High School Experiences that had the Most Impact on my Teaching Career
When I think back to my own high school experience, I feel sad. I was in "regular" classes, and many of my friends were in "advanced" classes. They were always talking about the exciting and creative projects they got to work on. I, on the other hand, was "challenged" by copying word-for-word notes off the chalkboard. That experience informs my teaching to this day. I offer projects at the end of literature units because many students thrive when they express their creativity.
Another experience informed my teaching, too. In middle school, I was on a committee that was tasked with developing a campaign to raise money for the United Way. I loved this task so much! I got to collaborate, create posters, generate catchy slogans, and actually do something that felt meaningful. It felt like real work that people do. I've never forgotten that. Tasks that mimic the real world have much greater meaning than generic assignments and activities.
I like to assign projects at the ends of my literature units so that my students can have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge in different ways. Completing projects at the end of high school English units enhances comprehension, critical thinking, and creativity. Projects allow students to apply theoretical knowledge practically, deepen understanding, and develop communication skills. They ask students to step outside their comfort zones and promote creativity through diverse mediums. Best of all, they feel meaningful.
Because I love art, graphic design, fashion, and interiors, many of my projects relate to those things. (For example, during our The Great Gatsby unit, students can sketch a line of 1920s-inspired fashion, decorate a room in Gatsby's mansion, plan a dinner party, etc.) As a teenager, I would have jumped at the opportunity to do one of those projects!
Since my students are finishing A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry this week, I'm offering five different project choices:
Act as the play's producer, and create "pitch" Slides to convince a production team to fund your play's run. This includes elements of set design, fashion design, casting, theater leasing, and more.
Design the graphic art for the poster advertising a performance of A Raisin in the Sun or the book cover art for the print version.
Perform a monologue from the play.
Create a poster showcasing symbols from the play.
Research and deliver an informational speech about Hansberry's own life and motivations for writing this play.
Which would you choose?
If you would like the student handouts for these projects, I'm giving them away for free here. Enjoy, and let me know how your students like them!
If you would like to browse my other A Raisin in the Sun materials, click here to see my Unit Bundle or visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store and search "A Raisin in the Sun."