A Raisin in the Sun - The American Dream - Your Dream
We are beginning a unit on The American Dream and reading several pieces that have to do with that theme.
Day 1 / 2 -Unit Introduction (download Unit Overview here)
We discussed where you might be in 10 years, what your dreams might be, and how you might achieve them.
Students were asked to consider this:
It’s April 27, 2021. You have come to your old favorite pizza place in your home town for a planned reunion with a few of your friends from high school. Ten years ago you and these close friends you are about to meet again were having a serious discussion about your individual dreams or vision for your future. The discussion was so good that you agreed to meet at this location in ten years to check with each other on your progress toward realizing your dreams/vision. You are early and have time to reflect and write some notes to share with your friends who will be arriving soon. Reflect on your progress in your journey toward realizing your dreams/vision and on the positive steps you have taken toward your goal. Jot down some notes to share with your friends when they arrive:
First describe: (2 minutes) · what you look like, · what you are wearing, · where you are, and · the way you are feeling. Now, write about: (10-15 minutes) · your progress toward realizing the dreams/vision you talked about ten years ago. What have you accomplished?
Students also completed a survey about their future. Click Here
Then they received a theme to write about My Dream for My Life
Homework-Complete Rough Draft for next class!
Day 3 (4-29-11)
Today we peer edited the draft of My Dream for My Life. Students will finish the draft for homework due 5-3-11. You will turn in four things with this. The quick write we did last class, the survey, the rough draft and a final thoughtfull revised typed copy on top.
We read the poem A Psalm of Life as a group and students had time to CCR the piece. Finish for homework if not done. Due next class 5-3-11.
Day 3 (5-3-11)
Collected Essays and CCR on Psalm of Life.
As a class we read and discussed a chapter of an informational text Personal Bank Account - Seven Habits of a Highly Effective Teen.
Break into small groups to continue discussion on Habits.
No homework
Day 4 (5-5-11)
Finished group work on 7 Habits
Read Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem"
Talked about Symbolism and completed the worksheets on both. (homework if not finished)
Harlem - Nike Commercial
Day 5 (5-9-11)
Vocab 6 word #7 - 'wince'
Turned in Handouts from last class
In class we and carefully read excerpts from various texts that deal with dreams and the American Dream. T4 these texts carefully and then fill out the chart. Complete for homework.
Day 6 (5-11-11)
Read a few more texts on the American Dream and looked at a couple definitions.
Answered the following question:
Do the This I Believe essays help to prove or disprove the continued existence of an American Dream as we have defined it? Include the following in your discussion:
**What have you learned about The American Dream from reading these essays?
**How effectively has each writer addressed the American Dream as we have defined it?
**Does each writer help to clarify what is/was meant by the American Dream?
**How has reading these essays helped you clarify your own dreams/vision for your future?
**Which of these essays is closest to your version of the American Dream and why?
Day 7 (5-13-11)
We discussed the elements of a drama and types of conflicts in literature.
As a class we read up to page 35 in our text while thinking about the following ideas, then responding in writing.
(no Homework)
Focus for Listening:
What are the characters’ dreams?
Do any of these dreams
fit our group definition of The American Dream?
What are the relationships between the characters?
How are their relationships/dreams affected by money?
How effectively does Hansberry present the issues related to the American Dream?
(short answer for each is fine this time)
Day 8 (5-17-11)
We read the next part of Act 1 and discussed what each character's dream might be.
Homework - Review for Vocab 6 quiz next class!!!!!
Day 9 (5-19-11)
[Mr. Flanagan was out, sub assigned work]
Took Vocab Quiz 6
Read Raisin aloud in class and answered Focus Quesiton #2
Day 10 ( 5-23-11)
Read Raisin as a class
Focus Question #4 is homework
Day 11 (5-25-11)
Act II read/view as a group - no homework
Day 12 (5-27-11)
Finished Act II
Answer the following questions for home work: click here
Do a Quick Write in reaction to Lorraine Hansberry’s inclusion of the scene with Mrs. Johnson and the omission of the scene in revivals of the play.
Focus Question #7
(on a separate piece of paper or typed)
How would you feel if a neighborhood would be willing to pay you to keep you out?
Answer Plan
1. In one sentence, introduce the question’s topic.
2. Write several sentences that explain your opinion and give details from the play which connect with or support your opinion.
3. Conclude by summarizing your opinion on the topic.
Day 13 (6-1-11)
In class we read the first half of Act III
Then answered the following questions. Click here
Day 14 (6-3-11)
Finished reading Act III in class. (nice job with the readings today too).
Your final project for this quarter will be to compare Walter to a famous person who also faced challenges. Create a power point or other visual medium to make the comparison. See the assignment and rubric here. This is due before lunch on Thursday 6-9-11!!!
