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Lesson 1

We will examine the unit’s Central Question, analyze the expectations of the Culminating Task, and conduct research on the key figures in the novel In the Time of the Butterflies.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I work productively in various roles with other participants?

  • Can I pay attention to and acknowledge others while thoughtfully considering their ideas?

  • Can I formulate and use questions to establish and deepen my understanding of texts and topics?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Discuss – Write

We will discuss the unit’s Central Question and reflect on its significance by completing a quick-write in our Learning Logs.

Step 1

Review the Central Question of the unit:

What makes a revolutionary?

Use the following questions to guide a discussion with a partner or small group:

  1. What is the Central Question asking?

  2. What might you already know in relation to the Central Question?

  3. What about the question piques your curiosity?

  4. How do you think this question relates to the texts or topic of the unit?

  5. If you were to provide an answer to the Central Question today, what would it be?

Step 2

In your Learning Log, write a response to Question 5. You will return to this initial response in later lessons to examine how your understanding of the Central Question has evolved.

Activity 2: Read – Discuss

We will read and analyze the Culminating Task. We will identify the specific knowledge we are expected to learn throughout the unit and specific skills we will need to succeed on the Culminating Task.

In a small group, read the Culminating Task Checklist. Determine what skills and knowledge you need to succeed on the Culminating Task. Respond to the following questions:

  1. What do I need to know to succeed on the Culminating Task?

  2. What do I need to do to succeed on the Culminating Task?

Discuss the questions as a whole group. Create a checklist in your Learning Log or use the Culminating Task Progress Tracker to determine what you need to know and do to succeed on the Culminating Task. For each knowledge and skill identified, assess how prepared you are.

Activity 3: Read

We will review the Unit Text List to familiarize ourselves with the texts we will analyze and discuss throughout the unit.

Step 1

Access and review the Unit Text List. Note the information that is included about each text. These texts are also listed in the activities in which they appear, under the Materials tab. You will notice that each text has an icon by it. These indicate where the text is located, which corresponds to the Location column in the Unit Text List.

Text locations:

  • Tradebook: These texts are full-length novels or nonfiction books you will most likely have copies of.

  • Digital Access: You can find these texts online. Use the information provided in the Unit Text List or on the Texts tab for the activity to conduct a web search for the resource. Digital Access resources include online articles, videos, podcasts, and other web sources.

  • PDF Texts: These are formatted PDFs of texts that are available for download on the Materials tab.

  • CD/DVD: These materials are available on CD or DVD and might also be available through online content providers.

Step 2

Review the Independent Reading Text Options. Here, you will find suggested options for independent reading related to the unit.

Activity 4: Read – Discuss

We will begin exploring the key historical figures featured in In the Time of the Butterflies.

In order to understand some of the historical context and background that is the setting for this novel, individually or with a partner, conduct a Google search for "The Mirabals" or "Mirabal sisters."

Skim several resources.

Discuss the following questions with a partner, taking notes in your Learning Log:

  1. Who are the Mirabal sisters and what happened to them?

  2. What would life have been like for these sisters in the Dominican Republic during this era?

  3. What is unique about the Mirabal sisters’ upbringing?

  4. How are the sisters alike?

  5. How are they different?

  6. What can you begin to discern about the possible conflicts in the novel?

Be prepared to share your findings with the class in the next lesson. Complete any additional research for homework.