The American Teenager

Twisted Unit

Part I: Freedom Writers Line Game Written Reflection What did you notice? How did you feel standing on the line? How did you feel when there were only a few

people on the line? Were you ever the only person on the line? What did you learn about yourself from

participating in this activity? What did you learn about others?

Part II: Life Reflection - Class Discussion

Describe yourself.

Who are you?

What are your beliefs?

Who are you?

What are you passionate about?

Who are you?

Are you a typical American teenager?

Who are they?

What types of teenagers are there? What cliques exist?

Who are they?

Use three words to describe someone who is popular.

Who are they?

Use three words to describe a typical nerd.

Who are they?

Use three words to describe a jock.

Issues

What problems/issues do teenagers face?

Pressure

What are the greatest pressures that teenagers face?

Roles

What roles do teenagers play within their world?

Roles

How can teenagers contribute positively to their school? Community? World?

Roles

How can teenagers develop a voice in their world (family, community, school) especially if they must overcome the attitude that they are "just kids?"

Roles

What inequalities do you see as a teenager in the world? How are teenagers treated "differently" because they are not considered adults?

Identity

What are some negative stereotypes of teenagers? Why do you believe these views exist? How can teenagers counter these views?

Identity

Who is the American teenager?

** Please write down your answer to this question on an index card to turn in as you leave today.**