I envision incorporating this unit in three lessons a week over a time period of two semesters. I plan to integrate the materials in the subjects of Reading, Language Arts, and Social Development. The students will actively take part in learning the material while developing academic skills. This approach will tap into each student’s creative side while holding individual interest levels.
The plays I have chosen were selected for their strong family message, their high interest, vivid characterizations and readability. These plays depict three families from different ethnic backgrounds (Hispanic, Japanese-American, and Hispanic). The families have similar problems relating to money, mobility, acceptance role/gender issues, and prejudice. Each confronts these problems in different ways and with different results.
I plan to present the plays in the following order: “The Oxcart”, “And the Soul Shall Dance”, and “A Raisin in the Sun”. I chose “The Oxcart” first because of its high interest and easy readability. These elements are essential in establishing motivation at the beginning of the unit. “And the Soul Shall Dance” will be studied next. This play is difficult in terms of language and concepts. This will require a great deal of concentration and teacher direction. While both of these plays will be studied in depth, they do serve as “warm ups” to a more thorough examination of the final play, “A Raisin in the Sun”. This play incorporates all the elements that I hope to teach my students about family and identity.
Before reading, discussing, and writing about the plays, I will introduce the class to several essential elements found in all plays. These elements will continually be reinforced throughout the unit. They will be invaluable in focusing the students on their readings, in structuring their writing assignments, and in assisting them through their “performances”. The elements of a play to be discussed are:
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1) Plot
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a. conflict
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b. climax
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2) Setting
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3) Characters
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4) Main Idea
