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This LitTrip was developed by Carol LaRow, Niskayuna Central Schools, Niskayuna, NY. Seventh grade students read, My Brother Sam Is Dead, as an "all class" novel. The students wrote discussion questions as they read each chapter. As they read the novel, the teacher used the student-written questions for class discussions. Each class followed its own path, as students read their questions, and their peers responded to them. This led to different discussions within each class period. With this method, the students arrived at the meaning of the novel, its theme, author intent, characterization, etc.
It's interesting to note that each class period took its own course as students discussed their questions. But, by the end of the unit, all classes arrived at the same conclusions about theme, author's attitude about his topic, characterization, etc.
Questions students wrote needed to be:
Questions students wrote needed to be:
ones the students had true queries about
"Who" or "What" or "Why" questions
discussion questions; none could be recall questions
This is an historical novel is about a family living in Connecticut during the time of the American Revolution. They must face the consequences of the war when it reaches their community. The story is told through the eyes of the younger son, Tim Meeker.
The LitTrip can be used as a complete lesson to teach the novel. It follows the story and characters, chapter by chapter. As students progress through the story using Google Earth, they see questions in the "carousel" window for each slide. They will also see images pertinent to the topic. Links are provided for additional information for the slides/chapters they are viewing.
This resource page offers additional follow-up activities and information. The activities can be used for culminating unit activities. There are also links to the Library of Congress, primary source documents, webquests, and online games for learning about the American Revolution and Colonial times.
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