles my relatives lived in Russia as well as the differences between American and Russian cultures.” Activity: One of the themes of the graphic novel American Born Chinese is that connecting to your roots can give you power. This short story assignment asks students to connect to their own roots by researching a character from the mythology, religion, or literature of their culture(s) and then bringing this character to life in their own, original short stories -- just like Gene Luen Yang did with the Monkey King in his graphic novel.
Student Reflection:
"I liked learning about an aspect of my culture I didn't even know existed and being able to make it my own!" |
AuthorsThe content showcased here is very much the work of a large, diverse group of BHS teachers. Categories
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