In a World of My Own: Understanding and Developing Perspective

Teenagers are often said to be in a “world of their own”. This unique time in your life is marked by the development of your own world view. This view will be shaped by your peers, by your family, and by your community. You may find that the views of people across the globe have a powerful impact on you. In this project, we will examine how a person develops their individual perspective and how that perspective affects their interactions with others. We will look carefully at times in American History where perspectives clashed and how events have affected our shared American perspective.

Essential Questions

• What is my perspective? How does it affect my interactions?

• How can differing perspectives lead to debate and conflict? How has this shaped our American consciousness?

• How can I communicate my perspective to others?

• How is theme communicated in literature? How is the theme of perspective communicated in The Little Prince?

Products

1. The Little Prince Reading Log and Theme Writing

Log the adventures of the Little Prince as he travels from planet to planet. Track the theme of connection and perspective throughout the book. Record your thoughts and connections in a well formed writing piece.

2. Perspectives Log

As we explore events in American History, you will keep a log of perspectives from each event, debates that arose, and their resolutio

n.

3. Planet You

You will design your own planet. It will be a reflection of your worldview and will be displayed in our 8th Grade common space. You will write an artist statement about your planet to help others understand its significance and your unique perspective.

5. Finding Your Place in the Sun

An exhibition of knowledge, work, craftsmanship and creativity.

Content and Skills

History

• Exploration of opposing perspectives in American History

• Founding documents for the USA

• Individualism vs. collectivism

Literature

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Full text.

• Identifying themes in literature

• Founding Documents The Constitution of the USA and The Bill of Rights

• Comprehension strategies for fiction and non-fiction

Language Arts

• Vocabulary matrix from our readings

• Essay structure-Response to Literature

• Editing and peer critique

Timeline

Please see class calendar for specific due dates

Week 1 Nov 3-7

• Project launch.

• The Little Prince reading log and themes.

• Perspective Activities

Week 2 Nov 10-14

• The Little Prince

• Perspectives in US History

• No classes on Nov 10-11

Week 3 Nov 17-21

• The Little Prince

• Perspectives in US History

• Developing your own perspective

Week 4 Nov 24-28

• Fall Break

Week 5 Dec 1-5

• The Little Prince

• Perspectives in US History

• Planet You design and drafts

Week 6 Dec 8-12

• Planet You final draft

• Theme essay

• Artist statement

Week 7 Dec 15-19

• Theme essay

• Artist statement

• Exhibition

“My friend never explained anything to me. He thought perhaps, that I was like himself. But I, alas, do not know how to see a sheep through the walls of boxes. Perhaps I am a little like the grown-ups. I have had to grow old.”