WHO AM I?


By: Indira Chakrabarti & Renee Campbell

Anchor text & Audience

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Grade 9 General Education Life Skills Class

Reading Level: 2.9Interest Level: 7-12Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.9 / points: 8.0 / quiz: 149873 / grade: Upper GradesReading Counts!: reading level:4.3 / points:17.0 / quiz:Q55547Lexile: HL380LGuided Reading Level: U
Sáenz, B. A., & Miranda, L. (2013). Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe (Unabridged.). New York: Simon And Schuster.

Essential Question & Purpose:

Who Am I?

As a result of reading the text, students will reflect on their own processes of self-discovery and how they form their identities and identify individuals who have shaped their identities throughout their formative years.

connection to standards

INQUIRE - Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems.THINK2. Recalling prior and background knowledge context for new meaningII. INCLUDE - demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to inclusiveness and respect for diversity in the learning communityD. GROW3. Reflecting on their own place within the global learning communityV. EXPLORE - Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflectionTHINK - Learners develop and satisfy personal curiosity by:2. Reflecting and questioning assumptions and possible misconceptions

AASL Standards

Text: Benjamin Alire Sáenz Interview

Format:

Podcast/interview & excerpts from interview. NPR Interview

Complexity:

Low. Simple background context and provide buy-in.

Potential Use:

To provide the author’s note on sexual identity as presented in YA literature, his personal experiences, and how this book could potentially help Latino men grappling with sexual identity, along with others.

Text: Adultolescence

Format:

Book of poetry. Goodreads

Complexity:

Low. Most are high interest coming-of-age themes written in childish verse.

Potential Use:

A great introduction to poetry, especially for 9th graders scared of its form. Students can read, analyze, and write on poems in small groups in relation to the central theme. Can take further by encouraging students to write own poem modeled in one of her simple verse styles.

Text: Dante & Aristotle

Format:

Audio book As read by Lin Manuel Miranda. Teaching Books

Complexity:

Low. Teacher-led in class.

Potential Use:

Would be especially helpful for Special Ed and/or ELL students.

Text: the real ARISTOTLE & DAnte

Format:

Encyclopedia articles. Both through Britannica. Requires district/school subscription to database.Who is Aristotle?Who is Dante?

Complexity:

Can be adjusted on site.

Potential Use:

In examining the main characters’ identities, their names refer to some accomplished historical figures. These encyclopedic entries provide background information on them and can assist students in understanding how the names inform their identities. Can easily link back to an activity of self-analysis ones own name.

Text: Various Music

Format:

Digital music/ YouTube videos. La Bamba, Waylon Jennings, Buddy Holly, U2, Madonna, Video for "Alone by Heart"

Complexity:

Low to medium

Potential Use:

Use as reference to songs mentioned throughout the story. Students could make a "mix tape" playlist soundtrack for the book, explaining the significance of each to character development, plot advancement, or overall theme. Students can also include songs that have helped in forming their own identities, in answering the essential question.

Text: Gay and Lesbian history for kids

Format:

Textbook includes activities. Goodreads

Complexity:

Middle

Potential Use:

Background information about LGBT rights. Helps provide context for students to understand the history of the movement, inform why gay identities have been hidden, the risks of being out and how to combat homophobia. The activities are accessible and useful suggestions for students who might want to learn how to be allies and get involved.

Text: The CiviL Rights story includes gay rights

Format:

Article from Teaching Tolerance

Complexity:

Middle

Potential Use:

In thinking about, Who am I? Students can think about what is important to them, what types of causes do they support, what would make them get involved and be an up-stander rather than bystander.

Text: Bullying/Hate Crimes against teens

Format:

Video. TED talk

Complexity:

Middle/ high

Potential Use:

As a response to rise in gay bullying and teen suicides, a Texas council member addresses the issue and provide support as an ally. After reading, students can hold a teacher-assisted, but student-led Socratic seminar on open-ended questions about bullying and hate crimes based on video.

Text: Various Artwork

Format:

Prints of art referenced. Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper - Nighthawks, The Raft of the Medusa by Gericault (book by Lorenz E. A. Eitner),

Complexity:

Middle/ high

Potential Use:

Small group discussion, analysis, and presentation of artwork, focusing on context in story, background of artwork, and possible significance to story's character development, plot progression and/or theme of self-discovery and acceptance. Can even take a step further and have students bring in own chosen piece of art that carries personal thematic significance of "Who Am I?".

Text: The Things They carried

Format:

Written by a former Vietnam Vet, a collection of short stories based on his experiences, connects well to Ari’s father and his identity formation. Goodreads

Complexity:

High - well written, full of literary devices

Potential Use:

Short stories tend to be accessible and easier for student to complete, the titular story helps to explain the heavy emotional and physical burden of the way. This helps to explain Ari’s father and how his experience shaped is identity. Could lead to writing and/or discussion on how personal trauma shapes identity.