Freedom Summer-A Must Read Mentor Text & A Peek at My Week!

 Linking up with some fabulous ladies for Must Read Mentor Text and A Peek at My Week Linky Parties!

 

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!