1-Page Template with Questions

2-Page Template with Questions

Title: The Secret Life of Bees Subject/Course: Literacy

Topic: To learn about the Black Madonna and its connection with the characters in the novel The Secret Life of Bees. Grades: 8 Designers: Tonia Taylor

Stage 1 – Desired Results

Established Goals: G Students will understand the importance of the Black Madonna by searching the internet to determine its significance in European and American cultures. Students will also be able to identify its importance to Lily, May, June, and August.

Understandings: Essential Questions Q What is the Black Madonna? Through research the students will understand What is the connection between The that the Black Madonna or Black Virgin is a statue Black Madonna and Lily’s mother? Is or painting of Mary in which she is depicted with there a connection? black or dark skin. This name applies in particular Why do the sisters keep a statue of the to European statues or pictures of Madonna which are of special interest because her dark face and Black Madonna in their home? hands is thought by some to be the true color. The What does the Black Madonna Black Madonnas are generally medieval, or copies symbolize for Lily? of medieval figures and are found in Catholic areas. The statues are mostly wooden but occasionally stone. When the Daughters of Mary visit August’s home one Sunday, August tells the story of how during slavery, a statue of the Black Madonna was found by a slave. It was determined by slaves that the statue was the mother of Jesus, Mary, who had seen suffering of every kind. The slaves believed the statue was sent to ease their pain. For Lily, it becomes a symbol of hope as Lily has suffered as well.

Students will know… The students Students will be able to… S will understand why the author uses the Black Make the connection between Lilly’s Madonna in the novel. Students will understand that the statue is a symbol of power and hope. empowerment and the Black Madonna. K Stage 2 – Assessment Evidence Performance Tasks T E2B- Response to Literature

Key Criteria

OE Other Evidence:

L Learning Activities: Consider the WHERETO elements

Working in groups, the students will be able to identify examples of Lily growth and empowerment. Possible examples

Include her ability to stand up to her father, her decision to remain with August, although she is Aware that June would prefer it if she left. Her self-analysis about her prejudices. Her decision to subsequently touch the heart of the Black Madonna, although June denies her the opportunity to do so.

After the students have identified examples of Lily’s growth, they will determine if and how the