Literature, Life-Writing, and Identity

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 17.02.12

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Identity Formation
  3. Rationale
  4. Content Objectives
  5. Identity Unit Foci
  6. Lenses
  7. Teaching Strategies
  8. Teaching Activities
  9. Resources
  10. Appendix
  11. Notes

Keeping it Real: Non-Fiction and Identity Formation in Teens

Jennifer Leigh Vermillion

Published September 2017

Tools for this Unit:

Guide Entry to 17.02.12

The formation of identity is challenging for modern adolescents. The challenges of maturing in an era fraught with political tension, racial tension, and fiscal struggle can be stressful and confusing. This unit, designed for 10th grade students, focuses on generating a positive self-image as a result of study which will lead to self acceptance as well as honoring others’ identity. The use of non-fiction texts is deliberate, as this affords students an opportunity to successfully engage with high interest texts and learn reading strategies that will help them to find success in college or careers. Text types utilized in the course of this unit include TedTalks, YouTube clips, poems, memoirs, journalism, and essays. The unit has universal appeal as it focuses on names, speech, and being a teenager, but also includes a portion where students select themes that are of special interest to them. Skill in adeptly identifying an author’s reason for selecting a specific format and their use of tone and point of view will be developed with an eye to independent critical thinking.

(Developed for English II, grade 10; recommended for English I, grade 9)

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