Original Prompt8th Grade: Unit 2 Topic 1: Social Issues
Essential Questions:
How do authors use fiction writing to bring attention to social issues?
Suggested Pacing: 30 days
Background: In seventh grade, students studied how authors use characters to help us understand the world we live in, which included an examination of social issues and how language can be used to empower or oppress groups. In the previous task, students explored the reasoning behind why authors choose to include these elements in t...
This resource provides a comprehensive exploration of how narratives in books, movies, and songs can illuminate social issues and foster empathy. It defines various social issues such as environmental sustainability, economic inequality, and systemic discrimination, encouraging students to reflect on their agency and the impact these issues have on people's ability to act. The document includes interactive activities like a gallery walk for visualizing social issues in the community, discussions on narrative conflicts, and analysis of character perspectives within literature and film. It concludes with guidance for launching book clubs and digital projects, emphasizing the importance of perspective and collaboration in understanding and addressing social concerns.