Contending with Gun Violence in the English Language Classroom: A Literary and Pedagogical Response

In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the issue of gun violence has once again come to the forefront of our national conversation. As educators, we have a responsibility to address this issue with our students, to help them understand the complexities of gun violence, and to empower them to make informed decisions about their own lives and communities.

One way that we can do this is through literature. Literature provides a powerful lens through which we can examine the human experience, and it can help us to develop empathy for others, to understand different perspectives, and to see the world from a new point of view.

In this article, I will discuss how literature can be used to teach about gun violence in the English language classroom. I will provide specific examples of texts that can be used to generate discussion and critical thinking about this issue, and I will offer suggestions for activities and assignments that can help students to learn from these texts.

Contending with Gun Violence in the English Language Classroom

by Shelly Shaffer

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2237 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	154 pages

FREE

Literature can be a powerful tool for teaching about gun violence because it allows students to explore this complex issue from a variety of perspectives. Through literature, students can learn about the history of gun violence in the United States, the different factors that contribute to gun violence, and the impact that gun violence has on individuals, families, and communities.

Literature can also help students to develop empathy for victims of gun violence and their families. By reading about the experiences of others, students can gain a better understanding of the pain and suffering that gun violence causes. This empathy can help students to become more motivated to work towards preventing gun violence.

In addition, literature can help students to develop critical thinking skills. By analyzing texts about gun violence, students can learn to identify the different perspectives on this issue, to evaluate the evidence presented in support of these perspectives, and to form their own informed opinions.

There are a number of different texts that can be used to teach about gun violence in the English language classroom. Some of the most popular and effective texts include:

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: This novel tells the story of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend by a police officer. Starr's story is a powerful indictment of police brutality and racial injustice, and it can help students to understand the role that race plays in gun violence.
• March by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell: This graphic novel trilogy tells the story of John Lewis's life and work as a civil rights activist. March provides a historical perspective on gun violence in the United States, and it can help students to understand the long struggle for gun control in this country.
• The Fire This Time edited by Jesmyn Ward: This anthology of essays, poems, and short stories explores the impact of gun violence on black communities in the United States. The Fire This Time is a powerful and moving collection that can help students to understand the devastating toll that gun violence takes on black lives.
• Gun Violence: A Reader edited by Amy Elkins: This collection of essays, poems, and short stories provides a comprehensive overview of gun violence in the United States. Gun Violence: A Reader is an excellent resource for teachers who want to teach about this issue in the classroom.

In addition to reading and discussing texts about gun violence, there are a number of other activities and assignments that can be used to help students learn about this issue. Some of these activities and assignments include:

• Class discussions: Class discussions are a great way to get students talking about gun violence and to share their own thoughts and experiences. To facilitate class discussions, teachers can use the following questions as prompts:
  • What are the different causes of gun violence?
  • What are the different consequences of gun violence?
  • What can be done to prevent gun violence?
• Research projects: Research projects are a great way for students to learn more about gun violence in depth. To complete research projects, students can choose a specific topic related to gun violence, such as the history of gun control in the United States or the impact of gun violence on black communities.
• Creative writing assignments: Creative writing assignments are a great way for students to express their own thoughts and feelings about gun violence. To complete creative writing assignments, students can write poems, short stories, or essays about gun violence.
• Community service projects: Community service projects are a great way for students to get involved in their communities and to make a difference. To complete community service projects, students can volunteer at organizations that work to prevent gun violence, such as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence or the National Coalition to End Gun Violence.

Gun violence is a complex and challenging issue, but it is one that we must address in our schools and classrooms. Literature can be a powerful tool for teaching about gun violence, and it can help students to develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and a commitment to social justice. By using literature to teach about gun violence, we can help our students to become informed and engaged citizens who are prepared to work towards a better future.

Contending with Gun Violence in the English Language Classroom

by Shelly Shaffer

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2237 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	154 pages

FREE