Expanding your social comprehension when you’re socially distancing!

March 16, 2020

Friends! I feel as though I am in some odd science fiction plot… and I’m not a fan of science fiction (although, I just bought Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman to try out!). Therefore, in order to help the world out a bit in any way I can, I am practicing social distancing.

( How can I do that as a teacher you might ask? Well, as of right now, I am on an earlier “April break” with a possible turn to virtual learning.)

But I digress.

So because my husband and I are choosing to pull away from socializing right now (raise your hand if this is hard for you! I’m a social introvert [I like small groups…]), I decided to write a post about a cool thing you could be doing if you are also deciding to spend more time indoors with yourself or loved ones.

You can READ!

I know, how is that anything new? But just hear me out.

Right before we went on our new spring break, I introduced my students to my trimester 3 book requirement. Usually we do a class novel, but this trimester is all about choice.

However, I did give direction in terms of choice, and that is where my fantastic, super intelligent, and amazing soul sister, Melanie Roy, comes onto the scene.

This year has been all about increasing social awareness of the world around us, and I have been engaging students in discussions about being agents of change. We have been reading All American Boys, discussing racism and white privilege, and chatting about speaking up during times of difficulty.

Therefore, when it came to this upcoming last trimester, it was time for the students to be more independent with these ideas and choose a text that allows them to explore a topic to increase social comprehension. Right before we left on Friday, I introduced the students to the texts that Mrs. Roy (and a tiny bit me) put together under 8 larger social awareness topics.

The topics are:

• Race/ ethnicity
• Ability
• Class
• Environmental sustainability
• Gender/ sexuality
• Bullying
• Religion
• Immigration

I thought that maybe, since you (parent or student) are home for a bit of time, it might be nice to read about some current issues in the form of a YA text, whether it be traditional or graphic novel or nonfiction writing.

Here is the link to the list that Mrs. Roy made for me.

Because I am currently teaching 7th grade, these texts are mostly for 12 and above, although some may reach as low as 8 years old as some texts for middle grades are for ages 8-12.

I just finished a book today, actually, that is on that list under ability. It’s titled The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor. Its discussion of loyalty and care for those around us really gave me goose bumps as the relevancy to our current times was evident. These books could be really empowering right now for our readers as they navigate this trying period.

So, if you are deciding to stay away from the general public, I encourage you to read and maybe check out a book or two from the list above. I really think it will expand your thinking of the world even if contact to it is limited right now!

Happy reading!

Ps. STAY HEALTHY!