Blog 4 (Redeaux)

One thing that I would love to do is lead a lesson on the topic of learning disabilities and mental health. As a person who has faced the struggle of growing up with both, I believe it’s imperative to educate our students on the importance of leading with kindness and understanding the difficulties that many of them and their peers face on a daily basis. I also want to encourage my students to pursue what they love doing and not feel constrained by the labels others may push upon them. These texts and links cover this, being quite fitting to the topic in general.

Non text link:

https://youtu.be/erFoLBcNyKI?si=dlhPK3d6vI0cGzFW

Reason of Interest: This song is about a man who wants to better his life and achieve all of his dreams in any way he can, no matter what personal roadblocks or obstacles are in his way. This would be a solid introduction to the unit, and I feel this would be a better introduction than using something hard hitting and overly negative.

Activity: What is a personal roadblock that you wish to overcome? How do you relate to this song?

You’re Welcome Universe by Whitney GardnerRealistic fiction YA, 297 pages.Lexile:  HL610L (Grades 7th-8th)

Summary: In the story, Julia is a deaf, Native American teen, who attends a high school for deaf individuals and notices that someone has written an awful slur about her best friend across the building. She covers it up with her own graffiti, but is unfortunately expelled because her friend told on her. She is then forced into a regular school, where everything is foreign to her. Throughout the book, Julia is frustrated, but is nevertheless unafraid to be her true, bold self, and works her way to stay positive by using the only outlet she feels she has - graffiti and art.

Reason of interest: This book takes a deep dive into deaf culture, and reading this book with be sure to put the reader into Julia’s shoes. The reader will find themselves sympathizing with Julia, noticing her desire to use her creativity to be seen and heard, and the diversity being shown in her character alone. As an aside, each chapter has Julia’s graffiti on two pages. It is an eye catching and beautiful way to help tell the story of each chapter.

Vocabulary words:

Vandalism

Swivel

Acquisition

Skepticism

Diligently

Mural

Question: Choose one piece of graffiti from any chapter of the book. What do you think that piece of graffiti symbolizes in the story? Explain.

Possible project idea: Create your own “graffiti art” on a canvas using spray paint and watercolors, (you may use technology if you’d like) with something that relates to any chapter of your choosing. Afterwards, make a short paragraph explaining your artwork.

Stronger Than You Know by Jolene Perry

Realistic fiction, YA: 272 Pages

Lexile measure: HL620L (Grades 7th-9th)

Summary: Joy has gone through years of abuse from her mom, and has dealt with sexual abuse from her mom’s boyfriend—Joy finally gets placed under the care of her aunt and uncle. Unfortunately due to the abuse she endured, she is scared of her uncle and other men, she suffers panic attacks and nightmares, and she struggles to socialize. With the help of therapy, Joy is able to make friends and embark on a journey to aid her mental health.

Reason of Interest: This book gives a realistic portrayal of mental health struggles and trauma, but it also gives the reader hope for the main character, and will give the reader a new perspective on the struggles of mental health and trauma.

Vocabulary words:

Trauma

Psychologist

Petulant

Progressive

Neglect

Question: Name three parts in which Joy’s mental health has progressed throughout the novel. Why is this important?

Possible project/essay idea: Write 500 words about a time you conquered a fear. What was this fear? What tools did you use to overcome it?

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Realistic fiction, YA: 229 Pages

Lexile: 600L (Grade 7th)

Summary: Junior (Arnold Spirit Jr) is a 14 year old aspiring cartoonist, who lives on the Spokane reservation. Junior was born with excess spinal fluid on the brain. He survived, however, Junior was left with a lisp and stutter. Junior eventually leaves his reservation (rez) for a small town, predominantly white high school, and tries his best to navigate his way through life as a student. Throughout the novel, Junior discusses his life when living on the reservation, while sticking out like a sore thumb at his high school.

Reason of Interest: This is a beloved coming of age story that (much like the first book) comes with illustrations from the main character that are eye catching in a more humorous way, and the storyline is relatable for anyone who feels awkward and out of place. The inclusivity and realism of the story is enough to grab ones’ attention as well.

Vocabulary:

Ambidextrous

Minion

Impediment

Reservation

Pummel

Question: Pick two drawings from the novel. How do these drawings represent Junior’s experiences? What would you draw if you were Junior?

Project: Create a diary entry (one paragraph long) about anything you would like. Create a drawing that relates to your entry.