Lesson 1 | Crossing Borders: Migration, Identity, and Belonging in Exit West | 12th Grade English

Lesson Overview

Objective

Analyze Shire's use of imagery, figurative language, and stylistic techniques to convey her message about the refugee experience.

Readings and Materials

Poem: “Home” by Warsan Shire

Lesson Notes

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Lesson Map

Lesson

Analyze Shire's use of imagery, figurative language, and stylistic techniques to convey her message about the refugee experience.

Materials

“Home”

Standards

RL.11-12.4RL.11-12.5RL.11-12.6

Lesson

Analyze the opening of Exit West for narrative point of view, setting, characters, and mood.

Materials

Exit West pp. 3–17 — Chapter 1

Standards

RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.6

Lesson

Analyze how Hamid uses characters, imagery, and tone to reveal the impact of war on daily life.

Materials

Exit West pp. 21–35 — Chapter 2

Standards

RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4RL.11-12.5

Lesson

Analyze how Hamid uses characters and symbols to introduce the theme of escape in Exit West.

Materials

Exit West pp. 39–57 — Chapter 3

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4RL.11-12.5

Lesson

Analyze how Hamid introduces the theme of migration in this chapter.

Materials

Exit West pp. 61–75 — Chapter 4

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4

Lesson

Analyze how characters' backgrounds and experiences influence their decision to migrate, and how Hamid uses an interlude to foreshadow the effects of making that choice.

Materials

Exit West pp. 79–98 — Chapter 5

Standards

RI.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.5

Lesson

Analyze how Hamid uses syntax to convey characters' emotions, and use that analysis to create a scene that recreates a literal or figurative migration.

Materials

Hamid Syntax Handout (G12, U4)

Standards

L.11-12.3RL.11-12.4W.11-12.3.bW.11-12.3.d

Lesson

Analyze how Hamid uses diction and setting to reveal the migrant experience.

Materials

Exit West pp. 101–118 — Chapter 6

Standards

RL.11-12.2RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4RL.11-12.5

Lesson

Examine diverse representations of migration and the refugee experience to explore its complexities, making connections to Exit West.

Materials

Refugee Data Finder
Figures at a glance
“What migrants face as they journey through the deadly Darién Gap”
“I AM A REFUGEE: Global refugees share their stories”
“Syrian Refugees Share Cherished Cellphone Snaps”
Space in Between
What Gets Lost
Perspective
Exit West Text Set Handout (G12, U4)

Standards

RI.11-12.7SL.11-12.2

Lesson

Analyze how the migration experience impacts Nadia and Saeed's relationship, examining their contrasting responses to their new environment in London.

Materials

Exit West pp. 121–141 — Chapter 7

Standards

RL.11-12.3RL.11-12.4

Lesson

Analyze how Hamid uses different characters' perspectives and imagery to develop the novel's theme about the impact of migration on one's sense of belonging.

Materials