The Power of Belonging
Duration
One 50-min class periodSubject
- English & Language Arts
Grade
11–12Language
English — USPublished
Overview
About This Lesson
Bethany Morrow’s short story “As You Were,” originally published in the collection Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance, invites students to consider the ways in which their aspects of their identity and membership in certain groups can impact their power, agency, and voice.
The first half of the story introduces readers to the main characters and establishes the strong bond they share as members of a successful high school marching band as it prepares for homecoming. The second half of the story reveals the fragility of this bond and challenges readers to consider the privileges that their identities may or may not afford them, and the very real risks and rewards that can come with having the courage to speak up in the face of injustice.
In this lesson, students will draw evidence from the first half of the story, which they read for homework, to create character maps in order to consider Ebony’s relationship to other characters in the story, as well as her sense of belonging and agency as the leader of her marching band’s trombone section.
Preparing to Teach
A Note to Teachers
Before teaching this lesson, please review the following information to help guide your preparation process.
Lesson Plans
Activities
Materials and Downloads
Quick Downloads
Download the Files
Download allGet Files Via Google
Unlimited Access to Learning. More Added Every Month.
Facing History & Ourselves is designed for educators who want to help students explore identity, think critically, grow emotionally, act ethically, and participate in civic life. It’s hard work, so we’ve developed some go-to professional learning opportunities to help you along the way.
Exploring ELA Text Selection with Julia Torres
On-Demand
Working for Justice, Equity and Civic Agency in Our Schools: A Conversation with Clint Smith
On-Demand
Centering Student Voices to Build Community and Agency
On-Demand