Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 1. Gathering Blue: An Examination of Disability & Dystopia Lesson Plans

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Gerald Cannon
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1 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 1 Gathering Blue: An Examination of Disability & Dystopia Lesson Plans Day 1 Anticipatory Set: tea party Read aloud: Chapters 1-3 (pp. 1-30; 29 pages) Chapter 1 Kira is in the Field of Leaving completing her four days of watching after her mother s death Her cott was burnt down (requirement to avoid spreading illness) Kira tries to decide how she will fit into society without her mother Remembering the story of her birth and survival Introduction of Matt Kira learns women want to take the land where her cott was Chapter 2 Kira s garden vegetables are taken - - they are her only source of food without a family hunter Verbal argument between Kira and the women The women decide to take the matter to the Council of Guardians Kira s skill with a needle Chapter 3 Council Edifice Explanation of the Gathering and Ruin Song Trial with the Council of Guardians Chapter 1 p. 3 Fear was always a part of life for the people. p. 6 Your strong hands and wise head make up for the crippled leg. p. 9 People from the Fen were oddly different p. 11 They aim to build a pen there, to keep tykes and the fowls enclosed so they don t be having to chase them all the time. Chapter 2 p. 16 You don t belong in the village anymore. You re worthless, with that leg. Your mother always protected you but she s gone now. You should go too. Why didn t you just stay in the Field? p. 20 If only she was allowed to stay. Chapter 3 p. 21 The story of the past was filled with warfare and disasters. Most especially it was frightening when it recalled the Ruin, the end of the civilization of the ancestors. p. 26 She was imperfect. And fatherless as well. She should not have been kept.

2 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 2 Homework: reflect chapters 1-3 Day 2 Anticipatory Set: No one wants a cripple. She takes up space, and food, and causes problem. Read aloud: Chapters 4-6 (pp ; 35 pages) Chapter 4 Continuance of trial with the Council of Guardians When her mother was pregnant, Kira s father was taken by beasts. Learn that Vandara s son died from a poisonous plant - - there are some suspicions that she purposely fed her son the plant Importance of dye and the embroidered robe Continuance of the self-acting cloth Kira embroidered Chapter 5 Introduction of the singer s robe Annabel (four syllable name is unusual to still be alive) Kira is given her new role to fix the singer s robe Matt saves items for Kira before her cott was destroyed Story of Camilla who broke her arm Chapter 6 Kira returns to the Council Edifice to live in her new home - - description of her new home Chapter 4 p. 34 Kira was accustomed to stares. She had been taunted throughout her childhood. p. 36 They all knew about her twisted leg. Why did she have to do this in front of them, to submit to their humiliating stares? p. 41 The community cloth was drab, all no-color; the formless shifts and trousers worn by the people were woven and stitched for protection against the sudden occasional rain, thorn scratch, or poison berry. p. 43 No one wants a cripple. She takes up space, and food, and causes problem. Chapter 5 p. 50 People and dogs together would shove and grab. p. 54 She broke her arm real bad. Can t be fixed. Can t be made straight. No more good for weaving. Her hubby tried real hard to straighten up the arm cause he needs her. For the tykes and such. But she ll probably go to the Field. Chapter 6 p. 58 She had always known she would not marry - - her twisted leg made it an impossibility; she could never be a good wife, could

3 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 3 never perform the many duties required - - but certainly she could manage alone. p. 62 You don t be captive here, do you? No, she s not a captive, Jamison reassured Matt. Why would you think that? Homework: Reflect chapters 4-6 Day 3 Anticipatory Set: Free write - - Think of a time you entered a new and strange place. What was it like? How did you feel? What did you do to cope/survive? Read aloud: Chapters 7-9 (pp ; 32 pages) Chapter 7 Kira exploring the strangeness of her new home Introduction of Thomas the Carver and how he was chosen - - death of his parents Explanation of Kira s new role, as well as the lack of rules Relation between the robe and the future Chapter 8 Explanation of life in the Fen Annabella and the dyes Chapter 9 Lack of blue and the inability to make the color blue Only chosen boys are allowed to learn to read and write Strange sounds in the night Thomas gift to Kira Preparation for the hunt and Matt s involvement Chapter 7 p. 68 It was interesting, Kira decided, that they found a way for water to enter the building, but impractical and unsanitary, and there was no place to bury waste. p. 70 Somehow the guardians heard about my work. They came to our cott and admired it. So similar, Kira thought. Then, Thomas continued, Not long after, my parents were both killed during a storm. Struck by lightning, both at once. Chapter 8 p. 81 But you must learn the dyes. There are other things they ll want of you. p. 86 I have nought. Others do, but they be far away. Who be others? Chapter 9 p. 89 She turned her eyes away quickly so that she would not learn it, would not be guilty of something clearly forbidden to her.

