English Lesson Plan

Overview:Hurricane Katrina victims came in all sizes, shapes and ages…and some even had four feet. One such victim – a black and white dog – was rescued after the storm, taken to Arizona and eventually adopted by a San Diego couple. Then a woman claiming to be the dog’s original owner showed up and said Boots was really Pablo.

Suggested time allotment: Read the short news story and/or view the video about the dog and his two masters.

Objectives

For a short reaction piece, students will:
1. Write about the balance between safety and restrictions when it comes to metal detectors in schools. Would students feel safer if their school checked everyone with a metal detector or would the atmosphere in the school seem too prison-like?

For a longer piece, students will:
1. Research the situation in their district, including finding out what has been discussed about safety and possible metal detectors. When was it discussed? What did the two sides say? Is there a possibility the school will implement metal detectors if they do not now exist??
2Research what other districts have done. Find these on the Web or call local districts to interview by phone or in person.
3. Read material on Web sites and in books and magazines about safety and environment. Ask teachers and other students what they think. Take a small, informal survey
4. Then write your opinion of how your school should handle this dilemma. Support your argument.

Standards: National Council of Teachers of English and International Reading Association Standards for English Language Arts:
5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
8. Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
12. Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and the exchange of information).

Resources and materials:
Web sites with information:
• The Arizona Daily Star covered the story: “Hurricane dog going back to its La. Home,” by Judy Redhage, March 15, 2007.
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• KATC, Channel 3 in Lafayette, La., where the original owner now lives, has a video: “Katrina Survivor Reunited with Dog,” March 19, 2007.
|view website |