Unit Plan: Inside Out and Back Again

Grade Level: 6th grade

Duration: 4 weeks (20 instructional days)

Objective: Students will analyze the novel Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and empathy, while also developing critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.

Week 1: Introduction to the Novel and Historical Context

Day 1: - Introduce the novel Inside Out and Back Again to the students. - Discuss the author, Thanhha Lai, and her background. - Provide an overview of the historical context of the Vietnam War and its impact on Vietnamese refugees. - Distribute copies of the novel to students.

Day 2: - Read aloud the first chapter of the novel as a class. - Discuss the main character, Ha, and her experiences. - Analyze the use of sensory details in the text and how they contribute to the reader’s understanding of Ha’s world.

Day 3: - Continue reading the novel as a class, focusing on chapters 2-4. - Discuss the challenges Ha faces as a refugee and the impact of war on her life. - Analyze the theme of resilience and how it is portrayed in the text.

Week 2: Character Development and Point of View

Day 4: - Review the events of the previous chapters. - Analyze Ha’s character development throughout the novel. - Discuss how her experiences shape her identity and worldview.

Day 5: - Read chapters 5-7 of the novel as a class. - Analyze the use of point of view in the text and how it affects the reader’s understanding of the story. - Discuss the concept of empathy and how it relates to the characters in the novel.

Day 6: - Continue reading the novel, focusing on chapters 8-10. - Analyze the relationships between Ha and other characters in the story. - Discuss the theme of friendship and its importance in the novel.

Week 3: Themes and Symbolism

Day 7: - Review the events of the previous chapters. - Analyze the theme of identity and how it is explored in the novel. - Discuss the symbolism of the papaya tree and its significance to Ha.

Day 8: - Read chapters 11-13 of the novel as a class. - Analyze the theme of family and its importance in the story. - Discuss the challenges faced by Ha’s family and how they overcome them.

Day 9: - Continue reading the novel, focusing on chapters 14-16. - Analyze the theme of home and belonging in the novel. - Discuss the symbolism of the sea and its connection to Ha’s journey.

Week 4: Culminating Activities and Reflection

Day 10: - Review the events of the previous chapters. - Analyze the theme of hope and its role in the novel. - Discuss the significance of the title, Inside Out and Back Again.

Day 11: - Engage in a Socratic seminar to discuss the novel’s themes, characters, and symbolism. - Encourage students to support their ideas with evidence from the text.

Day 12: - Reflect on the novel as a whole and its impact on the students. - Have students write a personal response essay, discussing their own experiences with resilience, empathy, and identity.

Day 13: - Share and discuss the personal response essays in small groups or as a class. - Encourage students to provide feedback and engage in meaningful discussions.

Day 14: - Create a visual representation of a significant scene or theme from the novel using art supplies or digital tools. - Present and explain their artwork to the class, discussing their artistic choices and the connection to the novel.

Day 15: - Final assessment: Have students write a book review of Inside Out and Back Again, summarizing the plot, analyzing the themes, and providing their personal opinion. - Collect and review the book reviews for assessment purposes.

Note: Throughout the unit, incorporate mini-lessons on reading strategies, vocabulary development, and writing skills as needed. Provide opportunities for independent reading and discussions, as well as collaborative activities to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills.