In-class PowerPoint Presentations:
Length: 1-2 class periods
Supplies needed: Access to computers or other devices access to PowerPoint/Google Slides
Great for: Using historical information to enhance understanding of a text, speaking practice, and practice with working in a group
Overview of Procedures: Divide students into groups of 3-4, and assign them a specific aspect related to The Black God's Drums to make a slideshow about with the purpose of informing the class. Sample aspects include:
When students have been given enough time to finish their slideshows, have them each deliver their presentation to the class. Length of presentations and required slides can be adjusted based on the level of the class and the time available.
Sample PowerPoints:
Length: 1-2 class periods
Supplies needed: Access to computers or other devices access to PowerPoint/Google Slides
Great for: Using historical information to enhance understanding of a text, speaking practice, and practice with working in a group
Overview of Procedures: Divide students into groups of 3-4, and assign them a specific aspect related to The Black God's Drums to make a slideshow about with the purpose of informing the class. Sample aspects include:
- The American Civil War: real information vs. how it is portrayed in the book
- The Haitian Revolution: real information vs. how it is portrayed in the book
- Geography/demographics/information/history/colonialization of Haiti
- Geography/demographics/information/history/colonialization of New Orleans
- Yoruba religion/gods/beliefs/traditions
- Steampunk: history, popular examples, common archetypes and tropes
- Every slide needs an image
- 36 point font minimum to keep students from filling each slide with text. Most of the information should be said aloud.
- Every slide should be informative
- Every student needs to participate in the presentation
When students have been given enough time to finish their slideshows, have them each deliver their presentation to the class. Length of presentations and required slides can be adjusted based on the level of the class and the time available.
Sample PowerPoints:
| haitian_revolution.pdf |
| new_orleans.pdf |
| steampunk.pdf |
| the_civil_war_in_history_and_the_black_god’s_drums.pdf |
| yoruba.pdf |
Playlist and Letter for Creeper
Length: 30-40 minutes
Supplies needed: Writing Utensil or word processor
Great for: Thematic analysis, character study, creative writing
Overview of Procedures:
Either alone or in small groups, students are to make a playlist of 5 or more songs that somehow relate to the book, either overtly or thematically. Each song needs to be accompanied by a justification as to how/why it relates. Once the playlist has been created, students will then write a half-page "letter" to Creeper, explaining why they picked each song, and why she might be interested in them. These letters can be shared out loud with the class, with time permitting.
Sample playlists/letters:
Length: 30-40 minutes
Supplies needed: Writing Utensil or word processor
Great for: Thematic analysis, character study, creative writing
Overview of Procedures:
Either alone or in small groups, students are to make a playlist of 5 or more songs that somehow relate to the book, either overtly or thematically. Each song needs to be accompanied by a justification as to how/why it relates. Once the playlist has been created, students will then write a half-page "letter" to Creeper, explaining why they picked each song, and why she might be interested in them. These letters can be shared out loud with the class, with time permitting.
Sample playlists/letters:
| creeper’s_playlist.pdf |
| playlist_for_creeper.pdf |