Understanding a Literary Text (Extension)
This lesson integrates English Language Arts and Social Studies using the award winning text, Going Down Home with Daddy. Students will extend their exploration of the text through development of a poster about their family values as represented through Adinkra symbols.
Lesson Created By: Saudah Collins
Lesson Partners: Center for the Education & Equity of African American Students (CEEAAS)
Essential Question
Using the text, Going Down Home with Daddy, as a reference, how can I represent my family’s values through selected Adinkra symbols?
Grade(s):
- 2
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
The teacher will utilize appropriate technology to display the Teacher Instructional Presentation Slides.
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Text: Going Down Home With Daddy (2019) By: Kelly Starling Lyons Illustrated by: Daniel Minter
Teacher Instructional Slides Paper, Pencil (or Electronic Blank Slide or Document)
Lesson Progression
The teacher will show the students the photos from the Williams’ family reunion from the KnowItAll learning content platform. https://www.knowitall.org/photo/willie-lee-williams-photos-digital-traditions The students will revisit what they notice is happening in the photographs. The teacher will ask students about a time they have gathered with family (special time, reunion, celebration, etc.).
The students will share about what made that time special.
The teacher will remind the students that the book includes Adinkra symbols. Adinkra symbols originated with the Akan people in Ghana, West Africa. (slide in Teacher Instructional Slides)
The students will revisit the text and its events.
The students will discuss the illustrations and how the author and illustrator integrated Adinkra symbols as a meaningful connection to the story of the family and their traditions. The students will discuss what feelings, values, and/or important events were represented by the Adinkra symbols.
The students will use the Adinkra symbols on Teacher Instructional Slide #3 to select values that are represented by their families. Each student will use a piece of paper (or a blank presentation slide) to design a family poster using 3-5 Adinkra symbols represented by their families.
Students will practice presenting their posters.
Students present their posters to the class.
Teacher Notes
Access the text: Going Down Home with Daddy (2019)
By: Kelly Starling Lyons Illustrated by: Daniel Minter
Standards
- ELA.AOR.3 Evaluate how an authors choice of point of view or perspective shapes style and meaning within and across literary texts.
- ELA.AOR.5 Evaluate and critique how an author uses words, phrases, and text structures to craft text.
- ELA.AOR.10 Evaluate and critique multimedia presentations of a text or subject,including their impact on an audience.
- 2.H.1 Identify and compare significant historical events, moments, and symbols in U.S. history.
Assessments
The students will create their poster using 3-5 Adinkra symbols and present their posters (and/or slides) to the class.