Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun

Lesson 12
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ELA

Unit 3

7th Grade

Lesson 12 of 26

Objective


Compare and contrast how two authors write about redlining and the effects of housing segregation, but present their information in different ways.

Readings and Materials


  • Podcast: “The Scarlet E, Part II: 40 Acres” by Brooke Gladstone 

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A Note for Teachers


The pace of speech in this podcast is relatively fast. Provide the transcript available on the site for students to follow along as they listen. The excerpt that students need for Lesson 12 begins with "BROOKE GLADSTONE The great northern migration is a major way station on the road to today's eviction crisis–and the interrelated racial wealth gap..." and ending with ".... A picture of wealth and serenity."

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Compare and contrast how Little and Gladstone present information about redlining and the history of housing segregation in America. Cite evidence from both sources to support your answer. ("The Scarlet E, Part II: 40 Acres" & "How a New Deal Housing…")

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • According to Little, how did the New Deal housing program enforce segregation? ("How a New Deal Housing…")

  • According to Little, what is the legacy of redlining? ("How a New Deal Housing…")

  • What details do both sources present about the relationship between homeownership and wealth? ("The Scarlet E, Part II: 40 Acres" & "How a New Deal Housing…")

  • What main points does the podcast make about the differences between Black Americans' and white Americans' access to the American dream? What details does the podcast provide to support these ideas? ("The Scarlet E, Part II: 40 Acres")

  • Summarize the promise made to formerly enslaved people about land ownership and the outcome of this promise. Why is this historical context important to understanding the contemporary gap in property ownership between Black and white Americans? ("The Scarlet E, Part II: 40 Acres")

Vocabulary


Text-based

languishes

v.

fail to make progress or be successful; to become weak or pitiful (Gladstone, 05:11)

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  pp. 87 – 96

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What news does Mama share with the family?

  • Where is the house located?

  • Does the location of the house change how members of the family feel about it? Why or why not?

  • How does each character react to this news?

Enhanced Lesson Plan

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Common Core Standards


  • RI.7.8 — Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.
  • RI.7.9 — Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or advancing different interpretations of facts.

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RI.7.1
RI.7.2
RI.7.4
RI.7.10
SL.7.1
SL.7.2
SL.7.6
W.7.1
W.7.1.a
W.7.1.b
W.7.2.c
W.7.4
W.7.9
W.7.9.b
W.7.10

Next

Compare and contrast the film version of A Raisin in the Sun with the original text to explain the impact of specific techniques used by the filmmaker on the meaning and experience of the play.

Lesson 13
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