module
Civil Discourse through Literature: Middle School
This module provides teachers with engaging lesson plans to foster respectful discussions on literature for middle school. Students develop critical thinking, empathy, and communication skills while exploring diverse perspectives in literary works.
Lessons
Lesson
Civil Discourse: Creating Norms and Exploring Decision‐Making
Using visual literacy tools, this lesson explores the concept of community, establishes class values and norms, and emphasizes mutual respect and effective communication.
Lesson
Civil Discourse: Discussing Themes in Literature
This lesson engages students in a reflective warm‐up activity, followed by small group discussions that focus on themes and essential questions related to the stories.
Lesson
Civil Discourse: Exploring Reading Metaphors in Cartoons
In this lesson, students explore the metaphors of “windows,” “mirrors,” and “sliding glass doors” as they analyze various forms of media and literature.
Lesson
Civil Discourse: Book Discussion
Building off of previous concepts, this lesson asks students to collaboratively develop reading schedules with peers and participate in a shared book discussion.
Lesson
Civil Discourse: Character Development Helps Us See Who We Are
In this lesson, students engage in learning activities that help them understand how character development enhances their comprehension of literature and personal experiences.