The Warmth of Other Suns (2020)

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 11

8th Grade

Lesson 2 of 8

Objective


Make inferences based on photographs and graphics of the Great Migration.

Closely read a passage for central idea, motivation, author’s purpose (intent), and extended metaphor.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson  pp. 6 – 11

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What is the central idea of pp. 8-11? Use evidence from the text to support the answer.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of expressing individual experiences through photography? Explain your answer using details from the text.

Key Questions


  • Gallery Walk: "Read" the photograph (see "Images of the Great Migration"). What observations and then inferences can you make about this photograph or graphic?
  • What are the advantages/ disadvantages of expressing individual experiences through photography?
  • What are the advantages/ disadvantages of expressing individual experiences through painting?
  • What does Wilkerson mean by "caste system"?
  • What is the purpose of the first paragraph of this section, below the quotation on p. 8 (starting with "They fled...")? Identify specific words that make this purpose clear. In other words, what picture is the author trying to paint in this paragraph?
  • In the third full paragraph on p. 10, the author writes, "Its imprint is everywhere in urban life." The word "imprint" means effects. In that paragraph, underline the many examples of the effects of the Great Migration. In the margin, make a note about the effects of the Great Migration.
  • On pp. 9-10, according to Wilkerson how was the Great Migration similar to other waves of immigration in the United States? How was it unique?
  • On p. 11, why did so many black families move to the North? What was it like to be black in the South?
  • Reread the last sentence of this section on p. 11. "And more than that, it was the first big step the nation's servant class took without asking." Read this sentence again! This is an AWESOME sentence. Make a note about its meaning in the margin.
  • What are the advantages/ disadvantages of expressing individual experiences through literary nonfiction?

Notes


  • You may want to include a mini lesson on the genre of literary nonfiction during this lesson.
  • Students can read pp. 6-11 in pairs, closely annotating the text. They can then use their annotations and partner discussions to complete the target task.
  • Text-to-Text Connection (optional): Think back to 6th grade. What do you remember about The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis? Why was the south so different for Byron, Kenny, and Joetta Watson?
  • This lesson might be stretched over two days depending on duration of English class.
  • This lesson connects to the assessment.

Common Core Standards


  • RI.8.2 — Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.
  • RI.8.7 — Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.

Next

Explain the prominent theme in the text.

Make thematic connections between The Warmth of Other Suns and Fences.

Lesson 3
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