The Great Recession: Coping and Rising Above Poverty

The book, Million Dollar Throw, hits on the loss of employment in the struggling "great recession" . Nate's father lost his long time high level real estate position. Now, he is working two jobs to make ends meet. As a result, Nate never sees his dad anymore, which makes him sad and a bit vulnerable. My own family was hit personally by "the great recession". Therefore, this struggle sits very close to my heart. I hope that my students not only grow educationally through use of the Common Core standards in this lesson, but also grow in their awareness of the economic struggles of millions of Americans, and discover how we can persevere through it, and help others along the way.


CCL.6.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
            a. Ensure that pronouns are in the proper case (subjective or objective).

Pronouns. Students will begin with a worksheet on objective pronouns. While they complete the worksheet, students will receive a white board with a dry erase marker, and a napkin. Students will be asked to recall and quickly write various types of pronouns on the white boards. They will be timed. The point for me is to teach them how to memorize and study. They will have a test tomorrow on personal pronouns including subjective and objective pronouns.

CCRI.6.8: Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

As a class, we will read chapter 6 from the book, Million Dollar Throw. This chapter discusses the plight of Nate's father, who lost his job due to the economy. Now, Nate rarely sees his father, because his father must work two or more jobs at a time to make ends meet.

CCRI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

Students will watch a video on the great recession, and children in America who have been affected by the economy.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5dpq5RLJoas

After we read the chapter and watch the video, each student will receive a copy of the magazine, Tagged. This beautiful publication offers articles on happenings locally in the southern arc. Students will read the article, "Hunger Among Us: Food Insecure Households Emerging In Suburbs."



Before they read the article, I will offer a mini lesson on tracing arguments and how to determine whether or not the argument is supported by data or evidence.

The students must find at least three claims and one example of evidence for each claim. They can write these on the dry erase boards or use sticky notes.

CCSL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Students till partner up and compare and contrast their findings. Then, we will discuss as a class.

CCW.6.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Students will write their own experience with a struggling economy. This story could be their own or someone that they know. They must pull evidence from the article, "Hunger Among Us" to support their story. They must also write how they can contribute to make a difference, and help someone else in need.