Introduction
Literature is a powerful tool that should be used to the fullest extent in the classroom and The Kite Runner is a diverse novel that allows an array of themes and
important issues to be covered in a one compact unit. Being a newer piece of literature, it is extremely prevalent to the students of this generation. In The Kite
Runner, racial, social, and political change are thoroughly discussed and accurately reflected through Amir's narrative. His captivating story of regret, struggle,
guilt, and perseverance is something our students can relate to and learn from.
Throughout our unit, we have made our student's experiences and interests a focal point in discovering the main issues presented in The Kite Runner. Our over
arching question for the unit, "How can literature serve as a vehicle for social change?" is the prominent focus in each of our lessons. The project we have created
to assist the exploration of this idea asks students to look at current conflicts around the world and how they compare to the conflict presented in The Kite Runner.
The themes we emphasize throughout the lessons prompts students to analyze these issues through their own lives and really find ways to make a difference in
the world today.
Our classroom is a junior-level high school classroom with 20 students. The high school is located in a suburb of a large metropolitan area and is 54.3% white,
10.4% black, 22.8 Hispanic, 8.6% Asian, 3.5% multiracial, and .3% American Indian. 14% of the school is categorized under low socioeconomic status and 61.8%
of the school population meets or exceeds standards according to No Child Left Behind. The total school population is 4,522. In our classroom specifically, there is
large parental involvement and the students generally complete assignment in class and for homework. There are 3 Hispanic students that are English Language
Learners; however, they generally keep up with the rest of the class and are provided some modifications, but do not qualify for IEPs. Theodore, who has a mild
reading disability, is the only student in the class with an IEP.
important issues to be covered in a one compact unit. Being a newer piece of literature, it is extremely prevalent to the students of this generation. In The Kite
Runner, racial, social, and political change are thoroughly discussed and accurately reflected through Amir's narrative. His captivating story of regret, struggle,
guilt, and perseverance is something our students can relate to and learn from.
Throughout our unit, we have made our student's experiences and interests a focal point in discovering the main issues presented in The Kite Runner. Our over
arching question for the unit, "How can literature serve as a vehicle for social change?" is the prominent focus in each of our lessons. The project we have created
to assist the exploration of this idea asks students to look at current conflicts around the world and how they compare to the conflict presented in The Kite Runner.
The themes we emphasize throughout the lessons prompts students to analyze these issues through their own lives and really find ways to make a difference in
the world today.
Our classroom is a junior-level high school classroom with 20 students. The high school is located in a suburb of a large metropolitan area and is 54.3% white,
10.4% black, 22.8 Hispanic, 8.6% Asian, 3.5% multiracial, and .3% American Indian. 14% of the school is categorized under low socioeconomic status and 61.8%
of the school population meets or exceeds standards according to No Child Left Behind. The total school population is 4,522. In our classroom specifically, there is
large parental involvement and the students generally complete assignment in class and for homework. There are 3 Hispanic students that are English Language
Learners; however, they generally keep up with the rest of the class and are provided some modifications, but do not qualify for IEPs. Theodore, who has a mild
reading disability, is the only student in the class with an IEP.