<p>"European sailors told of being able to smell the pine forests of North America before they were within sight of land. Early explorers sometimes described possible settlements along the coast in tempting terms. Captain John Smith of Virginia made a whaling expedition to New England [which he is credited with naming] in 1614; he subsequently published a book describing the region's genial climate, fair coasts, and natural harbors...Immigrants endured hardships on their journeys and in their first years in America. Some portion of each new settlement perished from hunger, exposure, disease, or conflict, yet the stream of settlers kept coming. They crossed the Atlantic for many reasons: some for wealth, some to escape political or religious institutions they saw as oppressive or corrupt."</p> <p>However, some "early colonists came to the New World expecting to gain wealth through some combination of luck and hard work and return to their home cities or towns to enjoy their prosperity. The names of the places they settled - New Spain, New England, New York, Nova Scotia - and the nature of the portraits they commissioned tell us that they did not think of themselves as Americans, but as transplants."</p> <p>The artistic world and the literary world share much in common with respect to this approach. They were not writing "American literature" yet - - because in a sense such literature did not yet exist. Rather they were writing as transplanted Europeans, in a European voice and style. However, many American literature courses will begin with this period because in a sense, works such as John Smith's <em>Historie of Virginia</em> and William Bradford's <em>Of Plymouth Plantation</em> became our nation's first attempt at literature.</p> <p><em>* All quoted material from the <strong>Smithsonian American Art Museum's America's Art" #SAAMteach</strong></em></p>

<p>"European sailors told of being able to smell the pine forests of North America before they were within sight of land. Early explorers sometimes described possible settlements along the coast in tempting terms. Captain John Smith of Virginia made a whaling expedition to New England [which he is credited with naming] in 1614; he subsequently published a book describing the region's genial climate, fair coasts, and natural harbors...Immigrants endured hardships on their journeys and in their first years in America. Some portion of each new settlement perished from hunger, exposure, disease, or conflict, yet the stream of settlers kept coming. They crossed the Atlantic for many reasons: some for wealth, some to escape political or religious institutions they saw as oppressive or corrupt."</p> <p>However, some "early colonists came to the New World expecting to gain wealth through some combination of luck and hard work and return to their home cities or towns to enjoy their prosperity. The names of the places they settled - New Spain, New England, New York, Nova Scotia - and the nature of the portraits they commissioned tell us that they did not think of themselves as Americans, but as transplants."</p> <p>The artistic world and the literary world share much in common with respect to this approach. They were not writing "American literature" yet - - because in a sense such literature did not yet exist. Rather they were writing as transplanted Europeans, in a European voice and style. However, many American literature courses will begin with this period because in a sense, works such as John Smith's <em>Historie of Virginia</em> and William Bradford's <em>Of Plymouth Plantation</em> became our nation's first attempt at literature.</p> <p><em>* All quoted material from the <strong>Smithsonian American Art Museum's America's Art" #SAAMteach</strong></em></p>

<p>What choices are made by artists as they strive to represent the war experience and its impact? How do such choices reflect writers' literary styles, themes, and motivations?   #SAAMteach</p>

<p>I use this specific "Raven" lesson with 10th grade American Lit students who have some prior knowledge of Poe. This particular class has already read "The Tell Tale Heart," additionally, they have a strong understanding of the qualities associated with Dark Romantic style - having read <em>The Scarlet Letter</em> and <em>Young Goodman Brown</em>, in addition to <em>The Tell Tale Heart</em>. This particular poem also comes on the heals of completing the Emily Dickinson unit, so therefore they have a good grasp of what is required when you're explicating a poem, what steps to follow, etc. This particular "Raven" lesson takes approximately two 45 minute class periods. Step by step for the lesson is featured below in the "notes" section.  #SAAMTeach</p>

<p>This collection not only helps launch F.Scott Fitzgerald's great American novel, but introduces discussions regarding Modernism as a cultural movement, the urban environment, prohibition, and transition into the Harlem Renaissance. Use with the collection "The Gilded Age", as a conversation with students discussing the various world events prompting the emergence of Modernism.  I do not use the collection all at the same time, but rather different portions, specific paintings, etc. for certain chapters or events in <em>The Great Gatsby</em>. </p><p>The collection includes a combination of paintings from the Smithsonian's <em>National Portrait Gallery </em>and the <em>Smithsonian American Art Museum, </em> photographs I have taken, articles from the <em>Smithsonian Magazine</em> regarding <em>The Great Gatsby</em> and Fitzgerald, as well as some supplemental Google Slides presentations.  #SAAMteach</p>

