Unit 1: Growing Up in New York, Then and Now
In this unit, students will read and examine
stories and essays written or presented by several New Yorkers. They will consider how each writer defines
what is like to live in New York and what it means to be a New Yorker, as well
as the intended audience for each piece and the writer’s craft. The students will consider their relationship
to the place in which they live and compare it to the writers’
experiences. They will take initial
photographs of their neighborhoods, documenting the character and places of
interest. Then students will craft a personal narrative piece that answers the
question “What is my relationship to NYC?
How is my identity shaped by where I am from and where I live?” How does
my NYC experience shape my priorities for the city?
Summative
Assessment: My New York writing piece and photo illustration
How do writers communicate their experiences of being a New
Yorker? After reading and analyzing
personal essays by several New Yorkers describing their perceptions and
relationships to where they live, write a narrative from your own perspective
of living in New York that addresses your relationship to the city, and how
living here shapes your identity. Use imagery and sensory language to develop a narrative effect in your work. Include personal
anecdotes, reflection and details to support your ideas about what
it means to live in the city.
How can photographs capture our perceptions of NYC? After examining the work of several NYC
photographers for style and subject matter, take 5 photographs of your New York
City that demonstrate your own relationship to the city.
Anchor Texts: Colossus
of New York, Colson Whitehead; The
Bronx Remembered slideshow, David Gonzalez; + 1 from the immigrant
experience
Guidelines:
- The assignment should be 2 pages minimum and 4 pages maximum.
- Typed and double spaced
- Make sure to give your piece a title.
- Students must print out a hard copy.
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