4 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 4 Homework: Reflect chapters 7-9 Day 4 Anticipatory Set: imagine a hunting party - - what types of emotions are involved? What are the different roles involved? Read Aloud: Chapters (pp ; 21 pages) Chapter 10 Rescue of Matt More elaborate explanation of the powers of Kira and Thomas crafts Chapter 11 Kira s fearful visit to Annabella Annabella declaration that there are no beasts Kira beginning to question the existence of beasts Chapter 12 Blank space that Kira will need to fill in her lifetime Kira s questioning of society Recurrence of child s crying Chapter 10 p. 100 Kira had not been much in the world of men. They led very separate lives from those of women. Chapter 11 pp I can t run at all. My leg s a useless thing. She looked down at it, ashamed. The old woman shrugged. It brought you here, she said. There be no beasts. Chapter 12 p. 117 Ruin. Rebuilding. Ruin again. Regrowth. Kira followed the scenes with her hand as larger and greater cities appeared and larger, greater destruction took place. The cycle was so regular that its pattern took on a clear form: an up-and-down movement, wavelike. Homework: Reflect chapters Day 5 Anticipatory Set: Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth. Read Aloud: Chapters (pp ; 24 pages) Chapter 13 Kira, Matt, and Thomas exploration Discovery of the singer from the Fen, Jo Jo s story told through Matt Kira s confession to Jamison

5 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 5 Chapter 14 Kira visits Marlena Death of Annabella Search for Jamison and Kira s return to Jo Chapter 15 Kira s new dyeing place Kira s talk with Thomas about Jo Discussion about knowledge Thomas master key Chapter 13 p. 123 It occurred to Kira that Jamison had been her defender, had been the one responsible for her being here at all in this new life. So there was really no reason to huddle here in the dim hallway, hiding from him. Yet she was oddly fearful. p. 124 Both of them? At the same time? Kira and Thomas looked at each other. They both knew loss. But it had happened again? To another tyke? p. 128 It s dangerous for her to speak that way. Her mind is beginning to wander. Chapter 14 p.132 She be only a small tyke, you know? But when she singed, she had knowledges of things that wasn t even happened yet. p. 137 Now tykes were penned there, enclosed by thorn bushes. It seemed cruel. But at least they were not isolated. Chapter 15 p. 142 It was to keep me safe, I think. And to make me pay attention. I was young and I didn t want to work all the time. p. 145 Well, it doesn t matter much, does it? We each have a good life now. Better tools than we did before. Good food. Work to do. Homework: Reflect chapters Day 6 Anticipatory Set: free write - - What is freedom? Read Aloud: Chapters (pp ; 26 pages) Chapter 16 Kira and Thomas visit Jo Jo and her studies Jo s signal for Thomas Kira s realization about the reality of her situation & her despair Chapter 17 Kira & Thomas visit the Fen

6 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 6 Matt s disappearance Description of the Fen Kira s thinking about a new future The search for Matt Matt s search for blue - - his gift for Kira Chapter 18 Preparation for the Gathering Reflection of the Song with Jamison Revelation that Kira will create the future with her embroidery Chapter 16 p. 150 I be climbing trees sometimes in the Fen. But me mum, she hits me when I do because she say I be breaking me legs and then they take me to the Field. p. 153 Suddenly Kira knew that although her door was unlocked, she was not really free. Her life was limited to these things and this work. Chapter 17 p. 156 The Fen, Kira told him. He looked at her quizzically. That filthy place? Why would you want to go there? I ve never been there. I want to see where Jo lived, Thomas. p. 159 On the other side of the stream, beyond the thick poisonous oleander bushes that were such a danger to tykes, lay the area known as the Fen But it was darker here, with the trees thick overhead, and festering with dampness and an odor of ill health. p. 159 Why must there be such a horrible place? Kira whispered to Thomas. Why do people have to live like this? p. 159 We re the ones who will fill in the blank places. Maybe we can make it different. Chapter 18 p. 173 She wanted to please him. He had been her protector. But she didn t want to keep doing this forever. Homework: Reflect chapters Day 7 Anticipatory Set: Free write about loss and closure Read Aloud: Chapters (pp ; 24 pages) Chapter 19 Gathering Day o Presentation of the new Carver, new Robe-threader, and new Singer o The Singer Chapter 20

