In this unit you will use three books: COLD SASSY TREE by Siddons, SIX THINKING HATS by De Bono, and CROWNS by Cunninham & Marberry.

The unit could be called Literature, Business, and History Connections.

The core focus is on “hats.”

While reading COLD SASSY TREE in American literature the students keep a reading journal of the main characters. They map each character’s actions and dress of the period. The male students can research not only the invention of the Model T Ford, but also the clothes that men wore during that period. The girls research the hats that were worn during that period and the style of dress.

Alternating days will address the SIX THINKING HATS idea in business which has become so popular. At the end of the unit, students will be assigned role personalities according to the color of the hats in the book. They will be given a problem to solve which will incorporate group work according to the hates.

The African-American connection will include the book CROWNS. The teacher will read a biographical excerpt from the book each week either as a warm-up to whichever book is the focus of the day.

As an extended activity in the community, students could interview women who wear hats at church or guys who wear various hats. The interview could be written out and art students or photography students could take pictures of these individuals and make a scrapbook with narrative or a calendar with narrative or poetry about the meaning of such hats to these people.

A demonstration for other classes could be a fashion show of hats during the period of the novel.

Strand A: Reading Standard: The student uses the reading process effectively.

Strand B: Writing: The student is able to compare and contrast the use of the hat theme in the literature, business, and African-American culture.

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Mary Ann Beggs

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