American Literature Periods 4 and 5: How much is $10,000 and How Much Could It Buy

Our play, " A Raisin in The Sun" takes places in Chicago in the 1950's.  Here's how much things cost during that time.  This way, we can understand exactly how much $10,000 was worth, what it could buy, and how it was especially exceptional for a black family to have it.
Click here for worksheet. How Much Was $10,000 Worth

American Literature Period 5: One Page Essay

In a one page written response feel free to answer several of the following questions: What was the Great Migration? When did it happen? Why did it happen? How does it demonstrate independence? What were some of the factors that influenced the Great Migration: push/pull factors? Where did the migrants go? What states did they flee? How did the Migration impact the South? The North? Why is migration important?

American Literature Period 4

Complete Questions 13-18 from "A Raisin in The Sun" Study Guide.  Today, we read the entire scene beginning on page 1548- to page 1557.

All Students Who Attended the Field Trip, "Valley of The Heart"

Please write a one page reflection (minimum), musing on any of the following questions:
--What aspect of the play, "Valley of The Heart" most surprised or astonished you? Why?
--Which scene or scenes did you find most moving? Emotional?
--Luiz Valdez, author of "Zoot Suit" and "Valley of The Heart"includes Spanish/Spanglish and Japanese in the play.  What impact did his use of these languages have for you? How did they add a sense of authenticity to the play? Now do you see the power of including how folk really speak in your own narratives?
--What connections did you make to The Great Migration (period 4/5 students)? What about The Fall of Rome?...hint...there is one in terms of a character.....
--What about the minority/minority conflicts in the play that are difficult to admit.  In spite of the prejudice each group had toward each other, they came together. Do you think it is only under adversity, that minority groups will "come together"? What prevents a common understanding otherwise?
How did the play better help you to understand the common struggles that most all minorities experience?
-Anything else? What questions do you have?

American Literature Period 4

Final Drafts of Open Minds Due! Please use color and art thoughtfully. Include 3-4 push factors and 3-4 pull factors, plus your quotes, and data from the sources from The Great Migration.

American Literature Period 5

1. Final drafts of Open Minds are due tomorrow! Many students have already turned them in
2. Final drafts of "I Am Character Bio-Poems" are also due. 
3. Please don't forget dramatic reading of "A Raisin in The Sun". The following students are readers:
Elijah- Water
Relando-Travis
Jennifer--Beneatha
Chayla- Mama (Lena) Younger
Angelina- Ruth Younger (Walter's wife)