7 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 7 The Song continues Reappearance of Matt Matt s gift to Kira Revelation that there are no beasts Other village of broken people Strange sounds coming from the Singer Chapter 21 Kira s big gift from Matt Reveal of Kira s father Chapter 19 p.175 The people seemed solemn and expectant. p.177 It s not true. I need all of you. We need each other. p.180 Kira could see the broad blank expanse across the Singer s back and shoulders, the blank that she had been picked to fill. The future that she had been chosen to create. Chapter 20 p.187 A square of filthy, wrinkled cloth. Nothing more. And yet it was everything. p.188 Them be all broken, them people. But there be plenty of food. And it s quiet-like, and nice. What do you mean, broken? He gestured toward her twisted leg. Like you. Some don t walk good. Some be broken in other ways. Not all. But lots. Do you think it maken them quiet and nice, to be broken? p. 189 Pain makes you strong. Chapter 21 p.191 Kira, watching, remained motionless and silent, overwhelmed with her new knowledge and a heavy feeling that combined dread and terrible sorrow. p.193 She had never seen anyone with destroyed vision before, though she had heard of such things happening through accident or disease. But damaged people were useless; they were always taken to the Field. Round table discussion Homework: Reflect chapters Day 8 Anticipatory Set: How could it change? It s the way it is It s the only way people can get what they want. Read Aloud: Chapters (pp ; 16 pages) Chapter 22 Christopher s story The village of the healing

8 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 8 Vandara story Chapter 23 Kira finally understands the truth about everything Kira s decision to stay in the village rather than leave with her father Kira s vision of the future Chapter 22 p.201 How could it change? It s the way it is. It s what tykes are taught, to grab and shove. It s the only way people can get what they want. I would have been taught that way too, but for my leg. p.203 Kira was astonished. In her entire lifetime in the village, she had never done such a thing. She knew no one who would be willing to soothe or comfort or aid a grievously wounded being. Or who would know how. p.204 The village of the healing has existed for a long time, he explained. Wounded people still come. But now it is beginning to change, because children have been born there and are growing up. So we have strong, healthy young people among us. And we have others who have found us and stayed because they wanted to share our way of life. Chapter 23 p.212 The guardians with their stern faces had no creative power. But they had strength and cunning, and they found a way to steal and harness other people s powers for their own needs. They were forcing the children to describe the future they wanted, not the one that could be. p.213 I know you can t be getting a hubby because of your horrid gimp I been wanting to tell you that them other people - - them broken ones? They gets married. p.215 The blue was gathered in her hand, and she could feel it quiver, as if it had been given breath and was beginning to live. Graffiti board activity with discussion Homework: Reflect chapters Day 9 Anticipatory Set: Think about an iceberg - - what s above the surface and what s below the surface? Apply the iceberg to yourself or your community. Iceberg diagram about Kira s village - - focus on dystopian elements o Create in-class, then share Blog: main focus - - iceberg activity and dystopia Homework: find 2-4 quotations that struck you regarding dystopia in the novel to share in the Socratic seminar. Day 10

9 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 9 Anticipatory Set: Words are power. What does this quote mean to you? Do you agree or disagree? Explain your position. Socratic seminar - - focus on dystopia Found poem - - focus on dystopia o Create in class, then share in pairs - - afterwards share the experience as a class. Blog: main focus - - power of words, as well as dystopia Homework: Think about the representations of ability/disability in Gathering Blue. Record your thoughts in preparation for the fish bowl discussion. Day 11 Anticipatory Set: Do you see similarities between the treatment of disability in Gathering Blue and in today s society? In what ways are they similar? Integrate Bennet s model of developing intercultural sensitivity. Fish bowl o Topic is about ability/disability in Gathering Blue, as well as its connection to today s society. Blog: main focus - - disability and ability in Gathering Blue and begin to connect to our society at large Homework: What can we do to create change? Day 12 Anticipatory Set: Give three examples of dystopia at a local, national, and global level. Discussion: applying dystopia to our local, national, & global communities Research: research practical examples of dystopia Blog: main focus - - research about dystopia Day 13 Anticipatory Set: review the research you completed last class Discussion about research Blog: main focus - - thoughts about dystopia in our communities after participating in discussion Day 14 Anticipatory Set: Is it important to think about change? Why should we consider changing our circumstances rather than maintaining the status quo? Gallery walk activity Internet research about change occurring in communities Discussion - - What did you learn from your research? What can we do to help create change? Blog: main focus - - how can we change the way society treats ability? How can we change the dystopian elements of our local, national, and global communities? What are some small, practical steps? Day 15 Anticipatory Set: Final project introduction

10 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 10 Final project o Questions o Group assembly o Brainstorming Day 16 Final project Day 17 Final project Day 18 Final project Day 19 Final project Day 20 Final project Day 21 Final project Day 22 Final project - - completing touches Day 23 Final project presentations Day 24 Final project presentations

11 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 11 Day 25 Final project presentations (if necessary) Day 26 of unit

12 Critical Theory Into Action: Lesson Plans 12

Handling the Pressure l Session 6

Handling the Pressure l Session 6 Under Pressure Role Plays Put Yourself into the Story Instructions: Photocopy this page and cut out the cards. Read one scenario at a time and choose a child to answer