Exploring Identity: American Born Chinese

Lesson 9
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 5

7th Grade

Lesson 9 of 22

Objective


Identify themes and explain how Yang develops these over the course of a chapter.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang  pp. 133 – 160

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

What theme does this chapter develop on the topic of self-acceptance? Provide at least two pieces of evidence from the text that support this theme.

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • How is Wong Lai-Tsao able to achieve "legendary status" as a monk even though he is unable to meditate, fast, or preach? Provide evidence from pages 133-138 to support your answer.

  • What thematic topics does Yang explore through Wong Lai-Tsao’s story on pages 133-140?

  • What theme do these pages develop on the thematic topic of devotion? Provide at least two pieces of evidence from the text that support this theme.

  • How and why does the Monkey King’s perspective change over the course of 143-160? Provide specific evidence from these pages to support your answer.

  • What thematic topics does this chapter explore through the story of the Monkey King on pages 143-160?

Discussion Questions

  • What ultimately motivates the Monkey King to accept his true identity? Think about a time that you changed your mind about something that you believed strongly—what prompted that change?

Exit Ticket

Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

Vocabulary


Text-based

devotion

n.

 loyalty and faithfulness

Academic

theme

n.

the author’s message in the text about the way the world works or what it means to be human. Generally applied to literary texts (fiction, poetry, dramatic works).

thematic topic

n.

a one- or two-word phrase that describes the overarching topic of a text or section of text.

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.

  • Book: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang  pp. 163 – 198

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What does Jin ask Wei-Chen to do for him at the beginning of this chapter?

  • How does Jin’s date with Amelia go?

  • How does Jin feel after the date?

  • What does Greg ask Jin to do?

  • What does Suzy tell Jin when they are sitting together on a bench?

  • What does Jin do?

  • How does Wei-Chen respond when he finds out?

Enhanced Lesson Plan

Fishtank Plus Content

Bring your most engaging lessons to life with comprehensive instructional guidance, detailed pacing, supports to meet every student's needs, and resources to strengthen your lesson planning and delivery.

Common Core Standards


  • RL.7.2 — Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RL.7.1
RL.7.3
RL.7.4
RL.7.10
SL.7.1
SL.7.6
W.7.1
W.7.1.a
W.7.1.b
W.7.4
W.7.9
W.7.9.a
W.7.10

Next

Explain how characters’ behavior and beliefs are shaped by events and by other characters, and how specific events propel the plot of American Born Chinese.

Lesson 10
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free