Longing to Belong: Poems, Essays, and Short Stories

Lesson 16
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ELA

Unit 1

7th Grade

Lesson 16 of 25

Objective


Analyze how Farizan develops the symbol of cooking in the novel.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Fresh Ink: An Anthology  — “Why I Learned to Cook” by Sara Farizan

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A Note for Teachers


  • Yasaman says that she "had come out as bi to [her] parents a year ago." (p. 87) If needed, explain to students that she is referring to identifying as bisexual. Bisexuality is when a person is attracted to more than one sex or gender. As a part of intellectual preparation, consider reading the following resources in order to better answer questions, guide discussion, and support students over the course of the lesson. 
  • Today's lesson contains profanity. Emphasize respectful communication, critical thinking, and context understanding prior to engaging in today's reading. Name for students whether they should read the word aloud if reading the text for the whole group.

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

What does cooking symbolize in the story? How does this symbolism contribute to the theme of the story?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Key Questions

  • Summarize the exposition of the story. What conflict does the author present in the first pages of the story?

  • What lesson does Yasaman's grandmother teach her at the supermarket? How does the author develop the reader's understanding of the lesson Yasaman learns?

  • How does Sara Farizan use figurative language to characterize Hannah and Yasaman? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

Exit Ticket

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

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

symbolism

a character, setting, object, or event that represents a larger, more complex concept or idea

Text-based

exuberance

n.

(p. 87)

enthusiasm and happiness

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.

  • Essay: “Introduction” by America Ferrera 

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • How does America Ferrera feel about the first day of school?

  • What does America Ferrera's mother remind her of when she complains about homework?

  • What is America's dream when she grows up?

  • Describe her journey. Does she achieve her dreams? Why or why not?

  • Why does America Ferrera compile the book, American Like Me? What is the goal of the anthology?

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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.
  • RL.7.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.

Supporting Standards

L.7.5
L.7.5.a
L.7.5.b
L.7.5.c
L.7.6
RL.7.1
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

Next

Students will explain the theme or message in America Ferrera's introduction.

Lesson 17
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