Teaching Challenges
Below are potential challenges associated with this text that need to be addressed, in order for students to get the most out of their reading experience of this novel.
Challenge #1
It is imperative that teachers discuss the historical background events of this novel.
Many adolescents will be aware that World War II occurred, however some students may be unfamiliar with what occurred once the war was over. It would be extremely beneficial for educators to briefly discuss what countries were on which side of the war and then which side ultimately lost the war. Teachers also need to be sure to discuss consequences of the war, and specifically address what consequences Germany faced, since that is the setting of the text. Teachers should discuss in detail how Germany was "split up" and other war consequences that directly impacted the German people, in particular the Berlin Wall, which plays a major role in this novel.
It is imperative that teachers conduct thorough background knowledge of the historical background events associated with this text, so that students get the most out of their reading experience. If students are unaware or even unfamiliar with these historical events, then they will probably not understand the novel as a whole. They will not understand why Gerta could not just climb over the wall and see the rest of her family or vice versa, why her family could not just climb over the wall and see her. Students also must understand that Germany's situation was a punishment for the role they played in the war. Otherwise, students may assume that Germany's government was always structured that way.
It will also be helpful if educators hold a class discussion about what was going on during this time period, prior to reading the novel. In this way, teachers can directly observe students prior knowledge, misconceptions, and questions that they have, concerning the text.
Challenge #2
Educators should be prepared to redirect students' mindsets, while they're reading.
With the extensive amount of historical background events that take place and are associated with this text, it could be easy for young readers to become consumed with only that aspect of the text. Teachers should be prepared to remind students that students should not only take note of the historical events associated with the text, but also be aware of the many themes and motifs involved with this text as well. It may be helpful for teachers to initiate specific activities that focus on students identifying and explaining themes and motifs they observe in the text, while citing textual information as well. Teachers may also consider having recap sessions periodically throughout the text, so that they are able to observe what students are getting from the text, and are able to redirect accordingly.
Challenge #1
It is imperative that teachers discuss the historical background events of this novel.
Many adolescents will be aware that World War II occurred, however some students may be unfamiliar with what occurred once the war was over. It would be extremely beneficial for educators to briefly discuss what countries were on which side of the war and then which side ultimately lost the war. Teachers also need to be sure to discuss consequences of the war, and specifically address what consequences Germany faced, since that is the setting of the text. Teachers should discuss in detail how Germany was "split up" and other war consequences that directly impacted the German people, in particular the Berlin Wall, which plays a major role in this novel.
It is imperative that teachers conduct thorough background knowledge of the historical background events associated with this text, so that students get the most out of their reading experience. If students are unaware or even unfamiliar with these historical events, then they will probably not understand the novel as a whole. They will not understand why Gerta could not just climb over the wall and see the rest of her family or vice versa, why her family could not just climb over the wall and see her. Students also must understand that Germany's situation was a punishment for the role they played in the war. Otherwise, students may assume that Germany's government was always structured that way.
It will also be helpful if educators hold a class discussion about what was going on during this time period, prior to reading the novel. In this way, teachers can directly observe students prior knowledge, misconceptions, and questions that they have, concerning the text.
Challenge #2
Educators should be prepared to redirect students' mindsets, while they're reading.
With the extensive amount of historical background events that take place and are associated with this text, it could be easy for young readers to become consumed with only that aspect of the text. Teachers should be prepared to remind students that students should not only take note of the historical events associated with the text, but also be aware of the many themes and motifs involved with this text as well. It may be helpful for teachers to initiate specific activities that focus on students identifying and explaining themes and motifs they observe in the text, while citing textual information as well. Teachers may also consider having recap sessions periodically throughout the text, so that they are able to observe what students are getting from the text, and are able to redirect accordingly.