My Family Divided by Diane Guerrero with Erica Moroz (Young Adult Edition)
College (18-22 years old)
Literature
20 students
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the Topic | 5 | Brief overview of "My Family Divided." Discuss relevance of themes in contemporary society. |
| 2 | I Do: Teacher-Led Reading | 10 | Read selected excerpts from Chapters 8 and 9. Highlight key elements: themes, character details. |
| 3 | You Do: Independent Reading | 10 | Students read assigned passages silently. Focus on identifying personal connections. |
| 4 | We Do: Group Discussion | 10 | In groups of 4, students discuss their insights and findings from the reading. |
| 5 | Activity with Printable Cards | 5 | Distribute response cards for students to fill out their reflections during the discussion. |
| 6 | Collection of Cards | 2 | Randomly collect or check printed cards for understanding and engagement. |
| 7 | Assigning Homework | 3 | Assign homework related to themes from the reading without having students present in class. |
Students will be able to analyze themes of family and identity in "My Family Divided" and relate them to contemporary issues, engaging in peer collaboration and individual reflection.
This lesson plan aims to engage college students in a deep, meaningful exploration of "My Family Divided," fostering both analytical skills and personal connections to the text.
"Good morning, everyone! Today we’re going to dive into some important themes found in 'My Family Divided' by Diane Guerrero. This book explores the complex issues surrounding family separation and identity, which are especially relevant in today's world. As we navigate through these themes, I encourage you to think about your own experiences and how they relate to the text. Let's take a moment to reflect on the significance of family in our lives as we discuss its portrayal in the story."
"Now, I want to guide you through some excerpts from Chapters 8 and 9 of 'My Family Divided.' As I read, please pay attention to the key elements such as the development of the characters and the main themes in these sections. I will pause occasionally to highlight critical points and urge you to jot down any thoughts or feelings evoked by the text. Let’s begin!"
(Read selected excerpts from Chapters 8 and 9, pausing as necessary to discuss character motivations and thematic elements.)
"Now it’s your turn! I’d like each of you to take about 10 minutes to read the assigned passages silently. As you read, I want you to focus on identifying any personal connections you might have to the themes of family and identity discussed earlier. This is an opportunity for self-reflection, so feel free to underline or annotate sections that resonate with you."
"Great job on your independent reading! Now, let’s break into groups of four. In your groups, discuss your insights and findings from the reading. Share your personal connections as well. Don't forget to listen actively to your peers and build on each other's thoughts. You have 10 minutes for this discussion, and I’ll circulate to listen in and facilitate as needed."
"To capture your reflections from the group discussions, I’ll be handing out response cards. Please take a moment to fill these out with your thoughts on the reading, particularly focusing on how it has impacted your understanding of family dynamics. You can also include anything that stood out to you in your group discussions. You have 5 minutes to complete these cards."
(Distribute response cards to students.)
"Thank you for filling those out! I am going to collect the response cards now. There’s no right or wrong answer here; I’m just looking to gauge your understanding and engagement with the text. I’ll collect them randomly, so just pass them forward when you’re ready."
(Collect the cards from students.)
"Before we end class today, I want to assign some homework for you. I’d like you to read the next chapter of 'My Family Divided' and write a brief reflection on how the themes of family separation and identity continue to evolve throughout the story. Please submit your reflections in our next class. Remember, this is a chance for you to analyze how these themes relate not only to the book but to real-life situations as well. Thank you all for your hard work today!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A family portrait} | - Introduction to the themes of 'My Family Divided' |
| - Importance of family separation and identity | ||
| - Encourage personal reflections and experiences | ||
| 2 | {Image: A book with an open page} | - Teacher-led reading of Chapters 8 and 9 |
| - Focus on character development and main themes | ||
| - Importance of jotting down thoughts and feelings | ||
| 3 | {Image: Students reading quietly} | - Independent reading of assigned passages |
| - Identify personal connections to themes of family | ||
| - Opportunity for self-reflection | ||
| 4 | {Image: Students discussing in a group} | - Group discussion in pairs or small groups |
| - Share insights and findings from readings | ||
| - Importance of active listening and collaboration | ||
| 5 | {Image: Response cards on a table} | - Fill out response cards reflecting on group discussions |
| - Thoughts on family dynamics and personal responses | ||
| - Instructions for upcoming homework on chapter reflection |
In 'My Family Divided,' how does Diane Guerrero describe the impact of family separation on her identity? Provide specific examples from Chapters 8 and 9 to support your answer.
Reflect on a time when you felt a connection to a family member or friend during a challenging situation. How does this personal experience relate to the themes discussed in the book?
After reading Chapters 8 and 9, what are some character motivations that you found particularly significant? Explain how these motivations contribute to the overarching themes of the story.
Discuss how Guerrero's experiences in 'My Family Divided' challenge or reinforce your understanding of family dynamics. Provide at least two specific points from the text to justify your response.
Based on the group discussions held in class, what were some common insights shared by your peers regarding the themes of family and identity? Summarize these thoughts in your own words.
How do you see the themes of family separation and identity evolving in the next chapter? Make predictions based on the context provided in Chapters 8 and 9.
Create a visual representation (e.g., a mind map or drawing) that illustrates the relationship between family separation and identity as depicted in 'My Family Divided.' Include key themes and character connections.
What emotions did you experience while reading the assigned excerpts? Reflect on how these emotions might shape your understanding of the themes in the book.
Students should describe specific instances where Guerrero illustrates the emotional toll of family separation on her sense of self, using textual evidence from Chapters 8 and 9.
Answers will vary but should relate a personal experience to the emotional context and themes in the book.
Answers should identify significant character motivations, such as the desire for connection or resilience, and explain how these drive the narrative.
Responses should discuss how Guerrero's experiences provide insight into real-world family dynamics and may provoke a reevaluation of the reader's understanding.
Answers will vary, summarizing shared insights or themes from group discussions, such as the importance of belonging or the pain of separation.
Students should make predictions based on thematic continuity and textual hints, speculating on future developments in the story.
Students should create a visual that connects the main themes in a coherent way, highlighting personal insights and connections.
Students should share their emotional reactions, reflecting on how these feelings contribute to their understanding of the text's themes.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the main themes addressed in 'My Family Divided'? | |
| How does Diane Guerrero portray the concept of family separation in the book? | |
| Can you identify a character who struggles with their identity? What causes this struggle? | |
| What personal connections can you draw between your experiences and the themes in the text? | |
| In what ways do the characters in Chapters 8 and 9 develop their understanding of family? | |
| How does the author use experiences from her life to convey the book's main message? | |
| What role does storytelling play in understanding family dynamics in the book? | |
| How can the themes of 'My Family Divided' relate to current events in society? | |
| What insights did you gain from your group discussions about family and identity? | |
| How might the themes of family separation affect different individuals based on their context? |