Lesson Title: Teaching Theme in Tom Sawyer: Social Exclusion

 

By: Mat Wenzel

 

Burning Question:

How can I facilitate students’ understanding of theme and apply it to their own lives in a way that is meaningful to them?

 

Objective/Introduction:

Students will explore the theme of social exclusion. They will use writing to learn strategies, inquiry strategies, and process writing to gain a deeper understanding of the theme.

 

Context:

These lessons work as part of the larger context of actually reading the text Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. They are to be used as an introduction, and throughout the reading of the book, as well as a way of assessing their understanding of the theme of superstition in the book.

 

Materials:

·            Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Puffin Classics). London: Puffin Books, 2008.

·            Library or computer lab for research.

·            YouTube Video Anti-Bullying ad    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWJut7KQhI4

·            Social Exclusion Graphic Organizer

 

Time Span:

The time span depends on how long it takes to read the book and complete the projects: about 4-5 weeks.

 

Procedures:

Using Writing to Learn to Build Knowledge of Social Exclusion in Tom Sawyer

·            As students begin to read the book they should immediately begin to see that many characters have various levels of social exclusion. Use the graphic organizer to help students think and record the elements of this social exclusion.

·            This should be an ongoing discussion as you read the book, as the elements change, as well as the characters especially Huck after he finds the treasure and Injun Joe after he dies.

 

Using Writing to Learn to Build on Previous Knowledge of Social Exclusion in Reality

·            Have students take out a piece of paper and writing utensil and be ready to record their thoughts after watching a short video clip. Instruct them that they will be writing for 5 minutes as soon as the video clip is over. If your students are practiced in quick-writes you may keep it open and allow them just to write a response. For more scaffolding provide some questions for them to answer like

i.            What do you think this video clip is about?

ii.          Have you ever experienced anything like this video clip?

iii.        What is missing from this video clip? What could make it even better?

·            Use the following questions to discuss the social exclusion in this video clip.

                                i.            How is the student being socially excluded? What evidence can you give?

                              ii.            Why do you think the student is being excluded?  For what reasons is he being excluded?

                            iii.            What are or might be the negative results of his exclusion?

                            iv.            What are or might be the positive results of his exclusion?

·            Discuss social exclusion in the lives of your students.

 

Using Writing to Assess Student Understanding

There are several ways that you could evaluate students understanding. Here are a few suggestions.

·            A formal analysis on the theme of social exclusion from the book

·            A TV advertisement (or just the script/storyboard) for an anti-exclusion campaign

·            A short story/personal narrative about social exclusion

·            A letter to administration about social exclusion/bullying at your school

 

Extensions:

Social exclusion is a huge issue for junior high students as they work through developing their social identity. There are many projects that you could do centered around this issue. The subject also offers a platform for students to make positive social change in their own worlds. Students could form an anti-social exclusion/bullying assembly, club, or awareness day.

 

It is also a very serious issue. There are many students who have committed suicide because of bullying. There is a lot of information on the internet about these cases as well as many resources for preventing bullying. Students could research these and give a classroom or school presentation.

 

Rationale:

Using writing to learn, inquiry, and writing for publication or assessment will help students more deeply understand themes in literature and connect them with their own lives.

 

 Resources:

Websites

 

·            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWJut7KQhI4

This is the anti-bullying ad on YouTube used in this lesson.

·            http://www.beatbullying.org/home.html

This website is run by a British organization against bullying. This site has a lot of media and tools for teachers as well.

·            http://www.youtube.com/beatbullying

This is the YouTube channel for the beatbullying organization.

·            http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/

The American government’s website against bullying. This website is targeted for a younger age than the British version.

·            http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/tomsawyer/

The sparknotes on Tom Sawyer are very helpful when teaching the book.

 

·            Social Exclusion in Tom Sawyer (please include page numbers)