I present to you one of my very favorite mentor texts...
FREEDOM SUMMER
. The story is set in the South in the early 1960's. John Henry is black and Joe is white, but they are best friends. Even though the color of their skin is not the same, they are the same in many ways. The Civil Rights Act was passed and the two boys are so excited to swim in the town pool together. Segregation was supposed to end, but it didn't in many towns, including the one that John Henry and Joe live in. They go to the pool only to find it being filled with tar. They leave heartbroken and confused. It ends with the boys using the strength of their friendship to enter a store together.
This picture book sparks great discussion and emotion. It's a powerful, but simple story.
So many lessons to be taught with this inspiring book! So many lessons, I decided to create a Freedom Summer Literacy Unit for this book that has such a special place in my classroom!
I will be using these resources during my reading block this week. I will be using several of the activities during centers (some independent and some cooperative group).
I will use the discussion cards during my read aloud and for my cooperative groups to have meaningful discussion. I can't wait to make a bulletin board with illustrations of how my students think John Henry and Joe view the world! I love when a small picture book has such a BIG impact on reading and my students' lives!
If you don't have Freedom Summer, you MUST add it to your classroom library!!
I'd like to give one of these units away! Simply pin one of the images above, copy the URL address, and paste it in the comments. Don't forget to include your email if you are not a blogger. Winner will be announced on Tuesday. Good luck!
*If you don't want to wait, click here to grab it on sale until tomorrow night!
Go check out all the other texts at Collaboration Cuties and ideas linked up at Mrs. Laffin's Laughings!

I would love to win this. I know my kiddos will enjoy it!! Thanks for the opportunity to win. =) Here's my pin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/319966748499029416/
ReplyDeletetinysmiles34@gmail.com
Thank you! It looks awesome. urallmyan@gmail.com. ttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/550494754424914728/
ReplyDeleteI would love to use this product with my students! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/245305510928071278/
ReplyDeleteKim
khenry22@aol.com
Of course I had to pin the wonderful unit you made! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/5911043236170147/
ReplyDeleteI love this book too- and it goes great with our read-aloud right now, The Watsons Go To Birmingham! :o) Thanks for reminding me about this fabulousness!
xoxo
jivey
I'd love to win this unit. The book sounds so interesting! Thanks for the opportunity. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/279786195575146249/
ReplyDeleteUrsula
ugamler@boyertownasd.org
Looks awesome. I'm going to have to check out this book!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/408138784953305565/
whitlockroomrcs@gmail.com
This looks amazing!! I don't have this book! I need to get it!! I'm pinning!! Thanks so much for linking up!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Hugs!!!!
Amanda
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/5911043236170655/
I love Freedom Summer. I used to read it every year when I was teaching Social Studies, so I'd love to have some great resources that go along with it for my reading block. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/125537908337571592/
Courtney
Can't wait to dig into this book!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/147915168985988899/
Rachel
rachelrhorn@gmail.com
This is awesome! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/2533343515362892/
ReplyDeletemrsruffin924@gmail.com
Great minds think a like! Love the packet. :)
ReplyDelete~Brandee
Creating Lifelong Learners
I would love to win this unit! I pinned it! Here's the link to my pin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/102527328991652743/
ReplyDeleteKristen
kdahlhofer@gmail.com
I've never heard of this book, but it looks amazing! I'll have to visit my friends at Amazon and check it out for myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up, friend! Have a great week! ;)
Jennifer
Mrs. Laffin's Laughings
Looks like a beautiful book! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/302374562454342441/
ReplyDelete