Who would have thought to explore the concept of race through children's literature?  After reading Bell Hooks' picture book, Skin Again, and chapter sixteen of Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee, class members consider whether skin color affects the way they see others. Individuals then reflect on the degree to which they agree or disagree with a series of statements on race.

Concepts

race relations, maniac magee, group discussions, socratic discussion, discussion skills, word-picture associations, responding to reading, responding to literature, jerry spinelli

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Have class members trace their hands onto construction paper, cut out their tracings, and then create a wreath for the classroom door

Classroom Considerations

• A copy of Bell Hooks' Skin Again is required for this lesson 
• The activity presumes a protocol is in place for a safe, respectful discussion of sensitive issues

Pros

• Promotes healthy conversations about social issues

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.4.7 RL.5.9 SL.4.1.a SL.4.1.b SL.4.1.c SL.4.1.d SL.5.1.a SL.5.1.b SL.5.1.c SL.5.1.d RL.6.7 SL.6.1.a SL.6.1.b SL.6.1.c SL.6.1.d