Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun

Lesson 21
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ELA

Unit 3

7th Grade

Lesson 21 of 27

Objective


Engage in a Socratic Seminar with peers, demonstrating a deep understanding of the text and topic by posing and responding to questions, and providing evidence to support ideas.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry 

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Key Questions


Discussion Questions

  • What is the risk of putting off dreams according to A Raisin in the Sun?

  • What is the American Dream?

  • Were all of the characters in A Raisin in the Sun able to achieve the American Dream?

  • Is Walter Lee a sympathetic character? 

  • Who is the hero of A Raisin in the Sun?

  • How does race and racism shape the way the Younger family experiences the world? 

  • Is A Raisin in the Sun still relevant today?

  • What message is Hansberry trying to communicate to the audience about dreams? 

Notes


  • Decide which Type of Academic Discourse you want to use in this lesson. We recommend a table-group discussion, fishbowl, or whole-class discussion. Then, choose which of this lesson’s Discussion Questions you are going to have students answer. Consider how much discussion time will be devoted to each question. 
  • Create clear expectations for the discussion and student groups (if necessary). Additionally, decide what discourse strategies you will model for students to ensure that students are able to effectively engage with one another (for guidance, see our Teacher Tool about Tiers of Academic Discourse).

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Common Core Standards


  • SL.7.1 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • SL.7.1.a — Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
  • SL.7.1.c — Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed.
  • SL.7.4 — Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RI.7.1
RL.7.1
SL.7.6
W.7.9
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Lesson 20

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Lesson 22

Lesson Map

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