Assessment of Need
Reading literature that deals with diversity and acceptance is necessary for high school students. My geographic location's demographics are comprised of approximately ninety percent Caucasian and after high school many students react to some “culture shock” when they attend college or find jobs outside the area. Students soon discover that not all places are primarily comprised of white Protestants. The more teachers can present material to their classes about other cultures and bring diversity into the classroom, less shock will occur and the students can become more open minded about different groups of people.
By teaching Maus to an 8th or 9th grade audience, the students can begin to expand this larger worldview at a younger age. Student's minds are able to be molded easily at this age, and a teacher’s desire for embracing diversity can influence their personal beliefs. Unfortunately, many beliefs of prejudice are prevalent in schools across America. Most locations in America deal with at least one prevalent form of racism and prejudice in their area. This issue makes this book suitable for any region in the United States from East Tennessee to New York City. This text can help address the need to eradicate all forms of prejudice in our students.
If possible, the resources for teachers in the classroom should consist of a smart board, or large television. This will allow teachers to present video and picture presentations of the Holocaust to show students a visual image of the Holocaust. Bringing in visual tools will help the students engage in the text more effectively. A doc cam would be helpful as well with showing students pictures from textbooks or magazines to the class. If this is not available, the teacher can pass around the pictures or make copies for the students to view.
Ideally, to discuss this text adequately in class, a class length should consist of around one and a half hours. Also, a classroom of around twenty students would be perfect for discussing these topic. If possible, teaching this book later in the year would be appropriate. Students need to be comfortable with those around them when discussing some of the touchy subjects this book presents.
Using this book in the classroom will also allow for a break of traditional texts students have been reading in class. This graphic novel can be used to help spark interest in some of your reluctant readers. Through reading this graphic novel, the students will be learning state mandated standards while engaging students in an important part of history.
By teaching Maus to an 8th or 9th grade audience, the students can begin to expand this larger worldview at a younger age. Student's minds are able to be molded easily at this age, and a teacher’s desire for embracing diversity can influence their personal beliefs. Unfortunately, many beliefs of prejudice are prevalent in schools across America. Most locations in America deal with at least one prevalent form of racism and prejudice in their area. This issue makes this book suitable for any region in the United States from East Tennessee to New York City. This text can help address the need to eradicate all forms of prejudice in our students.
If possible, the resources for teachers in the classroom should consist of a smart board, or large television. This will allow teachers to present video and picture presentations of the Holocaust to show students a visual image of the Holocaust. Bringing in visual tools will help the students engage in the text more effectively. A doc cam would be helpful as well with showing students pictures from textbooks or magazines to the class. If this is not available, the teacher can pass around the pictures or make copies for the students to view.
Ideally, to discuss this text adequately in class, a class length should consist of around one and a half hours. Also, a classroom of around twenty students would be perfect for discussing these topic. If possible, teaching this book later in the year would be appropriate. Students need to be comfortable with those around them when discussing some of the touchy subjects this book presents.
Using this book in the classroom will also allow for a break of traditional texts students have been reading in class. This graphic novel can be used to help spark interest in some of your reluctant readers. Through reading this graphic novel, the students will be learning state mandated standards while engaging students in an important part of history.