Summary of book: In the Time of the Butterflies is a
historical novel by Julia Alvarez about the Mirabal sisters during the time of
the Trujilo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. It tells the story through
first and third person narrative about the sisters’ commitment to overthrow
this dictatorship. It retells their political awakenings and hardships of
torture, persecution, and imprisonment. The book is from the perspective of the
surviving sister, Dedé, who is seen as a national hero and is forced to retell
the story of her sisters’ heroism.
I.
Standards/Objectives
a.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d- Use precise words
and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of
the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
b.
CC.9-10.R.L.6 Craft and Structure: Analyze a
particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of
literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world
literature.
c.
CC.9-10.R.I.2 Key Ideas and Details: Determine a
central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text,
including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide
an objective summary of the text.
II.
Procedure
a.
Start by passing out “Whatcha Gonna Do?”
worksheet (see below). There will be three different worksheets for three
different groups.
b.
Students will be asked to fill out the worksheet
and reminding them that this worksheet is just the preliminary work to a
slightly longer assignment, creating a parallel story, which will need to be
roughly two pages handwritten.
c.
After students are given 10 minutes to fill out
the worksheet, they will get into groups of two or three with other students
who have the same worksheet. They will discuss briefly what they wrote down in
the brainstorming stage.
d.
Next after 10 minutes of discussion with their
group, students will be placed in a group that has one of every worksheet. In
this group students will discuss what their worksheet says and what they wrote
for their different situation and why they wrote it.
e.
Students will be instructed to finish the story,
which means it has to have an ending, at home. This assignment is a rough draft
that students will only be turning in the end and will be useful for their end
assignment which is a longer paper comparing what they would do to what
actually happens in the novel.
f.
The next day in class I will explain the basis
of the novel, In the Time of the Butterflies and tell students we will use the
“Whatcha Gonna Do?” as a comparison and discussion point for the novel.
g.
Everyday there will be a set amount that we read
in class, and after major points I will stop and ask the class how this
compares to what they wrote for their “Whatcha Gonna Do?”
h.
With 15 minutes left at the end of class
students will discuss the differences and similarities between the novel and
their story with a partner near by and each pair will be expected to turn in a
short paragraph that simply discusses the differences and similarities between
their story and the novel.
i.
The beginning of class will be used to discuss
what some students said in their group work paragraphs from the previous class
period.
j.
This will continue until the novel is finished.
k.
Once the novel is finished students will be
asked to write a 4 page typed essay comparing their story to the novel and
analyzing the choices of the characters within the novel. Students will be
expected to think about what they would within this political situation.
l.
The papers will have a classroom dedicated to
peer editing and then a brief conference with me to discuss their papers.
m.
The papers will then be hung around the
classroom, and there will be a day or half a day of class dedicated to the
students reading papers they want and students answering any questions others
may have about their own choices or comparisons.
III. Assessment
a.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3dà
When creating their original “Whatcha Gonna Do?” the students need to use vivid
and expressive language. There will also be a requirement for the students to
use the same type of language in their actual papers.
b.
CC.9-10.R.L.6à In order to complete
this assignment, students will have to play themselves in a political situation
that is extremely different than theirs and within a culture that is different
than theirs. Students will be graded partially on how well they integrate their
thought of this other culture/political environment into their papers.
c.
CC.9-10.R.I.2à The main chuck of the
paper should be focused on their choices versus what actually happens in the
novel. Students will be graded on how thoroughly they thought out their choice
and the characters’ choices. They will be graded on how well they analyze these
points.
Worksheets:
Whatcha Gonna Do?
You and your siblings spent your
entire lives living in a political dictatorship. Originally, you did not think
it was that bad, but while away at boarding school you learn more and more
about what the dictator does. As you reach adulthood and see more of the
tragedies you decide you need to talk action. You’re not sure how to start and
you’re certain it will lead to your death. As the oldest sibling you’re worried
about involving your siblings, but you know you need their help.
So then, whatcha gonna do?
Whatcha Gonna Do?
You
and your siblings spent your entire lives living in a political dictatorship.
You never thought anything of it until your oldest sibling comes to you and
tells you everything that has happened. Your oldest sibling then asks you for
help. You know it will most likely end in death, but you want to help with a
cause you believe in. You wonder if you’re willing to risk your life.
So then, whatcha gonna do?
Whatcha Gonna Do?
You’re
the leader of a country, and many of the citizens seem to be happy. Some speak
out against your actions, but you know how to silence them. There is a group of
siblings spreading rumors that you’re a dictator. You’re enraged and know this
will not help your political image. You wonder what to do and if you should
handle them the way you have handled everyone else.
So then, whatcha gonna do?
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