This book can either be a whole class read aloud over a few days or a week, or may be assigned as an individual reading assignment. After the text has been read and discussed as a class, students will pick at least one African American from the book and create a 3-5 cell spider map highlighting that person. Teachers may differentiate by having the students research these individuals further, or by creating a map using just the information in the text. Alternatively, teachers may allow the students to choose 3-5 people, and include a brief summary and an image about them in each of the cells (see example).
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map about an African American person who is of interest to them from the book The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World.
Student Instructions:
Enhance learning by connecting Black history to other subjects like writing, art, or science. For example, have students write poems about their chosen figure, create timeline posters, or explore the science behind a person's achievements. This approach supports deeper understanding and keeps students engaged across content areas.
Start by reading select biographies aloud to the class. Use expressive voices and pause for questions to build excitement. This strategy helps all students access the content and sets a positive tone for the project.
Encourage students to pick a person who inspires them or whom they want to learn more about. Offer brief overviews of several figures to spark curiosity and ensure diverse choices.
Demonstrate how to gather information from the book, library, and trusted websites. Show how to take notes on key facts and accomplishments. This supports research skills and helps students feel confident as they work independently.
Provide clear templates and examples of spider maps. Offer tips for organizing information and adding images. Encourage creativity by allowing students to use colors, drawings, or digital tools if available.
The Fierce 44 is a book that highlights the stories and achievements of 44 influential Black Americans who made significant impacts in history, culture, politics, sports, and more. It's designed to inspire students through real-life role models.
Teachers can use The Fierce 44 as a class read-aloud or assign it for individual reading. Afterward, students can create a spider map focusing on one or more people from the book, summarizing key facts and accomplishments to deepen understanding.
A spider map is a graphic organizer where students choose a person from The Fierce 44 and create 3-5 connected cells that highlight important details like birth, education, family, and major achievements, helping organize key information visually.
The Fierce 44 showcases influential Black Americans such as Muhammad Ali, Simone Biles, Barack Obama, Harriet Tubman, Aretha Franklin, Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Jordan, and more, representing a range of fields and eras.
Teachers can differentiate by letting students research beyond the book, choose multiple people, or focus just on book content. Varying the number of spider map cells and allowing creative formats supports diverse learning needs and abilities.