My co-op suggested that I consider using the text, "Catcher in the Rye," as the basis for designing our unit plan. This is the first year that CV is using the novel as required reading for all 11th grade students, which means that my co-op doesn't have any lesson plans and will be starting from scratch. I am really excited about this opportunity, but a little nervous too. I talked with one of the other eleventh grade teachers, and she said she felt like she didn't have much success engaging the students in the story. I was surprised because this story is about them: struggling to make the transition between childhood and adulthood, feeling jaded by society and trying to figure out how to maintain some sense of individuality seem to be topics that most teens relate too. After further thought I realized that maybe the whole idea of the "prep-school" culture may be alienating for some of our students. While CV has students coming from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds; many of the students in the "tech" section are not economically privileged and may struggle to connect with Holden.
I think students will definitely need to have some prior knowledge about "prep-school" culture to understand this book...any suggestions about how to help facilitate this? Also, I think that maybe "reading" another text with a common "coming of age" theme may help them to connect with "Catcher" on a deeper level. (I say reading in quotes because I am thinking about using an alternative text for the second text; a movie or graphic novel may create more interest with my students.) Can anyone think of any connections for this topic?
Thank you for your help!
Let me preface by saying it’s been a long, long time since I’ve read “Catcher In The Rye!” One thing you could consider is not only the prep school culture, but also the lifestyle of teenagers in the 1950s. You could have students do a little research on this and have them compare that lifestyle to their own way of life (i.e. politics, fashion, entertainment, and technology). You could even stay away from the prep school concept and give students activities like describing their school, asking them to write in their notebooks where the “fit in,” and maybe even ask them to describe themselves as a student.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of other texts to use, try “Blankets” by Craig Thompson. It’s a graphic novel that has the theme of adolescent disappointment (among others). Good luck!
Thank you so much for your feedback! I have heard of "Blankets" before, but I haven't read it yet. I will definitely check it out!
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