Creative ELA Unit Study | Past and Present
| Author Study | Main Texts | Creative Writing Projects |
| Jewell Parker Rhodes | Ghost Boys A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson | A Dialogue with the Past Sonnets for Tomorrow Create a Newspaper Posters for Change |
The Creative ELA unit study Past and Present uses realistic fiction and poetry to help students learn about racism and implicit bias. In this unit, they’ll go back into the past and stay in the present to examine the impacts of racism. They’ll also explore ideas of hope and connection. They’ll see how even small changes make a difference.
In this unit, learners will read Jewell Parker Rhodes’ novel Ghost Boys. Through both Rhodes’ novel and the book of poetry, A Wreath for Emmett Till, by Marilyn Nelson, they will also learn about the life and death of Emmett Till.
Please note that while both texts are written for children, they include graphic scenes of children being murdered. I suggest doing the pre-reading activities before reading the books, so students have a sense of what will happen, and reading the books together so you can answer questions and support them if necessary.
Students will be encouraged to think critically and respond to their learning by exploring realistic fiction, poetry, research, and creative writing.
Creative ELA Unit Study |Past and Present- Student Guide
- Author study- Jewel Parker Rhodes- 1st Live Class or independently
- Pre-Reading Ghost Boys– 1st Live Class or independently
- Watch “_________” 1st Live Class or independently.
- Pre-reading Who Were Emmett Till, Tamir Rice, and Trayvon Martin
- Read Ghost Boys, pages 1-53
- Discussion Questions for Ghost Boys pages 1-60
- A Dialogue with the Past- Video Mini-lesson in the classroom
- Read Ghost Boys, pages 54-103
- A Wreath for Emmett Till- Poetry Activities
- Sonnets for Tomorrow- Video Mini-lesson in the classroom
- Read Ghost Boys, pages 104-161
- Discussion Questions for Ghost Boys pages 104-161
- Create a Newspaper- Video Mini-lesson in the classroom
- A Wreath for Emmett Till- Poetry Activities
- Webquest- Civil Rights Movement
- Finish reading Ghost Boys
- Discussion Questions for Ghost Boys pages 162-204
- Listen to ________ Podcast
- Posters for Change Creative Writing Project
- Post-reading activities- Live class
Past and Present… is available with or without Zoom classes. If you purchase the unit with Zoom classes, I’ll lead your students through a pre-reading and post-reading class. We’ll schedule these classes to fit both of our schedules.
