To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a MockingbirdEnglish I: Fall 2013

Novel InformationSold 30 million copies in 35 years of publication (1995)sells almost 1 million copies/ yearThemes= tolerance, justice, humanity, friendship and family, growing upPublished in 1960Novel SynopsisSetting= 1932-1935 in Maycomb, Alabama

Plotline A: Three kids, Jem, Scout, and Dill, try to find out more about their secretive neighbor, Boo

Plotline B: Trial of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping the daughter of a poor white manValue of Novel in Society1991 survey to name the book that made the biggest difference in livesTo Kill a Mockingbirdcame in second, after the Bible

1999 American librarians voted it the best novel of 20th century

Translated into more than forty languages

Brief Thinking QuestionWhat is prejudice? Can you think of any examples that help clarify the abstract term?Background Research ActivityThe 1930s:The Great Depression, Jim Crow, and LynchingEssential Question: How can I analyze informational texts to gain understanding about a time period in American history?Research Station TasksIn assigned groups, visit each station to examine various texts about the setting of the novel. Spend 6 minutes/ station and then rotate at the teachers signal. Discuss with your group and record your thoughts on your handout. At the end and as a class, we will briefly discuss each station.Station 1: The Great DepressionStation 2: Jim Crow LawsStation 3: Lynching Statistics and InformationLanguage of Prejudice ActivityWith a partner/ group of three, read the article. Highlight important information.On a separate sheet of paper, record the following (at least):Languages role in prejudiceThree language devices used to show biased attitudes and to influence the attitudes of others/ a brief explanation of eachHow to change objectionable language, in your own words30 min Skit ActivityIn groups of 4-5, brainstorm ideas for a skit you might present to an elementary or middle school explaining what prejudice is, and include a warning against prejudicial language.

Decide upon roles for each person in the skit, and then practice. Be ready to present your skit to the class.15 min Poster ActivityCreate a poster (to possibly be placed somewhere in our school) bringing awareness to prejudice and prejudicial language.

Consider definitions, example(s), how to stop it, etc.15 min Writing: PrejudiceIn at least page, define prejudice as we have studied it this week. Think about specific examples you can include in your writing to illustrate the concept. Use formal language and proper grammar/spelling.

This assignment is worth 10 points.THE SCOTTSBORO TRIALEQ: What was the Scottsboro Trial?

EQ: How can I make an informed claim on a subject and support that claim with evidence? TASKYour task is to research the Scottsboro Trial, recording important information on your graphic organizer.

As you research, look for information to answer the following question:

WAS THE SCOTTSBORO TRIAL FAIR OR NOT? SUPPORT YOUR CLAIM WITH EVIDENCE FROM YOUR RESEARCH.MODELINGYesterday, Joanna broke up with Johnny. She wrote him a letter explaining why she broke up with him.

Question: Was it fair for Joanna to break up with Johnny? Why or why not?LETTER (EVIDENCE)Dear Johnny,

Im sorry, but we need to break up. I know its lame to break up in a letter, but I didnt want to see you cry. If you need an explanation, here it is:On Friday, I sent you a text during first period. You didnt reply back until AFTER SCHOOL. Who does that??Before that, on Wednesday, I asked if we could sit by ourselves at lunch. You wouldnt do that. You said you wanted to sit with both me AND your other friends. Rude!Last Friday, I thought we made plans to both dress up in matching outfits for the Dance on the Deck. When you and your mom showed up to pick me up, you were wearing something different. Really, it is pretty obvious that we need to break upits just not working out for us. I hope youre not too upset, though.

We can still be friends!

JoannaQuestion:

Was it fair for Joanna to break up with Johnny?

Why or why not?STEPS FOR PROCESSGo to Ms. Shos webpage at greermiddlecollege.orgSelect the file Scottsboro Trial Research PacketUsing your graphic organizer to record information, read through the artifacts (skimming where needed) When finished researching, answer the question was the trial fair or not? You must choose FAIR or NOT FAIR.Write at least page with your claim (#4), and use info from the research packet/ your graphic organizer to EXPLAIN why it was fair or unfair.

Solid responses make a claim and support it with at least 4 details (even considering the opposite stance and then refuting it).

Mid-level responses make a claim, but may need more support for the claim

Weak responses dont take a strong stand and/or lack support

Chapters 6-7 Writing PromptFor the following quote, explain the situation being discussed, as well as its effect on the children (include specific details and reasons): Is that tree dyin?

Why no, son, I dont think so. Look at the leaves, theyre all green and full, no brown patches anywhere

It aint even sick?

That trees as healthy as you are, Jem. Why?

Mr. Nathan Radley said it was dyin.

Well maybe it is. Im sure Mr. Radley knows more about his trees than we do. (71).Chapters 8-9 Discussion ActivityInstructionsMs. Sho distributes HW questions to other students, who choose the top two questions from the list givenput * next to top 2 with explanation

Students return lists and provide feedback on the other students questions

Students write one of the questions (of the 2) on an index card

Students choose index cards from the red table

Students respond to chosen question on the back of the index card (write name on it, too)

Students discuss major questions from the novel in whole-class setting