Concept Maps Generate Complex Conversations in 11th Grade English

This week in 11th grade English, students worked on an activity called “Mapping Desire” in the novel Passing by Nella Larsen. The story, which is set in the 1920s, centers around two light-skinned Black women who can pass for white. It addresses the impacts of different choices they make in their lives in relation to race, marriage, motherhood, and community.

The activity asked students to consider how the theme of desire extends beyond love and into every aspect of the story. Students worked together in small groups to construct concept maps based on themes, motifs, and examples from the text.

This kind of collaborative visible thinking activity puts students at the helm of creating deep understanding about a text. We did a gallery walk after they made the maps, and it was so much fun to hear students add another layer of complexity by comparing maps and sharing more insights about this rich and compelling novel.

Students in every 11th grade English class, whether taught by myself, Ms. Conti, or Ms. Lewis, all participated in the activity. It’s a great example of the way that all of us who teach at Greenhills work to provide unique learning opportunities for our students, even amidst the excitement of Spirit Week!

Dr. Williams, English Faculty and Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion