As the semester winds down, one of EMF’s high school classrooms is buzzing with reflection, collaboration, and performance. Sophomore English students, lead by Mrs. Brandi Perez, are putting the finishing touches of their study of The Hunger Games, while students in speech are transforming the room into a stage, showcasing the power of words in both written and spoken form.
In English class, students recently concluded their exploration of Suzanne Collin’s dystopian novel, The Hunger Games. Through close reading and discussion, classes examined enduring themes such as survival, the role of violence and reality television and the dangers of a dystopian society built on control and spectacle. These conversations push students to think beyond the plot and consider how fiction mirrors real world issues, including media influence and moral responsibility.
Now students are channeling those discussions into analytical writing. Each sophomore has been crafting an essay that focuses on one character and one theme from the novel. Using textual evidence, students must identify and explain at least three character traits that connect directly to the chosen theme. The assignment challenges students to think critically, support claims with evidence, and articulate deeper connections between character development and larger ideas presented in the text.
In the same room, later on in the day, another learning is taking center stage. In high school speech, students are partnering up to rehearse and perform duet speeches. These short performances require precise timing, strong collaboration, and a shared commitment to engaging the audience.
The topics range from humorous to heartfelt, reflecting both creativity and courage. Some duets explore lighthearted scenarios, such as being “ allergic to idiots” or navigating the awkward realities of learning about boys and letting them down gently. Others tackle heavier, more serious situations, including the tension and fear of being stuck in a closet during a school shooting. Regardless of the subject matter, students are challenged to work together to captivate their audience and deliver a unified message.
Across both classes, a common thread emerged: communication matters. Whether students are analyzing a dystopian heroine's resilience or standing shoulder to shoulder with a partner on stage, they are learning how words shape understanding, emotion, and connection.
As novels close and performances approach, this classroom reflects more than just the end of unit assignments; it highlights the growth of young thinkers finding their voices, one page and one performance at a time.
No comments:
Post a Comment