This unit will focus on the concept of tolerance, and the literary skill of perspective. Students will study the Holocaust and other aspects of World War II. They will consider the question “How does war affect individuals and societies?” as they read The Definitive Edition of Anne Frank's, A Diary of a Young Girl. Additionally, students will read excerpts from The Freedom Writers Diary. As students read both of these pieces of
literary nonfiction, they will consider how the narrative structure can
communicate real events in a compelling manner. As students read first hand accounts of the situations, they will be forced to look critically at the lens in which the information is being received and question the validity and perspective of the source. Students actively seek to understand other perspectives and cultures through reading and listening, and they are able to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds. They evaluate other points of view critically and constructively. Sudents will look critically at the means of survival at all costs, yet holding on to hope. Students also will read primary source documents related to the Holocaust and the gang wars of Los Angeles in the 1990s.
Anne Frank's A Diary of a Young Girl
Anne's diary was discovered in the attic in which she spent several years of her life. In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, they and another family lived cloistered in the "Secret Annexe" of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death. In this gripping account of life during the Holocaust, we are reminded of the horrors of war. Anne's diary brings hope, portraying a resilient testament to the human spirit. We get to experience the Frank family's highs and lows through the eyes of this remarkable teenage girl. In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. Her entries are thoughtful, moving, and amusing. Anne's account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman who often feels ostracized and alone, even when surrounded by family.
The Freedom Writers Diary
This collection of diary entries written by the students of room 203, depicts the challenges of prejudice, racism and hatred experienced by many teenagers growing up in inner city Los Angeles post Rodney King. It is the inspiring story of a determined teacher and her remarkable students. The Freedom Writers Diary is an uplifting, unforgettable example of how hard work, courage, and the spirit of determination changed the lives of a teacher and her students. These same situations told from various perspectives brings to light the question of a credible narrator. This collection of diary entries exposes the reader to varying cultures and worldviews, teaching the lesson that people can vicariously inhabit worlds and have experiences much different than their own.
Anne's diary was discovered in the attic in which she spent several years of her life. In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, they and another family lived cloistered in the "Secret Annexe" of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death. In this gripping account of life during the Holocaust, we are reminded of the horrors of war. Anne's diary brings hope, portraying a resilient testament to the human spirit. We get to experience the Frank family's highs and lows through the eyes of this remarkable teenage girl. In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. Her entries are thoughtful, moving, and amusing. Anne's account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman who often feels ostracized and alone, even when surrounded by family.
The Freedom Writers Diary
This collection of diary entries written by the students of room 203, depicts the challenges of prejudice, racism and hatred experienced by many teenagers growing up in inner city Los Angeles post Rodney King. It is the inspiring story of a determined teacher and her remarkable students. The Freedom Writers Diary is an uplifting, unforgettable example of how hard work, courage, and the spirit of determination changed the lives of a teacher and her students. These same situations told from various perspectives brings to light the question of a credible narrator. This collection of diary entries exposes the reader to varying cultures and worldviews, teaching the lesson that people can vicariously inhabit worlds and have experiences much different than their own.
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Standards will be addressed by:
*close reading of a highly complex text
*first person narratives of historical events
*critical evaluation of narrative source
*reading multiple nonfiction texts to further understanding
*evaluating textual evidence for importance and value
*identifying counter points in text evaluation
*decoding sophisticated language
*identifying key concepts and themes
*evaluation of figurative language and nuances
*using implicit information to draw conclusions and make inferences
*daily writing and scaffolded extended formal writing pieces
*small group/whole class discussions
*employ technology thoughtfully to enhance their reading
*close reading of a highly complex text
*first person narratives of historical events
*critical evaluation of narrative source
*reading multiple nonfiction texts to further understanding
*evaluating textual evidence for importance and value
*identifying counter points in text evaluation
*decoding sophisticated language
*identifying key concepts and themes
*evaluation of figurative language and nuances
*using implicit information to draw conclusions and make inferences
*daily writing and scaffolded extended formal writing pieces
*small group/whole class discussions
*employ technology thoughtfully to enhance their reading