Day 1 / 2 -Unit Introduction (download Unit Overview here)
We discussed where you might be in 10 years, what your dreams might be, and how you might achieve them.
Students were asked to consider this:
It’s April 27, 2021. You have come to your old favorite pizza place in your home town for a planned reunion with a few of your friends from high school. Ten years ago you and these close friends you are about to meet again were having a serious discussion about your individual dreams or vision for your future. The discussion was so good that you agreed to meet at this location in ten years to check with each other on your progress toward realizing your dreams/vision. You are early and have time to reflect and write some notes to share with your friends who will be arriving soon. Reflect on your progress in your journey toward realizing your dreams/vision and on the positive steps you have taken toward your goal. Jot down some notes to share with your friends when they arrive:
First describe: (2 minutes) · what you look like, · what you are wearing, · where you are, and · the way you are feeling. Now, write about: (10-15 minutes) · your progress toward realizing the dreams/vision you talked about ten years ago. What have you accomplished?
Students also completed a survey about their future. Click Here
Then they received a theme to write about My Dream for My Life
Homework-Complete Rough Draft for next class!
Day 3 (4-29-11)
Today we peer edited the draft of My Dream for My Life. Students will finish the draft for homework due 5-3-11. You will turn in four things with this. The quick write we did last class, the survey, the rough draft and a final thoughtfull revised typed copy on top.
We read the poem A Psalm of Life as a group and students had time to CCR the piece. Finish for homework if not done. Due next class 5-3-11.
Day 3 (5-3-11)
Collected Essays and CCR on Psalm of Life.
As a class we read and discussed a chapter of an informational text Personal Bank Account - Seven Habits of a Highly Effective Teen.
Break into small groups to continue discussion on Habits.
No homework
Day 4 (5-5-11)
Finished group work on 7 Habits
Read Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem"
Talked about Symbolism and completed the worksheets on both. (homework if not finished)
Harlem - Nike Commercial
Day 5 (5-9-11)
Vocab 6 word #7 - 'wince'
Turned in Handouts from last class
In class we and carefully read excerpts from various texts that deal with dreams and the American Dream. T4 these texts carefully and then fill out the chart. Complete for homework.
Day 6 (5-11-11)
Read a few more texts on the American Dream and looked at a couple definitions.
Answered the following question:
Do the This I Believe essays help to prove or disprove the continued existence of an American Dream as we have defined it? Include the following in your discussion:
**What have you learned about The American Dream from reading these essays?
**How effectively has each writer addressed the American Dream as we have defined it?
**Does each writer help to clarify what is/was meant by the American Dream?
**How has reading these essays helped you clarify your own dreams/vision for your future?
**Which of these essays is closest to your version of the American Dream and why?
Day 7 (5-13-11)
We discussed the elements of a drama and types of conflicts in literature.
As a class we read up to page 35 in our text while thinking about the following ideas, then responding in writing.
(no Homework)
Focus for Listening:
What are the characters’ dreams?
Do any of these dreams
fit our group definition of The American Dream?
What are the relationships between the characters?
How are their relationships/dreams affected by money?
How effectively does Hansberry present the issues related to the American Dream?
(short answer for each is fine this time)
Day 8 (5-17-11)
We read the next part of Act 1 and discussed what each character's dream might be.
Homework - Review for Vocab 6 quiz next class!!!!!
Day 9 (5-19-11)
[Mr. Flanagan was out, sub assigned work]
Took Vocab Quiz 6
Read Raisin aloud in class and answered Focus Quesiton #2
Day 10 ( 5-23-11)
Read Raisin as a class
Focus Question #4 is homework
Day 11 (5-25-11)
Act II read/view as a group - no homework
Day 12 (5-27-11)
Finished Act II
Answer the following questions for home work: click here
Do a Quick Write in reaction to Lorraine Hansberry’s inclusion of the scene with Mrs. Johnson and the omission of the scene in revivals of the play.
Focus Question #7
(on a separate piece of paper or typed)
How would you feel if a neighborhood would be willing to pay you to keep you out?
Answer Plan
1. In one sentence, introduce the question’s topic.
2. Write several sentences that explain your opinion and give details from the play which connect with or support your opinion.
3. Conclude by summarizing your opinion on the topic.
Day 13 (6-1-11)
In class we read the first half of Act III
Then answered the following questions. Click here
Day 14 (6-3-11)
Finished reading Act III in class. (nice job with the readings today too).
Your final project for this quarter will be to compare Walter to a famous person who also faced challenges. Create a power point or other visual medium to make the comparison. See the assignment and rubric here. This is due before lunch on Thursday 6-9-11!!!
