Mediating Text Plan

MEDIATING TEXT PLAN

Title: Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny by Hill Harper

Literacy Platforms · Defining self __X__ · Becoming resilient _X__ · Engaging others ___X_ · Building capacity __X___ · Other ____ Introducing the Text (getting adolescents [students] into the text right away) · Vocabulary Words --- Swagger (also termed Swagga) – to walk or strut with a defiant air; to show unwavering confidence Foundation – the base or ground on which something stands or is founded Aspiration - a person’s strong desire, aim, or ambition

Text to introduce the text — Letter 1: Young Brotha: The Newest Perfect Model

Your letter hit home with me, man. If forces me to remember what it was like to be a young man in need of things I couldn’t always put into words. I know what it’s like to be confronted with multiple roads you could choose to walk down; some positive, some negative. So, yeah I’m doing what you said I wouldn’t do. I’m writing you back, and there’s so much I want to share with you.

Framing Question(s):

1. What is meant by the phrase, “You are the best invention since last year?” (pg. 7 “Young Brotha)

2. If you knew that you could not fail, what would be your aspirations for the future?

3. Are wealth and winning tied or paired together?

Writing Connection (calling attention to the text as a language model and helping the students read as writers) Let’s examine the first chapter of the text. What do you think about the author’s: 1. Word choice—is he using words that invite the reader in or lock the reader out? (The author uses current vernacular that is commonly used by young adult African American males.) 2. Voice—does it sound like a real voice? Is he taking care as an author to get his point across? (The author is authentic and sincere throughout the book.) 3. Momentum—is he able to keep the reader’s attention? Why or why not? (The author opens each chapter with letters and emails from young men who he has met over the past five years. He also uses his personal experiences, as well as letters of encouragement from celebrities and sports fig- ures to keep the reader engaged. The reader can see that they are not alone in their struggle and that there is hope for the present and future.) 4. Investment—does he seem to really care about what he is writing about? (The author has a vest- ed, authentic interest in inspiring young African American males to develop and maintain values and aspirations for future success. Mediating Discussions Around One of the Framing Questions

Assign pages of text to read. It is best to begin with one page or text and discuss it together before releas- ing the responsibility to the students in: 1. Small groups 2. Whole groups 3. Individual writing assignments - Below are 2 passages from the 1st letter. Choose one of the passages to reflect on the text.

In the first letter, the author opens up the chapter with a quote from Jadakiss as follows: “…I’m not cocky, I’m confident. So when you tell me I’m the best it’s a compliment.

Choice #1 Write about a time in your life when you may have been confident; however, a bit scared at the same time. Please explain why.

or On page 15, the author writes, “Your life isn’t a video game; it’s not a movie or a TV show. It’s yours and yours alone. It’s really happening. Right now. Every second, every day, counts.”

Choice #2 How can your life be compared to a video game or a TV show? Pretend that your life is indeed a video game or TV show? What would be the title? What would it be rated (G, PG, etc…) Explain why.

Evaluating the Discussion and Students’ Ongoing Needs in Future Directions 1. Making choices 2. Setting goals 3. Individual writing assignments

Text Mediation form by Tracy Bell and Mattie Perry Johnson