Curated List
- Kaepernik ad controversy, USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2018/09/07/nikes-colin-kaepernick-tv-ad-inspirational-not-controversial/1223106002/
The Nike advertising controversy is a relevant and topical informational piece from the USA Today. Students will immediately identify with the issue as it has been news in both the media and social media. Colin Kaepernik drew attention to himself by starting a social justice protest on the sidelines of NFL games in protest of racial mistreatment at the hands of the government (police, specifically). One issue to be addressed in using this piece is that of professional athletes kneeling during patriotic observations such as the national anthem. However, as the article points out, removing Kaepernik from article (his part is minimal), the larger issue is one facing young adults everyday.
The ad itself, with links in the article to the actual video, is aimed at YA and teen audiences showing young athletes involved in a cross-section of sporting activity. Given the topical and controversial nature of the Kaepernik back story, students will find this article high interest.
Audience: 8
Complexity: Mid
Format: Informational
Use: Teacher-led instruction
Standard Addressed:
- CCSS. ELA-Lit 8.10
- AASL: Learners exhibit empathy with and tolerance for diverse ideas.
"Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd's only number one hit depicts images of abused authority, rebellion, institutionalism, and the perils of conformity. Students may have familiarity with the chorus through older siblings or their parents, but are likely unfamiliar with the lyrics as a whole. The video and lyrics are rife with visual and verbal metaphors illustrating themes closely related to the anchor text. The song has layers of meaning which can be taught at differentiated levels.
Audience: 8
Complexity: High
Format: Audio/Visual
Use: Peer Group instruction
Standards Addressed:
- CCSS.ELA-Lit 8.7
"Look Down" from Les Miserables
It is likely that students have not heard of Victor Hugo's masterpiece, nor the myriad of music and film which have been spawned by same. In this excerpt from the 2012 Russel Crowe/Hugh Jackman, we see the government punishing Jean Valjean for stealing a loaf of bread.
Audience: YA (and all who appreciate their musical theater with a thick layer of cheese).
Complexity: Low
Format: Film
Use: Individual work
Standards Addressed:
- CCSS.ELA-Lit 8.7
Joaquin Murrieta was a Mexican-American who lived in California in the period immediately following the gold rush. Horse Thief? Bank Robber or Robin Hood and hero of the people? This informational piece explores the legends surrounding one of California's most (in)famous outlaws, and makes an argument that the truth of a story is in the perspective of those in power who tell it.
Audience: Teen
Complexity: High
Format: Informational/expository prose.
Use: Teacher-led
Standards Addressed:
- CCSS.ELA-Lit 8.10
- AASL: Learners develop and satisfy a personal curiosity by reading widely and deeply in multiple formats.
excerpt: Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
Oliver is an orphan growing up in industrial revolution England. He is the victim and epitome of poverty and a caste system of the day. In this excerpt, a starving Oliver has the audacity to speak up and ask for more food.
Audience: Teen, YA
Complexity: High
Format: Narrative prose
Use: Teacher-led
Standards Addressed:
- CCSS.ELA-Lit 8.5
"An Anarchist Is Teaching Patients to Make Their Own Medications" from Scientific American
This article from 2017 discusses the real-life anarchist who has started a collective to "hack" pharmaceuticals by creating kits and publishing detailed instructions for how to make versions of life-saving medications for pennies on the dollar.
Audience: Adult
Complexity: High
Format: Informational/Expository
Use: Teacher-led
Standards Addressed:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.6
- AASL: Learners exhibit empathy with and tolerance for diverse ideas by: 1. Engaging in informed conversation and active debate. 2. Contributing to discussions in which multiple viewpoints on a topic are expressed.
- AASL: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: 1. Continually seeking knowledge. 2. Engaging in sustained inquiry. 3. Enacting new understanding through real-world connections. 4. Using reflection to guide informed decisions.
Legend: The Graphic Novel, adapted by Leigh Dragoon
Using this graphic novel adaptation, students can compare and contrast a selection to identify what is added/changed/or left out with the adaptation of a novel to a more visual format.
Audience: YA
Complexity: Low
Format: Graphic novel
Use: Individual or peer work
Standards Addressed:
Warsan Shire is a Kenyan-Somali poet who collaborated with Beyonce for Lemonade. This poem, read by the author, examines the impossible choices that refugees, some who may come to other countries illegally, have to make.
Audience: YA, Adult
Complexity: Mid
Format: Poetry, video
Use: Teacher-led
Standards Addressed:
Virgina Runaway Slave Advertisements, 1745-1755
There was a time in American history when fugitives like Day numbered in the thousands - some estimates put the number of successful escapes at 100,000 during the time that slavery was legal in the United States. During this period in history, fugitive slaves were highly publicized through advertisements and, if caught, the punishment - which most often included punishment or death - was executed publicly. Students can choose one advertisement from the selection and work with a partner to compare and contrast Day's treatment, as a fugitive, in the novel with this real historical example.
Audience: Adult
Complexity: High
Format: Primary source texts
Use: Teacher-led and peer work
Standards Addressed:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.5
- Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: 1. Continually seeking knowledge. 2. Engaging in sustained inquiry. 3. Enacting new understanding through real-world connections. 4. Using reflection to guide informed decisions.
A Story of Robin Hood by James Baldwin
The character of Robin Hood originally derives fro ballads of the 14th and 15th centuries in England. Though the language in those original ballads is quite different, the actions of Robin Hood in this story remain quite true to his original character. What similarities or differences are there between Robin Hood and Day?
Audience: Children
Complexity: Low
Format: Short Story
Use: Individual
Standards Addressed: