Dear Martin by Nic Stone is a fantastic novel to teach with middle and secondary school students, especially if you want to explore issues related to racism in America.
You will find some helpful lesson plan ideas for Dear Martin below, but if you want a full unit plan with everything you need to teach Dear Martin in one download, check out this great unit here.
Here are 10 quick lesson plan ideas you can use when teaching Dear Martin.
1. Introduction to the Book
Begin by discussing the background, themes, and context of the book, Dear Martin. This novel focuses on serious, heavy themes, and it is important to start by giving context and setting parameters for safe and respectful discussion. You could also start by learning about the author, Nic Stone, and her motivations for writing Dear Martin. Try watching one of her interviews with media, such as this one with MSNBC.
2. Character Analysis
Have students analyze the main characters in Dear Martin and discuss their motivations and experiences. Justyce, Manny, SJ, and Jared are all worth looking at in more depth. Ask your students to explain if and why they find the characters to be authentic and believable. Are they flat, or fully developed characters?
3. Critical Race Theory
Discuss the concept of critical race theory and its application in the book, Dear Martin. Critical race theory has been a hot-button topic of late, bandied about by national and local politicians alike, so it is important for students to understand what it is and what it isn’t. This article from EducationWeek provides a good starting point.
4. Journal Writing
Encourage students to write in a journal in the style of the protagonist, Justyce McAllister. In Dear Martin, Justyce writes journal-like letters to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These letters give us important insight to his thoughts and emotions. Your students could also write letters in this style to a living or dead person they admire and aspire to be like.
5. Police Brutality
Address the issue of police brutality and its impact on communities of color. This issue is absolutely central to the story in Dear Martin, as Justiyce is twice the victim of racial profiling and police brutality. There are, unfortunately, many recent events related to the issues explored in Dear Martin, so you could start by examining a case of racial profiling or police brutality from real life.
6. Systemic Racism
Discuss systemic racism and its effects on society. What is systemic racism? How is manifested in our education, health, and justice systems?
7. Social Justice Activism
Explore the theme of social justice activism and the role it plays in the book, and in society. For example, Manny’s father loses his high-profile job when he exercises his right to protest police brutality.
8. Writing Letters
Have students write letters to a political figure, community leader, or their own future selves, drawing inspiration from Dear Martin.
9. Racism and the Justice System
Address the impact of racism on the criminal justice system and explore solutions for reform. In Dear Martin, Justyce and SJ choose this topic as the basis for their argument in the debate tournament.
10. Book Discussion
Encourage students to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the book in small groups or as a class, but always be very careful to ensure students are respectful and compassionate with each other. Dear Martin explores serious and painful issues, so it is important to maintain a safe space for your students.
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