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OverviewThis unit will use a transdisciplinary approach to integrate social conventions and current events with classic literary works. Its overarching purpose will be critical thinking in teaching and learning, and will serve as a resource to students, administration and teachers. Theories of Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, Constructivism, Social Cognition, Metacognitive Development, Intelligence and Creativity will be applied throughout the unit.
This Unit is broken down into 4 subcategories:
(1) “Gun Violence” (2) “Lawlessness and Dictatorships” (3) “Genocide” (4) “Racism and Hate Crimes” This Unit will utilize a combination of educational materials drawing from video media, classic texts, current news articles, art and historical events to relate literature to violence in our world today. |
"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope."
—Kofi Annan "A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read." —Mark Twain |
Summary VideoPlease view our summary video for more information on what this website has to offer. This video is meant as a navigational guide to the contents of this site.
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SUB-UNITS
GUN VIOLENCELearn about how students are being affected by gun violence throughout the country to be able to help them process the events.
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LAWLESSNESSHelp students understand a lawless society and how participating in such a society can create an atmosphere of violence and corruption.
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RACISMExpose students to the reality of racism and comprehend the strength it takes people to stand against it rather than participate in it.
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GENOCIDEEducate students about the violent nature of genocide and teach them to think critically about the ongoing negative effects of genocide.
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CRITICAL THINKING THEORIES
Critical thinking is an important skill people need especially when trying to analyze, understand, and form opinions on sensitive issues such as violence in America. This Unit Plan will provide 9th grade English teachers and administrators activities and tools to use to help address the various types of violence that students are exposed to in the world today. This Unit Plan will also allow parents to become aware of the suggestive tactics recommended to teachers and administrators on topics that may be difficult to discuss with their children.
In an attempt to be able to properly reach the students, this Unit Plan incorporates the following theories to provide teachers and administrators with a theoretical understanding of why such activities are suggested and how they can effectively assist students' processing of violence in America:
In an attempt to be able to properly reach the students, this Unit Plan incorporates the following theories to provide teachers and administrators with a theoretical understanding of why such activities are suggested and how they can effectively assist students' processing of violence in America:
- Psychology and Cognition
- Behaviorist Theories
- Constructivism and Piagetian Theories
- Vygotsky’s and Bruner’s Theories
- Learning Theory and Social Cognitive Theory
- Cognitive and Metacognitive Development
- Intelligence and Creativity
SENSITIVE TOPICS IN THE CLASSROOM
It is difficult to talk about sensitive issues in the classroom. Many issues are considered controversial and must be addressed with the students' backgrounds, knowledge, and emotions in mind. Yet, it is important for violence in America to be discussed in the classroom because "when students have an opportunity to discuss current issues in a classroom setting, they tend to have a greater interest in civic life and politics as well as improved critical thinking and communication skills" (Close Up Foundation, 2015, p. 1).
It is recommended that teachers and administrators consider the material provided under the Administrators Page on this website. The provided links will assist teachers and administrators with tactics on approaching sensitive and controversial material in the classroom, as well as possible reactions teachers may face. It is further recommended that all teachers speak with administrators and advise administration of the lessons intended on being taught and obtain clearance from administrators prior to running the classroom activities.
With that said, all lesson plans within this unit are subject to administrative approval.
It is recommended that teachers and administrators consider the material provided under the Administrators Page on this website. The provided links will assist teachers and administrators with tactics on approaching sensitive and controversial material in the classroom, as well as possible reactions teachers may face. It is further recommended that all teachers speak with administrators and advise administration of the lessons intended on being taught and obtain clearance from administrators prior to running the classroom activities.
With that said, all lesson plans within this unit are subject to administrative approval.
