Help support Mrs. Dutro's Classroom

Because so many of my students come from marginalized communities that struggle with self-advocacy, my long-term goal for this project is to have my students study the individual’s role in preventing a totalitarian state through a piece of speculative fiction. We will compare and contrast the governmental structure of the Republic of Gilead to that of the United States, and we will also read an excerpt from Malala's memoir about the unpredictable changes in Pakistani government and its role creating extremist groups. Since the students read George Orwell’s allegorical novel Animal Farm last year, this unit will also activate their prior knowledge of the details surrounding the Russian Revolution. The Handmaid’s Tale will provide students with opportunities to explore some of the most controversial social issues of the world they’re growing up in, including society’s treatment of women, the importance of creating a sustainable environment in the face of climate change, and the importance of separation of church and state. By analyzing the connections between these issues in the novel, students will understand how they are also connected in our own society. The unit will culminate with a social justice project which will require the students to brainstorm reasonable solutions to issues impacting our community, state, and country. They will then create a media presentation to present to the class and to send to decision makers in an act of self-advocacy and civic engagement.

About my class

Because so many of my students come from marginalized communities that struggle with self-advocacy, my long-term goal for this project is to have my students study the individual’s role in preventing a totalitarian state through a piece of speculative fiction. We will compare and contrast the governmental structure of the Republic of Gilead to that of the United States, and we will also read an excerpt from Malala's memoir about the unpredictable changes in Pakistani government and its role creating extremist groups. Since the students read George Orwell’s allegorical novel Animal Farm last year, this unit will also activate their prior knowledge of the details surrounding the Russian Revolution. The Handmaid’s Tale will provide students with opportunities to explore some of the most controversial social issues of the world they’re growing up in, including society’s treatment of women, the importance of creating a sustainable environment in the face of climate change, and the importance of separation of church and state. By analyzing the connections between these issues in the novel, students will understand how they are also connected in our own society. The unit will culminate with a social justice project which will require the students to brainstorm reasonable solutions to issues impacting our community, state, and country. They will then create a media presentation to present to the class and to send to decision makers in an act of self-advocacy and civic engagement.

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Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Dutro's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Dutro's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Dutro's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.