Me, Myself, and I: Examining Personal Identity in Short Texts

Lesson 10
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ELA

Unit 1

9th Grade

Lesson 10 of 20

Objective


Engage in a small-group hexagonal discussion to make connections between texts read so far in the unit. 

Readings and Materials


  • Poem: “I'm Nobody! Who are you? (260)” by Emily Dickinson 

  • Poem: “(citizen)(illegal)” by José Olivarez 

  • Video: “My Honest Poem” by Rudy Francisco 

  • Book: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain  — "Introduction"

  • Book: Counting Descent by Clint Smith  p. 13 — Poem: "Soles"

  • Book: Counting Descent by Clint Smith  p. 25 — Poem: "Counterfactual"

  • Book: Fresh Ink: An Anthology  pp. 194 – 209 — Short Story: "Super Human" by Nicola Yoon

  • Excerpt: How Beautiful the Ordinary: Twelve Stories of Identity  pp. 63 – 72 — Short Story: “Trev” by Jacqueline Woodson

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

What connections about identity can you make between the texts you've read so far in this unit? 

In small groups, engage in a discussion and create a hexagonal web that reflects the connections your group made. Once you've completed the web, explain 4–5 of the key connections.

Sample Response

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Homework


  • Book: The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu 

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What makes Jack's mother's origami special?

  • How did Jack's dad and mom meet?

  • What does Jack overhear the neighbors say about his dad and him?

  • What happens between Jack and Mark during their play date?

  • At the dinner table, what does Jack shout at his mom? Why?

  • What does Jack do with the paper animals as he gets older?

  • What happens between Jack and his mother when he goes to college?

  • What does Jack's mom ask of him on her deathbed?

  • What is Qingming?

  • What does Jack find when Laohu unfolds himself?

  • What important details do we learn about the mother's past?

  • What does Jack do after reading the letter?

Notes for Teachers

Students might benefit from hearing the story read out loud as they read. Have them listen to LeVar Burton read "The Paper Menagerie" on his podcast "Levar Burton Reads".

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Standards


  • RI.9-10.1 — Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
  • RL.9-10.1 — Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
  • SL.9-10.1.a — Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
  • SL.9-10.1.b — Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making (e.g., informal consensus, taking votes on key issues, presentation of alternate views), clear goals and deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
  • SL.9-10.1.c — Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions.
  • SL.9-10.1.d — Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarize points of agreement and disagreement, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views and understanding and make new connections in light of the evidence and reasoning presented.
  • SL.9-10.6 — Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
  • W.9-10.1 — Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
  • W.9-10.10 — Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
  • W.9-10.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.6
RI.9-10.2
RL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.4
SL.9-10.6

Next

Analyze how the author uses symbolism and structure to reveal the story's meaning.

Lesson 11
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Lesson Map

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