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2024 - Reading the Past: Introduction

Opening Activity

English 12: Reading the Past 

Today you will be browsing a variety of resources with a goal of selecting your book for this English 12 unit of study. As you explore, please keep these essential questions in mind: 

  • To what extent can today's society learn from history to avoid future tragedies? 
  • What are some benefits of reading fiction set in the past? What are potential problems? 
  • What are some characteristics of "good" fiction? Who decides what's "good"? 

Water drop impact, high-speed photograph. Photograph. Britannica

ImageQuest, Encyclopædia Britannica, 2 Nov 2020.
quest.eb.com/search/132_3045991/1/132_3045991/cite. Accessed 14 Feb 2023.

Learning Targets 

Today I will browse a variety of resources and learn about authors and literary works, 

So that I can purposefully identify my options and make an educated selection for this assignment. 

I'll know I'm successful when I complete the browse, reflect on potential authors / titles, weigh my options, and finalize my selections.

Essential Questions: Connections to "The Help"

Discuss the essential questions with your table group. Please feel free to use your knowledge of The Help as supporting evidence: 

  • To what extent can today's society learn from history to avoid future tragedies? 
  • What are some benefits of reading fiction set in the past? What are potential problems? 
  • Who decides what's "good", in terms of fiction? 

Class notes: Outline some of the characteristics you will be seeking in books by considering the following: 

  • What are you looking for in a text? What are some characteristics of "good" fiction?
  • List the following:
    • Voices &/OR perspectives you would like to read about in this text 
    • Time periods you might want to read about in the novel 

What will you be creating?