Language

George Orwell's dystopian novel, 1984, centers on a world of perpetual war and totalitarian rule, in which Winston Smith is a low-ranking government employee. Big Brother is always watching, and even thinking rebellious thoughts is a crime. Winston risks his life waging a battle for individual freedom and expression: a battle he cannot win.

Learning Objectives

Students will: 

• Watch a video segment and answer contextual questions.
• Build vocabulary, reading and listening comprehension skills

In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen wrote a strong female heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, who is more than a match for the rich and handsome Mr. Darcy, and who will not marry merely for money or position. Actress Lauren Graham is one of several book lovers who share their fondness for this novel that has become a template for many other books and movies. Literary experts also weigh in on why this novel has become an enduring classic.

Learning Objective

Students will:

• Watch a video segment and answer contextual questions
• Create character sketches of the two major characters of “Pride and Prejudice”
• Build vocabulary, reading, listening and comprehension skills

In this self-contained high school classroom, a student is learning the new word "would". Using aided language input, the teacher helps him build a sentence that uses the word to contribute to the class chart. During the conference, the teacher models how to use the communication book to convey her message. When the student creates his message the teacher asks the student to confirm that the message is the intended message. The teacher encourages the student to use the communication system as well as a vocal response. The video demonstrates effective strategies for engaging students with significant cognitive disabilities in literacy instruction.

A common Icelandic background brought the two to a study of the Icelandic poet Kirstjan N. Julius, interviewing those in his adopted home of Mountain, North Dakota, who knew the poet.