<p>Activity to encourage imagination, creativity, and students' self confidence as we encourage them to move beyond finding that "one right answer" they believe a teacher is seeking. </p>

<p>This collection is used to help launch the Romanticism Unit for a 10th grade American Literature course. The paintings were selected for their potential to inspire conversations about various historical events, social, intellectual, and political movements which helped prompt a tremendous growth in American literature during the period between 1800 and the start of Civil War (approximately 1860's). Each work of art compliments at least one work of literature we will discuss during this time period.  Students are encouraged during class discussions to access prior knowledge of this time period, based upon what they have learned in their 10th grade U.S. History class. A one to two day lesson using this collection, and culminating in a writing assignment, follows. (See "Notes to Other Users" for further description of lesson.)</p> <p>#SAAMteach<br /></p>

<p>This collection is used to launch the novel "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer." This is a novel which nearly defies categorization. Suskind, the writer ventures into a creative territory few students read in high school. Instead of beginning the unit with general background and context about the novel, we begin from an emotional point - - what emotions and experiences are prompted by the setting, mood, atmosphere, etc.? Below are the general steps we follow:                           #SAAMteach</p> <p>1. Pairs of students are each given two different paintings (I have a very small class - 12 students - - and choose to give each group two in order to cover more; however, you could easily do this with a class of 24 and each group of two has one painting.)</p> <p>2. Each group has a graphic organizer which is a modified "See/Think/Wonder" format, coupled with a brainstorming opportunity regarding the emotions generated by this painting. They're given approximately 10 minutes to work their way through the paintings and complete the lists for each, as they discuss, etc. I print out the pictures for them because I don't want them to see the titles and any additional information they may find online.</p> <p>3. When they have about 10 minutes, the students each have an opportunity to walk their classmates through the paintings and then open up the floor for a discussion about the emotions conveyed through this work.</p> <p>4. We keep a running list of these emotions on the board. Some that have surfaced include: confusion, disgust, loneliness, repugnance, helplessness, panic, anger, fear... Next to this list we wrote some overall concepts, such as abstract mixed with realism, abandonment, intimidation, and disconnect...</p> <p>5. When completed, I'll lead the conversation to a discussion about how these very same emotions are reflected by and presented within the novel...but like the paintings, in very unique ways. I choose my words carefully so as not to give the entire first few chapters away, but at the same time, offering them a preview. We then read the first two paragraphs out loud, and discuss how so many of the elements noted on the board are present already.</p> <p>6. They're then assigned Chapters 1, 2, and 3 to read, with a "list" of suggested items to watch for, annotate, etc. as they complete their first close reading of the novel. (This assignment is attached.)</p> <p>7. Part II involves writing in response to one of the paintings, completed after students have read the novel. (See Google Doc directions)</p>

<p>This is a short unit, intended to reflect various elements of, and stages of, Native American culture and life in North America, including the interaction/domination by those who settled the United States. They are used in cooperation with various representative works of literature. The first picture is used as a brainstorming tool before reading a classic Native American Creation Myth - - "Earth on Turtle's Back." The painting used is " Mamakadendagwad" by Tom Uttech. The second painting introduces the natural conflict arising from forced assimilation ("Wi-jun-jon, Pigeon's Egg Head (The Light) Going to and Returning from Washington").  The third painting, "Ha-tchoo-tuck-knee, Snapping Turtle, a Half-breed." - is helpful in a discussion about stereotypes and offensive terms used to label one another. I will direct students to the painter, and note how there were those who made efforts to document and protect the Natives' way of life. Note interesting facts about Caitlin's background and work. Still, as we know - genocide, forced relocation, and oppression came. Painting will be used to introduce Chief Joseph's "An Indian's View of Indian's Affairs." Students will read an excerpt and discuss use of emotional, ethical, and logical appeals. </p> <p>Students will finish the short unit by reading Sherman Alexie's "Superman and Me."</p><p>#SAAMteach<br /></p>