MIDDLE READER LESSON PLAN
GUIDED ANTI-BIAS/ANTI-RACIST READING | GRADES 3-5+
INTRODUCTION
This lesson is divided into 4 sections that are designed to follow along with the book Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Each section focuses on reading comprehension, critical thinking, and self-reflection based on the Teaching Tolerance Social Justice Standards. There are discussion questions, reflection prompts, and activities to guide the student.
OBJECTIVES
This guided reading lesson is designed to be part of a larger life-long commitment to anti-racist teaching and learning for the student and the facilitator. Reading Is Resistance sees reading as an opportunity to seed deeper conversations and opportunities for action around racial equity in our communities. We hold the belief that being anti-racist is a process of learning (and unlearning) over time.
The Teaching Tolerance Social Justice Standards (focused on Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action) serve as guides for our work.
TEACHING TOLERANCE STANDARDS (GRADES 3-5) COVERED IN THIS LESSON
Identity Domain #1
I know and like who I am and can talk about my family and myself and describe our various group identities.
Diversity Domain #10
I know that the way groups of people are treated today, and the way they have been treated in the past, is a part of what makes them who they are.
Justice Domain #15
I know about the actions of people and groups who have worked throughout history to bring more justice and fairness to the world.
Action Domain #17
I know how to stand up for myself and for others when faced with exclusion, prejudice and injustice.
GUIDED READING LESSON PLAN
SECTION ONE: PP 1-64
SUMMARY
The setting is New Orleans, and it is 9-year-old Maddy’s turn to spend a bayou summer with her Grandmere, who just might be a witch. At Grandmere’s, Maddy begins to learn about the community in Bone Tom that formed after slavery. We meet Bear, a local kid who takes Maddy on adventures. And she sees a mysterious mermaid under the swamp water.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
REFLECT
GUIDED READING LESSON PLAN
SECTION TWO: PP 65-121
SUMMARY
Maddy finds out she has inherited magical abilities and a special connection with the water Grandmere shares the story of the violent kidnapping and enslavement of Membe, Maddy’s great-great grandmother. Membe also had a magical connection with the water. Mami Wata (Mother Water) followed the ship carrying Membe from Africa all the way to the U.S. to comfort her.
Grandmere also hints that the water in Bon Temps is at risk of being polluted by oil that is being drilled and excavated.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
How does Grandmere teach Maddy about the way her past impacts who she is today? DIVERSITY DOMAIN # 10
GUIDED READING LESSON PLAN
SECTION THREE: PP 122-177
SUMMARY
We realize that Grandmere’s legacy and connection to Mami Wata will be passed on to Maddy. One evening, Maddy is called by Mami Wata into the water and sees a vibrant ecosystem. She also shows her the oil pipeline far under the surface of the water.
Bear’s father comes to shore for a few days between weeks working on an oil rig. Bear’s dad is depressed and harmful to Bear. In some way, this is connected to the harm that oil does to the natural world.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Who are the people who have worked to bring justice/fairness in this story? Give an example. JUSTICE DOMAIN #15
GUIDED READING LESSON PLAN
SECTION FOUR: PP 178-END
SUMMARY
A series of Maddy’s visions predicting a big oil leak in the water ends up coming true. A broken pipe gushes oil into the bayou, and the oil rig catches fire killing Bear’s dad.
Can Maddy and Mami Wata and her mermaids save Bon Temps before it’s too late?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
REFLECT
WHAT'S NEXT?
RESOURCES/ACTIVITIES
Watch an interview with Jewell Parker Rhodes on writing historical fiction.
Check out U.S. Youth Climate Strike; how might you get involved in protecting the environment where you live?
Learn more about Mami Wata by virtually visiting the UCLA Fowler Museum.
READ NEXT
Forest World by Margarita Engle
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes
A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
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