The personal philosophies of English 1 students.
A Unit Based on NPR's "This I Believe" Productions
Our texts this semester will encourage reflection on our own beliefs. Before we dive right into the literature, however, it is important of us to define the core belief that guides our lives. This writing unit will help us to do just that. Then we will discuss strategies for writing our own personal essays based on our personal philosophy. Each student is encouraged to explore many beliefs and choose one to write about in depth for this project. A timeline and class activities are listed below.
Our texts this semester will encourage reflection on our own beliefs. Before we dive right into the literature, however, it is important of us to define the core belief that guides our lives. This writing unit will help us to do just that. Then we will discuss strategies for writing our own personal essays based on our personal philosophy. Each student is encouraged to explore many beliefs and choose one to write about in depth for this project. A timeline and class activities are listed below.
This I Believe Project
|
Here is a YouTube playlist to get you thinking about the This I Believe activity. The first one explains the assignment in-depth from a teacher-friend Paula. It's a good refresher for what we talk about in class.
The second is a student exploring a few of his beliefs. Remember for your essay you'll want to focus on only on believe and develop it, but I thought this video was a nice one to get you thinking about what you may believe. |
Day 1, 2, &3:
Nonfiction Narratives in Children's Books Today you will read at least 3 children's books looking for elements of narrative nonfiction. Use the handout to answer questions about these books. The books are in Mrs. Straube's room and you will have class time Thursday & Friday to work on it. Day 4: This I Believe Reading/Listening Activity Essays from class: "Tomorrow Will be a Better Day," "We're All Different in Our Own Ways," and "Thirty Things I Believe" First, we must read several beliefs from others. Use NPR's story collection to begin your reading. Read at least 3. Respond to those stories using this form. 10 Beliefs Worksheet due October 28th Day 5: Work day to finish This I Believe Reading/Listening Activity Day 6: Discuss 10 Beliefs Activity As you begin thinking about your essays, we will be focusing primarily on quality word choice and recognizable voice. You can view Mrs. Straube's Presentation from class for these items. We will also look for word choice and voice in the essays "The Time to Help is Now" by Maria Zapetis and "Be Cool to the Pizza Dude" by Sarah Adams. Day 7: Article of the Week #9 Assigned TIB Essay Work Day Grade Update Day 8: This I Believe Work Day Day 9: Hard copy of draft 1 of TIB Essay due to self-edit Revision Day for TIB Essay Day 10: TIB Work Day Day 11: TIB Work Day Day 12: Peer Response day for TIB Essays Day 13: Work Day for TIB Essays Day 14: POLISHED DRAFT OF THIS I BELIEVE ESSAY DUE Bring a hard copy (printed out) copy to class. Students will have the opportunity to share their beliefs, if they wish |
A few examples to get you started... |
For Teachers: NPR has a variety of resources to use with this project. From the For Educator's Page I use both the Teacher's Guideand the Facilitators Manual for in-class activities. The easiest way to help students write a quality essay, however, is to encourage them to read liberally from the This I Believe archives.
Last Updated: