Unit 1 - Own Voices & Letting Go of Literary Whiteness Literature Circles

This unit sets the tone for our studies for the rest of the semester. Using literature written by non-white authors, this unit explores the importance of disrupting the traditional white-centered approach to teaching literature by introducing you to the works of Black and brown authors. The unit also pushes against the traditional literature circle approach by exploring new ways to have small groups of students read and discuss books that differ from the books read by other groups in the class. 

Weeks of January 10 - March 21

Major Assignments: Literature Circle Unit Guide & Détournement Project

Weekly Assignments as Assigned

​

Unit 2 - Disruptive Inquiry Whole Class Reads

This unit introduces a framework that uses one novel to encourage students to ask questions about the social issues we face in the world. Rather than the traditional approach of reading a novel, taking reading quizzes, and creating inauthentic projects, this unit demonstrates how literature can help students explore how we interact as humans.

Weeks of March 28 - April 18

Major Assignment: Whole Class Book Unit Guide

Weekly Assignments as Assigned

​

Unit 3 - A Reading Identity Readers' Workshop

This short unit presents Readers' Workshop as an approach for helping students discover a love of reading and develop their identities as readers.

Week of April 25