6th Grade Author Visit

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro

Through project based learning, we can explore and express the themes, emotions, and character journeys discovered in The Insiders?

Learning Targets:

Develop a deeper understanding of the themes in The Insiders, such as identity, friendship, social issues, and belonging.
Explore the emotional journeys of characters and how these emotions drive the plot.
Use creative outlets like writing, art, or technology to communicate personal responses to the book.
Reflect and discuss the themes of the story in a supportive, inclusive learning environment.

The Project

Select one creative way to extend and share your understanding of The Insiders by Mark Oshiro.

Option 1: Digital Storytelling

Create a short video or multimedia presentation that explores a theme from the book (e.g., identity, friendship, belonging, overcoming adversity).

Video Diary: Create a video diary as if you are one of the characters from The Insiders, narrating your personal journey and emotions.
Podcast: Create a podcast episode discussing the themes in the book and interview peers or fictional characters.
Commercial: Hector wants to be known for his tamales. Create a commercial that represents his culture and his product.

Adobe Express suggestions: animate a character, create a podcast, create a video

Option 2: Creative Writing

Choose a specific emotion experienced by one of the characters and write a poem or short story that conveys this emotion.

Poetry: Write and illustrate a poem from the perspective of a character, expressing their feelings at a key moment in the story.

Letter Writing: Write a letter from one character to another, exploring feelings such as friendship or betrayal.

Additional Character: Write a short story or scene with a new character found in the closet.

Adobe Express suggestions: generate an image, create a drawing

Option 3: Social Media Campaign

Create a social media campaign that raises awareness of a social issue highlighted in The Insiders, such as bullying or prejudice.

Instagram Account: Create a mock Instagram account for one of the characters, posting messages, quotes, and visuals related to the theme.

Twitter Thread: Write a series of tweets discussing a social issue or key theme in the book, linking it to real-world problems and offering possible solutions or resources.

Awareness Poster: Design a digital poster or infographic that advocates for a cause mentioned in the book, using statistics, quotes, and visuals to raise awareness.

Adobe Express suggestions: generate an image, create a drawing, create an infographic

Option 4: The Story Behind the Story

Research Mark Oshiro and the influences behind The Insiders. Present your findings on their work, inspirations, and how personal experiences may have shaped the novel.

Documentary: Create a short documentary-style video about Mark Oshiro, their work, and their impact on literature, especially regarding LGBTQ+ representation and diverse voices.

Interview: Role-play as an interviewer and conduct an imaginary interview with Mark Oshiro about The Insiders, asking questions about his inspirations, characters, and writing process.

Adobe Express suggestions: create a video, animate a character

Option 5: Student Driven

If you have an idea for a project that isn’t listed, you may propose your own. Your idea must clearly show your understanding of The Insiders and must use Adobe Express to present your final product. Submit a brief description of your idea for approval before you begin.

Email Dr. Cannell with your proposal. Please include:

Your name and your partner's name
Your proposed project
How this will demonstrate your understanding of The Insiders

Resources

Adobe Express

MS 88's Databases

Mark Oshiro's Website

Photo by Darius Voncel https://www.dariusvoncel.com

TeachingBooks

Grading Rubric

Criteria

5

4

3

2

1

Understanding of Topic

I clearly understand the topic and explain it in my own words with strong examples.

I understand the topic and explain it correctly, with only small mistakes.

I understand some parts, but I’m missing details or have a few mix‑ups.

I don’t understand the topic well yet; important parts are missing or incorrect.

I didn’t show that I understand the topic.

Research and Evidence

I used strong, trustworthy sources and explained how they support my ideas.

I used good sources and connected them to my ideas.

I used some sources, but they may not be the best or fully explained.

I used very little research or didn’t connect it to my project.

I didn’t use research or evidence.

Collaboration and Responsibility

(Solo or Partner Work)

If I worked alone: I stayed focused, managed my time well, and completed all tasks.

If I worked with a partner: we shared work fairly, communicated well, stayed on task, and supported each other.

If alone: I stayed on track most of the time and completed my work.

If with a partner: we worked well together with only small issues.

If alone: I needed reminders to stay focused.

If with a partner: one of us did more work or we had trouble staying organized.

If alone: I didn’t complete my responsibilities.

If with a partner: I didn’t participate or made it harder for the project to get done.

If alone: I didn’t complete my responsibilities.

If with a partner: I didn’t participate or made it harder for the project to get done.

Creativity & Problem-Solving

My project shows original ideas, creative thinking, and smart solutions.

My project has creative parts and good problem‑solving.

I tried to be creative but mostly used basic or familiar ideas.

My project has little creativity or problem‑solving.

I didn’t show creative thinking or problem‑solving.

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