QUESTION: 10th Grade Unit on Border Crossing and Living on the Edge- suggestions?

[Lella Deraney]

I am starting a unit on Border Crossing and Living on the Edge. I was thinking of using some poetry by Gloria Anzaldua. Any other suggestions of poetry, other texts, and incorporation of pop culture? It's for tenth grade. This is my first attempt at a thematic unit so any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

 

Lella

[Karen M Adrian]

Hi, there was a show on FX channel called "30 Days" and there's an episode called "Immigration" about a border-patrolling Minuteman - who, incidentally, had legally immigrated to America from Cuba as a child - in a home of illegal immigrants.  This might be a good resource.

[Lella Deraney]

thanks! I'll check it out!

[Deborah Sebree]

Lella,

I teach 7/8th grade lit "on the border". I have students who cross from Mexico everyday, both legally and illegally. I don't have any particular resources to recommend, at the moment, since for us it is just everyday life, not really a special unit. : ) I'm thinking that your students could interview some of mine via email, once schools starts (for us that is mid-August). Or you could come up with some questions that my students could answer as a whole, rather than individually - which might be more comfortable for those who may not have complete and/or accurate documentation. Our 6th graders read Esperanza Rising which is about a girl who comes to America illegally but it's a historical fiction novel and probably not what you have in mind. I'll keep thinking on this...

[Lella Deraney]

Wow! The interview/question idea is awesome! I am not sure exactly when I will be teaching this unit. I am designing it right now as part of my MAT requirements. I love the idea, and will keep it in mind as I get closer to the practicum experience. :) Thanks for the invite!

[Ryan Goble]

Check out the excellent film Under the Same Moon as well as all the short films on immigration at the Media that Matters Film fest -  streamed at http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org/issue/immigration/

[Lella Deraney]

I'll check it out. Thanks! I am surprised at how quickly I started getting responses!

[Kelly Farrow]

One excellent book, aimed at a slightly younger (i.e., middle school) audience and therefore great for any kids who struggle w/ reading is Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs. It's also available on audiobook.

[Tiffany Aguilar]

http://www.borderfilmproject.com/en/index.php

http://www.lourdesportillo.com/senoritaextraviada/

http://www.amazon.com/Borderlands-Frontera-New-Mestiza-Third/dp/187...

http://www.uapress.arizona.edu/Books/bid1324.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Juarez-Laboratory-Future-Charles-Bowden/dp/08...

 

Here are some resources to take a look at that you may be able to find something in. Might be too serious, but I wanted to send along as someone who is very passionate about the border.

[Elizabeth Gibbon]

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver would fit in nicely.

[KellyAnn Bonnell]

The photography unit by teaching tolerance on teaching social justice www.teachingtolerance.org for visual literacy and arts integration

A mock immigration trial for civics integration. I think there was an asylum lesson plan related one of the PBS series dealing with immigration that could easily be modified. You might be able to tie it into the recent episode of Suits on USA where the new associates have to do a mock trail for the partners in the law firm.

 

 

 

 

[Anna J. Small Roseboro]

Hello, Lella.  How's this unit planning coming along?  What are some of the BIG or ESSENTIAL questions you're using? 

What titles have you already chosen?

 Answers will help me recommend titles.  Do you have eager, reluctant or combination of readers?  Access to technology?  Any cross content areas collaboratiion?

 

[Anna J. Small Roseboro]

Are you familiar with COMMANDER CHRIS and the MYSTICAL ORB by Mark Mattison?  Skateboarding Sci-Fi adventure.  Worth adding to reading list even if you decide not to teach it to whole class.