The Need to Focus on Culture in Literature
When it comes to literature, students often engage with the text at very surface levels. Some students disengage with the text because they do not identify with the characters. Others solely connect with characters that look or sound like them. Students have difficulty putting themselves into the shoes of diverse characters and as such have difficulty putting themselves in the shoes of the peers around them. When we attempt to acknowledge and understand the existence and power of underlying cultures that drive a person's actions, thoughts, and feelings, we better understand the world around us. We become more open to one another and therefore start to understand one another.
Cultural Exploration Lesson Plans
Below are descriptions and links to lessons that will help students build an understanding of what culture truly means through inductive reasoning. If you as a teacher feel like you don't have a full understanding of culture, that's okay. In all the lessons on this website, the students are at the center of creating meaning. Students and teachers are meant to learn together.
What is Culture?
In this activity, students will begin thinking about as an iceberg. Students will be asked to brainstorm aspects of culture that exist above and below the surface of our lives. Almost every lesson on this website will continue to tie back to this lesson. Students will start their icebergs in this activity, but will continue adding to it throughout all other lessons.
The Danger of a Single StoryThe video in this activity shows students the story of an African woman who has been judged throughout her life for how she looks. The video teaches students the power stories can have on the lives of those that read them. The video also discusses the power of the media in the creation of stories and perpetuation of stereotypes.
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An Introduction to Cultural DifferencesStudents will watch a video from National Geographic surrounding the cultural transition of Sudan's Lost Boys to life in America. Students will begin to understand how our culture and way of life affect our daily interactions in a more critical manner. Students will also explore how values shift between different cultures.
Observations in PublishingActivity #5 moves away from videos and looks at publishing trends. The activity asks students to reflect on books they have read and be cognizant of the diversity present in their own readings. It also opens students' eyes to the reality of our current state of publication.
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The Wrong Truth
Activity #3 explores the existence of stereotypes through a slam poet video. This activity opens the door to conversations about the negative impact stereotypes can have on a person. The goal of this activity is to push students to reflect on and acknowledge stereotypes that they hold towards others.
Where are the People of Color in Children's Books?This activity builds upon Activity #5. Students are asked to think about why diversity in literature is essential through the thoughts and words of Walter Dean Myers. This activity builds a bridge from our cultural discussion in general to a cultural discussion of Myers' own literature.
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