About This Unit
About This Unit
In this unit we will read the classic American novel "Bridge to Terabithia".
The following questions are the big ideas of the unit. The represent the kinds of deep, personal understandings students should be able to express by the end of this unit.
What is the difference between the family you are born into and the family you make?
How can friendships transform how you see yourself?
What is courage and where does it come from?
How can we survive deep losses and find the strength to be better people?
Jesse is an artistic boy from a poorer family who, in the beginning, is fearful and angry. After meeting Leslie, however, his life is transformed. He becomes courageous and learns to let go of his frustration. The two children create a kingdom for themselves, which Leslie names "Terabithia."
This book deals with a number of important issues with having to do with family, friendship, loss, and support. By discussing these themes in a way that reflects the imagination and realities of middle school aged children we can look at grief, survivor's guilt, and finding the courage to be yourself in judgmental contexts.