Past projects 1
A Classroom Journey Through "Things Fall Apart"
Funded Sep 19, 2024I am writing to express our profound gratitude for supporting our study of Chinua Achebe's powerful novel, "Things Fall Apart." Your donation has opened a critical window into understanding cultural complexity, colonialism, and the human experience through literature.
Through this novel, our students are exploring much more than just a story. They're learning to analyze the impact of cultural collision, understand the nuanced perspectives of indigenous African societies, critically examine historical narratives, and develop empathy through deep character study.
Our reading of "Things Fall Apart" has transformed our classroom into a space of rich dialogue and critical thinking. Students engage in comparative discussions about cultural identity, analyzing Okonkwo's character development, exploring the novel's themes of masculinity, tradition, and change, and connecting historical contexts to contemporary global experiences.
The most remarkable transformation has been in our students' reading independence and motivation. Where we once struggled to maintain engagement, we now see students eagerly diving into the text. Some of our typically reluctant learners are now actively reading and participating in discussions, showing a newfound enthusiasm for learning.
One student, in particular, has become so captivated that she's consistently ahead of our reading assignments. Her excitement is palpable – especially during the more intense, shocking scenes that challenge students' expectations and provoke deep discussions. I've observed students leaning in, eyes wide, as they process the complex narrative, asking probing questions and making connections beyond the text.
What's most exciting is the growing independence I'm witnessing. Students are no longer passive recipients of information but active learners, critically engaging with the text, challenging each other's interpretations, and developing a genuine love for reading and critical thinking.
This novel has helped students develop advanced literary analysis skills, critical thinking about historical narratives, empathy for different cultural perspectives, and understanding of complex social structures.
Your support has done more than provide a book. You've given our students a deeper understanding of global perspectives, tools to critically examine historical narratives, insight into the complexity of cultural interactions, and a bridge to understanding global historical experiences.
The conversations sparked by "Things Fall Apart" will resonate far beyond our classroom walls. Students are learning to see the world through multiple lenses, to question single narratives, and to approach different cultures with respect and curiosity.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for supporting this transformative learning experience.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hartwick