Description

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.

The Unit Study includes: 

• Pre and Post-Reading Activities
• Author Study
• Discussion Questions for each chapter
• Poetry Activities
• 4 Creative Writing Activities
• 3 Recorded Creative Writing Lessons
• Web-quest
• Research projects