Things Fall Apart The Impact of One Story on the World

LT & Agenda ▪ LT: As a litterateur, I can construct background knowledge about the single story and other thematic topics in order to inform my reading of Things Fall Apart. ▪ Agenda ▪ LT/Energizer/HW ▪ Unit Overview ▪ Small Group Discussion of “Apollo” ▪ Notes & CAN’s “Danger of a Single Story ▪ Discussion ▪ Reflection Exit Slip

LT & Success Criteria ▪ LT: As a litterateur, I can construct background knowledge about the single story and other thematic topics in order to inform my reading of Things Fall Apart. ▪ Define and give examples of “a single story” ▪ Make connections to the idea of the “single story” in their own lives ▪ Predict thematic topics relevant to TFA ▪ Utilize discussion skills and SPACE to engage in thoughtful academic discourse

Entering the Classroom ▪ Good day! In order to be prepared for class, please complete the following tasks: ▪ Find your new seat ▪ Take out your T2Ted copy of “Apollo,” your notebook, and a writing utensil. ▪ Write down tonight’s homework. ▪ Please put away any electronic devices.

Getting Ready for the Day ▪ LT: As a litterateur, I can construct background knowledge about the single story and other thematic topics in order to inform my reading of Things Fall Apart. ▪ Homework: ▪ TFA Chapters 1-6 due Wednesday, January 20 ▪ Read your OR book! Timed Write February 2 ▪ Energizer: 1) Why is it important, when reading a piece of literature, to build background knowledge about the time, author, and circumstances surrounding the work? 2) What are the benefits of knowing where someone else is coming from?

The Dangers and Importance of a Single Story: Our Study of Things Fall Apart ▪ This week: building background knowledge on thematic topics, Heart of Darkness as the partial inspiration for Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, and developing a knowledge of Igbo culture ▪ Next two weeks (January 19-29): Part One – character, culture, foreshadowing, and theme ▪ Beginning of February: Outside Reading – timed write & scoring conference ▪ Before Midwinter Break (February 8-12): Part Two – key events, character, tragedy, and the development of Okonkwo & Nwoye ▪ After Midwinter Break (February 22-29) – Semi-process essay & AP Style Timed Write

“Apollo” Lit Circle ▪ In your new lit circles, discuss your thoughts in response to the questions to the right.  ▪ Remember our discussion skills: ▪ Contribute, listen, reflect on what others say, be concise in your responses ▪ Utilize SPACE during your discussion: ▪ Don’t be afraid of a bit of silence ▪ Paraphrase what others say ▪ Use accepting language ▪ Clarify what someone says or asks ▪ Use evidence to support your thinking 1) What questions do you have about “Apollo?” What confused you? 2) How would you describe Okenwo? Raphael? What are the most important events in the story? 3) How would you classify the cultures present in this story? 4) What conclusions can be drawn from this story? (About literature, about Adichie, about Nigeria, about contemporary fiction published in America today)

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “The Dangers of a Single Story” ▪ As we watch this TEDtalk, I want you to take notes (in your notebook) on the following categories: a) Mentions/examples of a single story b) Information about Nigerian culture c) Thematic topics/big ideas d) Ideas that particularly intrigue/interest you ▪ Your notes should be organized somehow ▪ You should have at least half a page of notes at the end of the video (and no more than 2 pages of notes)

“The Dangers of a Single Story” Lit Circle Prep ▪ Sometimes (and always, depending on your personality type), before we write it’s important to process what sparks our need for discussion. ▪ Take some time to think and then jot down some ideas and thoughts about the discussion questions so that you’re more prepared to discuss in your lit circle. ▪ Write your discussion prep in your notebook below your TEDtalk notes. 1) How would you define “the single story?” 2) In the face of what stories – literary or otherwise – have you been vulnerable and/or impressionable? 3) What effect does a “story” have on you? When have you experienced the negative and/or positive effects of a single story? 4) How might this TEDtalk and “Apollo” connect to TFA?

“The Danger of a Single Story” Lit Circle ▪ In your new lit circles, discuss your thoughts in response to the questions to the right.  ▪ Remember our discussion skills: ▪ Contribute, listen, reflect on what others say, be concise in your responses ▪ Utilize SPACE during your discussion: ▪ Don’t be afraid of a bit of silence ▪ Paraphrase what others say ▪ Use accepting language ▪ Clarify what someone says or asks ▪ Use evidence to support your thinking 1) How would you define “the single story?” 2) In the face of what stories – literary or otherwise – have you been vulnerable and/or impressionable? 3) What effect does a “story” have on you? When have you experienced the negative and/or positive effects of a single story? 4) How might this TEDtalk and “Apollo” connect to TFA?

Exit Slip Your Own Answer Questions… 1) How do you define the idea of the “single story?” What’s an example – yours or one you heard today - of a single story? 2) What thematic topics or big ideas did you encounter today that you predict will be relevant to TFA? 3) If the learning target was: As a litterateur, I can construct background knowledge about the single story and other thematic topics in order to inform my reading of Things Fall Apart. ▪ How well would you say you met it? ▪ 1 = not well. I wasn’t focused and learning was hard for me today. ▪ 3 = well. I gained background knowledge, but there were still parts that are unclear. ▪ 5 = extremely well. I gained valuable background knowledge that I think will help me process TFA. 4) Think about today’s discussions. How well did you utilize the skills and SPACE to foster a thoughtful academic discussion?