Perks+Big+question+and+rationale

What makes a person who s/he is (past, present, and future)? Students will be able to...
 * Identify internal and external factors that shape their identities (and that of the main character)
 * Internal factors
 * Dispositions
 * Temperament/personality
 * Self-image
 * Choices
 * External factors
 * Experiences (What challenges have helped you develop as a young adult?)
 * Environment
 * Friend, Family
 * Books, Movies, Music
 * Understand how these factors shape the development of character(s) throughout the novel and one's own personal development
 * Understand the role that language plays in the process of expressing these factors
 * Social norms
 * Media
 * What others say to/about us: (mis)conceptions
 * How we remember/talk about/write about our experiences (narrative writing)

1. **Relevance** (to students; to the discipline of ELA and society in general) The factors (particularly external) are more relevant than more dated coming-of-age novels (like Jane Eyre); those change, as do the opportunities. Allows students to confront current controversial societal issues (like abortion, rape, sexuality). 2. **Alignment** Elements in the book lend themselves to teaching about things in the standards: personal writing, character development, point of view, cause and effect. 3. **Diversity** Incorporate throughout lessons, e.g., expressive journal writing, code-switching (how language affects us individually: diary vs. talking with your parents). The book addresses sexuality, invites discussion (if handled carefully). 4. **Scaffolding** Building on what led to Charlie's development as a character can help to create self-knowledge (and vice versa). Set aside and pick out motifs/symbols that connect to development. 5. **Process/Conventions**
 * How might you use these criteria to justify our approaches to this text?**
 * Language - Formal/informal writing conventions (dialect/standard): colloquialisms and Realism; how language choice affects tone (would the novel be as effective in a more formal tone?)
 * Reading - Excerpts from //Catcher in the Rye//; respond as Charlie would (to understand character & themselves)
 * Writing - write letters reflecting on themselves (to each other)