Addressing the challenges educators face when student writing becomes inappropriate, this guide offers practical strategies for intervention. It emphasizes the importance of understanding context and intent while providing tools for constructive dialogue. The book also explores legal considerations, best practices for addressing sensitive topics, and fostering a safe classroom environment. By equipping teachers with the necessary skills and insights, it aims to promote responsible writing and communication among students.
This text was developed by three experienced English teachers, who also happen to be lawyers. The law provides a new dimension to popular literary themes, like justice, fairness and equality. These legal documents will enhance the discussion in the English/Language Arts classroom. With the Common Core State Standards' emphasis on incorporating primary documents of historical and literary significance, literature teachers have more opportunity than ever to use case law and other legal documents as texts. Each thematic unit includes essential questions, familiar fiction and nonfiction selections with connections to the theme, teaching notes, and relevant cases with before, during, and after-discussion questions. The text demonstrates not only the importance of the thoughtful selection of legal documents to meet state and national standards, but also includes new approaches to classic texts. With an easily accessible format, teachers will overcome any intimidation of case law and embrace the use of legal documents to enhance the literature in a new, insightful way.
