At Claudette's request, here are the responses I received to search for resources
to motivate a group of very unmotivated high schoolers...
Response #1: One thing I've seen used is to emphasis song lyrics as poems or
stories put to music. Many song writers have also published poetry books with
their lyrics and thoughts. Just a different way to look at expressing ourselves
and maybe why it's important even if you're going to be a rapper or rock star.
Can't rhyme the lyrics if you can't think of a word! Hope that helps in some way.
Response #2: Paul Harvey's The Rest of the Story
Response #3: How about the Freedom Writers Diaries?
Response #4: I would definitely recommend the book Gifted Hands by Dr Ben Carson or
the movie by that name with Cuba Gooding Jr - if she can find clips of
speeches by Dr Carson -- the man is phenomenal - so motivating (for
teachers and students) he reminds us all what we can accomplish if we
strive for it
Response #5: Any chance you have a Boys' and Girls' Club nearby? This is a mission
for them and they have incredibly motivated students and staff. I know, because my
daughter works in Chicago for BGCC. She has had some wonderful stories to tell,
often through the students themselves. It is when THEY realize how important their
opportunities are that it really makes a difference. Good luck.
Another resource I stumbled across after writing my intial email was
http://www.achievement.org/ click on "Keys to Success" at the top of the page and
you will find bios of famous people who overcame obstacles to went on to find
success in their adult lives.
Also, in review LM_Net's archives I found Charlotte Benson's hit from September 12
on the same topic. It reads as follows:
A few of you asked for a hit so here it is:
Gifted hands Autobiography by Ben Carson
Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam
We beat the streets by Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, Rameck Hunt with Sharon
Draper
Glass castle by Jeannette Walls
The Pact by Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, Rameck Hunt with Lisa Page
Freedom writers by Erin Gruwell
Hip hop high school by Alan Sitomer with a warning about language, etc.
The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Ditchdigger's daughters by Yvonne Thornton
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez
A special thanks to those who helped me in my hour of need.
Thanks again,
Nicole Knott
School Library Media Specialist
Watertown High School
(860) 945-4810 ext. 1351
knottni@watertownps.org
________________________________________
From: Claudette Curl [claudettecurl@cablespeed.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 8:55 PM
To: Nicole Knott
Subject: RE: Short stories to motivate high schoolers
Please post a hit. I thank you in advance!
Claudette Curl
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Nicole Knott
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 1:18 PM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: SEC: Short stories to motivate high schoolers
Hi,
A teacher in my building has a very unmotivated group this year. She is
looking for a short story, set of interviews, or statistics to explain the
value of staying motivated during high school to these students. I have
already found a few graduation speeches that drive the point home as well as
some data about lifetime earning discrepancies between high school graduates
and college graduates from that National Center for Education Statistics
website. Does anyone know of any other resources that might drive the point
home with this group?
Much appreciated,
Nicole Knott
School Library Media Specialist
Watertown High School
(860) 945-4810 ext. 1351
knottni@watertownps.org<mailto:knottni@watertownps.org>
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