Teaching Methods: Sample #1
Exploring Historical Fiction: Read Aloud
Choi (1991) The Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Sook Nyul Choi's The Year of Impossible Goodbyes is a wonderfully written novel about a family living in Japanese-occupied Korea. Under the Imperial Emperor's oppressive rule, the Koreans are stripped of their possessions and their culture, but the Japanese are unable to take their dignity. This is a powerful book for Inman students because it allows them to see that injustice and cruelty is a universal experience that we must all address. It is also a testimony to the indomitable nature of the human spirit: a theme we revisit often in our language arts classes.
Students are able to read along as I read-aloud. Using this strategy, I provide them a model for reading effectively as I demonstrate correct diction, inflection, and delivery.