1984 - Resistance and Control Unit

Students are led through the reading of, analysis of, and synthesis of George Orwell's classic, 1984. A cumulative writing task at the end of the unit asks students to draw on all skills practiced during reading and all knowledge of the novel. All...

20th Century Author Research Unit

Students are introduced to 20th century authors, asked to research one author from the time period, and are guided through the research and presentation process. All Powerpoints used to present material, handouts, and related material are included in...

7 Lesson Schoolteacher - Full Unit

John Taylor Gatto's legendary piece, "The 7 Lesson Schoolteacher" is analyzed and responded to in a structured and guided way. All Powerpoints used to present material, handouts, and related material are included in this entire unit, which may take...

A Modern Scarlet Letter

Students are guided through reading a few chapters of the Scarlet Letter in order to become familiar with romantic literary elements and style. Formative assessment focuses on these elements in the novel. Students are then split up into groups or alone,...

Anglo Saxons Unit

Students are introduced to Anglo Saxon culture and its connection to modern day times, asked to research via a short webquest, and asked to analyze some Anglo Saxon poetry before synthesizing it all into a short, mini-essay. All materials to guide...

Arcadia - Graphic Novel Unit

Students are guided through reading and comprehension of the graphic novel Arcadia. Students are asked to do short literary analyses of each section of reading. Students are asked to write an essay using skills and understanding gained during reading and...

Beowulf Unit

Designed to follow the Anglo Saxons unit available on this site, students will be guided through the reading of Beowulf, focusing on evidence based analyses of literature. Students will be asked to analyze the differences in culture and themes between...

Brave New World Unit

Students are introduced to Alduous Huxley and themes from the novel, guided through reading and analysis of literary elements, and guided through writing an analytical essay using evidence from the text as a summative evaluation. All materials to guide...

Cat's Cradle Unit

Students are introduced to the themes and elements of the novel and satirical, ironic literature. Students are guided through reading and analyzing each chapter and asked to research a corollary in reality to one of Vonnegut's created words. A research...

College Entrance Essay Mini Unit

Students are asked to research three colleges or Common App essay prompts, choose one, and are guided through writing their college entrance essay. All materials to guide students through activities and learning via powerpoint as well as handouts and...

Day Tripper Graphic Novel Unit

Students are introduced to the graphic novel, asked to read and analyze literary elements both graphic and written, asked to perform a few analytical tasks per section, and asked to write a synthesis essay as a summative assessment. All materials to...

Depression Era Primary Sources

These are a few primary documents I like to use when teaching about or literature from the Depression Era.