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High School Grade  Project 8 weeks

"Resources Revamp: Janie's Modern Empowerment"

Erin P
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.9
D4.3.9-12
VA:Cr2.2.Ia
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to equip high school students with the skills to analyze literature and create impactful community resources addressing domestic abuse and promoting healthy relationships. Students will engage with local women's shelters to understand real-world issues, apply literary analysis to reinterpret classic texts, and develop graphic design skills to produce educational materials. Through this hands-on experience, students will foster critical thinking, self-directed learning, and academic mindset, ultimately contributing to their community's well-being and awareness.

Learning goals

Students will analyze and reinterpret literary themes and symbols from 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' to address contemporary social issues, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will develop graphic design and digital media proficiency to create impactful educational resources that promote healthy relationships and raise awareness of domestic abuse, engaging with community partners to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Through self-directed learning, students will reflect on their academic and socio-emotional growth, sharing their insights and project outcomes in a portfolio exhibition.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.9 - Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D4.3.9-12 - Present adaptations of arguments and explanations that feature evocative ideas and perspectives on issues and topics to reach a range of audiences and venues outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, reports, and maps) and digital technologies (e.g., Internet, social media, and digital documentary).
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cr2.2.Ia - Explain how traditional and non-traditional materials may impact human health and the environment and demonstrate safe handling of materials, tools, and equipment.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create educational bathroom fliers featuring warning signs of domestic abuse, incorporating QR codes that link to local resources. They will design student-friendly posters illustrating healthy versus unhealthy relationship dynamics to be displayed around the school. Additionally, students will rewrite a passage from "Their Eyes Were Watching God," imagining Janie's story in a modern setting with access to resources, integrating contemporary symbolism. These products will be showcased in a portfolio exhibition, allowing students to share their work with the school and community.

Launch

Begin the project with a guest speaker workshop featuring representatives from local women's shelters who can share real-world insights into domestic abuse and the importance of awareness and support. This workshop will provide students with a foundational understanding of the issues and inspire them to think critically about how they can contribute to their community through their projects. Additionally, organize a volunteer opportunity where students can assist in preparing informational materials for the shelters, allowing them to engage directly with community partners and understand the impact of their work.

Exhibition

Students will host a community exhibition showcasing their projects, including educational fliers and rewritten literary passages, at local businesses and schools. They will present their work to peers, teachers, and community members, highlighting the creative communication tools used to address domestic abuse awareness and relationship health. This exhibition will feature interactive displays with QR codes linking to resources, allowing attendees to engage with the materials and access support information. Additionally, students will facilitate discussions on the reinterpretation of literary themes and symbols, encouraging dialogue on contemporary social issues.