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Guide

Whole School-Read Planning Guide: Coming of Age in a Complex World

This planning guide will help you design and implement a Coming of Age Whole-School Read that centers students’ voices and experiences.

Last Updated: September 14, 2022

Guide

Language

English — US

Subject

English & Language Arts

Culture & Identity

Coming-of-age literature can serve as an engaging and empathy-building opportunity for a whole-school read. This guide will help you design and implement a whole-school read that centers students’ voices and experiences.

The questions and activities in this guide invite critical thinking and conversation around issues of identity, belonging, choices, and justice. Exploring these ideas through a coming-of age lens invites readers to consider how these concepts play out in other adolescents’ lives as well as in their own.

Book Cover of Coming of Age in a Complex World

Whole School-Read Planning Guide: Coming of Age in a Complex World

Date of Publication: September 2022

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Activity

Students consider what parts of our identities we choose for ourselves and what parts are chosen for us, as well as the impact our names can have on our identities.

A student in conversation with a peer outside of the photograph is in the center of the photo. Another student looks at a laptop.

Activity

Students examine the tensions that can arise when we must navigate multiple, and sometimes conflicting, identities.

A student writes on a piece of paper with a pencil while holding a handout in their other hand.

Activity

Students read a personal narrative and reflect on the relationship between storytelling and identity development.

A stack of papers with Michelle Obama's "Becoming" on top.

Activity

Students explore the idea of “community” in order to identify its key aspects and deeper meaning.

Students sit around a table working on a big paper activity while receiving feedback from an educator.

Activity

Students explore the factors that make up a community.

A silhouette of the Chicago City Skyline at sunrise.

Activity

Students practice sharing what they are feeling while building empathy for their classmates.

A student looks down at their paper with a pen in hand. A smiling emoji is in the foreground.

Activity

Students engage with an intriguing image that lacks context or a title, drawing on their close viewing and analysis skills.

Assorted images of the outdoors organized in a grid on a beige wooden table.

Activity

Students practice gratitude by naming and recording three good things that have happened that day.

Two students look to the front of the classroom with smiles on their faces.

Activity

Students use poetry as a spark for reflection and discussion about what’s happening in their lives and the world.

Four students in conversation with each other in a classroom.

Activity

Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.

Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.

Activity

Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.

Student writes in a classroom

Activity

Students identify one personal or academic goal that they would like to commit to in the week ahead.

A Facing History journal sits on top of a student guide for Choices in Little Rock.

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