Food is an expression of an individual's cultural identity, and food justice is about providing individuals access to foods that comforts and gives them a sense of belonging. Spanish captions and transcript also available. [3:02]

The British Broadcasting Corporation provides an incredibly detailed description and outline of Hinduism. Content includes a look at the religion's history, as well as its beliefs, customs, holy days, and forms of worship.

The 12th grade learning experience consists of 7 mostly month-long units aligned to the Common Core State Standards, with available course material for teachers and students easily accessible online. Over the course of the year there is a steady progression in text complexity levels, sophistication of writing tasks, speaking and listening activities, and increased opportunities for independent and collaborative work. Rubrics and student models accompany many writing assignments.Throughout the 12th grade year, in addition to the Common Read texts that the whole class reads together, students each select an Independent Reading book and engage with peers in group Book Talks. Language study is embedded in every 12th grade unit as students use annotation to closely review aspects of each text. Teacher resources provide additional materials to support each unit.

In our lives, we are constantly telling stories to ourselves and to others in an attempt to both understand our experiences and present our best selves to others.  But how do we tell a story about ourselves that is both true and positive? How do we hold ourselves up in the best possible light, while still being honest about our struggles and our flaws? Students will explore ways of interpreting and portraying personal experiences.  They'll read Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart , analyzing the text through the eyes of one character. They'll get to know that character's flaws and strengths, and they'll tell part of the story from that character's perspective, doing their best to tell an honest tale that presents their character's best side. Then they'll explore their own stories, crafting a personal narrative about an important moment of learning in his or her life.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Students read and analyze Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart , viewing the events and conflicts of the novel through the eyes of one of the central characters.
Students write a two-part narrative project: one narrative told through their character’s perspective and one personal narrative about an incident in their own life.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

These questions are a guide to stimulate thinking, discussion, and writing on the themes and ideas in the unit. For complete and thoughtful answers and for meaningful discussions, students must use evidence based on careful reading of the texts.

How do our conflicts shape and show our character?
How can we tell a story about ourselves that’s both honest and positive?
How do definitions of justice change depending on the culture you live in?
What are ways individuals can react to a changing world? To a community that doesn’t accept us?

BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT: Cold Read

During this unit, on a day of your choosing, we recommend you administer a Cold Read to assess students’ reading comprehension. For this assessment, students read a text they have never seen before and then respond to multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. The assessment is not included in this course materials.

Can a person be both admirable and flawed at the same time? In this lesson, students will look more closely at the character of Okonkwo. Students will figure out what his most admirable qualities are, as well as some of his flaws. They will also decide whether Okonkwo has the potential to be a tragic hero.

Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies has compiled information and photos about the wedding traditions of different groups in America.

Food varies wildly from place to place and from culture to culture; since humans are such sensory creatures, using words to evoke the experience of eating is an excellent way to bring a text to life. [8:57]

A past exhibition that offers a fascinating look at the African tradition of mask-making and masquerades. Includes colorful photos and information, to spark children's creativity.

What do you know about Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) and its traditions? Here's a great introduction to the holiday intended to honor deceased loved ones. Included with the video are discussion questions and links to additional information. [2:13]

Tissue paper marigolds are a relatively easy craft that can be part of your Dia de los Muertos celebration and a welcome addition to an altar honoring your loved ones. Work alongside Jessica Villegas and Eduardo Bolanos from the Des Moines Art Center's special bilingual video to make these flowers using just a few supplies. Included with this video are discussion questions, activity directions, and links to further information. [6:10]

Pan de muertos is an important component for many Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations and is often seen on the ofrendas honoring the deceased. Watch how it's made in this special bilingual video with the Des Moines Art Center. Includes a link to support materials for teachers. [5:35]

If you're unfamiliar with the details of the Dia of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), you might not understand the significance of the details around the ofrendas families put up to honor the deceased. CeCe Villa from Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, Iowa, walks us through what you'll see on this celebratory altar. Included with the video are discussion questions, an activity, and links for further information. [2:52]