Post date: Jun 18, 2015 4:15:32 PM
6.18.15
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is a novel based on a true story relating around the civil wars that have been going on in the African country of Sudan and what is now South Sudan. I came across this book while participating in a Social Studies chat on Twitter a few Monday nights ago. The topic for the chat was Geography and specifically there was a question that dealt with cross-curricular ways to bring geographical skills into the social studies classroom.
I think this is a great idea. I try and do this with my 9th grade Human Geography class already. It works pretty well. We form literary circles and and discuss various topics and events based on the one book we read during class. While I was reading through the chat (as I couldn't participate “live” during the chat) I was thinking about how I could bring this idea to my 8th Grade Global Studies Class. One suggestion was to read the book A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park.
After reading this book I am more determined to make this a reality in my classroom next fall. The book itself is a very short easy read, only 120 pages in length. I believe the reading level is around 4th-5th grade and according to the author’s website it is enjoyed by students in grades 6-8. I can see how students at that age would want to keep reading to find out what happens. It’s a book that will be challenging in terms of depth of the topic for those advanced learners and yet easy for those students who struggle to read in my classes.
I like can see myself using this book in my class while we are studying the continent of Africa. The story like I mentioned prior in Sudan and the countries surrounding. The book is unique because it shares two stories simultaneously about two children who grew up in the midst of Sudan’s civil war and geographical issues relating to the need for a close water source.
Another reason, I would like to use this book in my classroom because it is a great way to bring geographical learning into my classroom without having to read a text book. I saw myself numerous times pausing and wanting to look at a map to see where the main characters were traveling and what natural resources were nearby. I also wanted to research many historical events that took place during the time period of the book. I also wanted to bring the literature circle activities that I incorporate into my 9th grade classes down to the 8th grade. That way we learn the proper expectations and roles as 8th graders and they can translate those skills to their 9th grade classes.
Now to share it with administration about the great learning potential that our 8th grade students can have in my classes this next year. I am beyond excited.
Until my next post.
Mr. P.