Process
Getting Started
First, we are going to experience an essay together as a class. We will listen to and read Michael Oatman's essay, "Admittance to a Better Life." Together we will talk about the author's belief, what it is based on, and whether you agree or disagree with it.
You are now a member of a group with two or three other members that I have chosen for you. Each group member should now complete this worksheet about your beliefs.
After your whole group has filled out the sheet, you are going to
create a poster about a belief that you all agree on. You will use this sheet to guide you.
Thinking about Others' Beliefs as a Group
Now that you have practiced expressing your own beliefs, your group is going to read about someone else's belief.
Find an essay that interests your group at This I Believe. Once you have read and listened to an essay of your choice, your group must hand in a sheet that answers the following questions:
- What is the author's belief?
- Why does he or she believe this?
- Do you agree with the author? Why or why not?
Helping Others Understand
After you and your group have taken time to talk and think about the personal essay you chose, you are going to present the essay to the class by either reading it aloud or playing a recording of it.
Your group is going to form four or five questions that will guide the class in talking about the essay. Submit the questions to me in writing for approval, and I will give you feedback that will help you revise. Your questions should help your classmates understand what the essay is about.
Use the same procedure and resources for forming questions that we have used so far this year.
