[LM_NET] TAR: ELEM: Watson's Go To Birmingham prep

[Angie Woodson <librarypup@GMAIL.COM>]

Hi all!  I am reading aloud "The Watson's Go To Birmingham" to my 4th
graders.  This is my first time reading the book aloud to a class.  They
have enjoyed it immensely so far, but we are nearing the end of the book and
I know that some very serious stuff is about to happen.  Unfortunately, they
are all enjoying the book so much and its humor, I'm not quite sure how to
prepare them for the seriousness of the issues that are about to happen.  I
feel like they are constantly looking for the next funny line and I think I
need to prep them a little about what is coming up.  Today, I briefly
discussed with them some of the violence and ugly things that were happening
in the south at that time, but I still don't think they get it.  For those
of you who have done this book as a read aloud before, how did you prepare
your classes for the end of the book?  Is there a good video I can show them
to illustrate the violence of the time?  Any tips on leading a discussion on
the racial angst that plagued the country at that time?  Again, my concern
is that they are only seeing this as a "funny" book and are going to be
blind-sided by the series of events that occurs at the end.

I would appreciate any suggestions or input.  I'm happy to post a hit if
there is interest.

-- 
Angie Woodson
Media Specialist
Van Buren Elementary
225 Shaw St., Plainfield, IN 46168
317-839-2575
awoodson@plainfield.k12.in.us

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