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Why is it a favorite?
Why is it a favorite?
I love to see students really think. Really delve. Really reflect on their learning.
This introduction to The Island on Bird Street brings out these things in each of my students.
I actually developed this lesson as a student teacher, introducing 8th graders to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. It was an easy change to adjust for this book - after all, same topic! It could be used for any Holocaust novel.
The learning included:
Research and inquiry.
Teamwork.
Independent work.
Emotional depth.
Poetry.
Tableau.
The main point for me was not just making connections and building background. The most important factor was giving our students a feeling of empathy and understanding for what our protagonist might have felt. It is hard for them to truly understand, but every year I feel that there is comprehension gained.
Slideshow shown to students over the four days.
By 'acting' out scenes in tableau format, the students begin to 'feel' the moment. What would it be like to have to remain perfectly still as guards search for you? How would you feel watching your parents being taken away? How would you feel not knowing where your family was? How would you feel .......
It's powerful!
I strongly recommend taking the time to do the actors' ritual first!
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