Informational texts to accompany Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee’s classic tale To Kill a Mockingbird, set in the deep South and narrated by feisty Scout Finch, explores the emotional topics of race, justice, tolerance, fear and courage. Atticus Finch is a local attorney, who, against the advice of community and family members, takes on the case of a black man accused of raping a white woman from the community. Informational text pieces that will pair well with To Kill a Mockingbird will explore southern politics and communities of the past, topics of justice and fairness, and 1930s communities and ethics. Teachers will want to explore cross-curricular connections in English Language Arts, social studies and political science courses, including character education units in other areas.
Close Reading Lessons
- A Long, Hard March (Grades 6-8; CCSS.CCRA.R.8)
- Employ One. Impact Many. (Grades 6-8; CCSS.CCRA.R.4)
- Wilma Rudolph: The Potential for Greatness (Grades 9,10; CCSS.CCRA.R.5)
- As a Leader, Nelson Mandela Was Willing to Use Violence (Grades 11,12; CCSS.CCRA.R.1)
Applied Argumentative Writing Lessons
- When We Step in—And When We Don’t (Grade 5; CCSS.RI.5.5; CCSS.W.5.1)
- Multiday Informational Text: The Power of a Voice (Grade 5; CCSS.RI.5.9; CCSS.W.5.1)
- Malala Yousafzai: A Girl with a Voice (Grade 7; CCSS.RI.7.9; CCSS.W.7.1)
- You Are What You Don't Say: Nonverbal Communication (Grade 8; CCSS.RI.8.3; CCSS.W.8.2)
- The Rise of the New Groupthink (Grade 9; CCSS.RI.9-10.3; CCSS.W.9-10.1)
Differentiated Lesson Sets for Grades 4-12
- Social Responsibility: How do individuals stand up and take responsibility for changing their societies?
- Societal Hierarchies: How did the early Japanese, Chinese, and Korean peoples organize their societies?
- Conflict and Dominance: How do conflict and the struggle for dominance affect the human spirit?
Introductions to Key Skills & Concepts
- Making Arguments About Point of View (Grades 3-5; CCSS.CCRA.R.6)
- Making Arguments About Point of View (Grades 6-12; CCSS.CCRA.R.6)
- Making Arguments About Words and Details: Informational Text (Grades 3-5; CCSS.CCRA.R.4)
- Making Arguments About Words and Details: Informational Text (Grades 6-12; CCSS.CCRA.R.4)
- Making Arguments About Author's Purpose (Grades 3-5; CCSS.CCRA.R.6)
- Making Arguments About Author's Purpose (Grades 6-12; CCSS.CCRA.R.6)