Succeeding in Tough Classes—Reading Comprehension, Discussion, and Written Response

Objectives:

• Students will practice writing short responses to questions that are based on reading an essay.

• Students will learn strategies for getting academic support with challenging classes

Before the activity: Ask students to raise their hand if they’ve ever failed—or at least struggled with—a class. Ask them what got in their way of succeeding, and make a list of volunteers’ responses on the board under the heading “Obstacles to Success.”

Activity #1: Reading and Discussion
Tell students they are going to read a story about a teen who felt discouraged when she started failing her physics class. Tell them to pay attention to the things that got in her way of success, and what actions she took that were helpful. (You can choose volunteers to read aloud, have students read in pairs/small groups, or have them read silently to themselves.)

After reading the story, start a second column on the board with the heading “Steps to Success” and ask volunteers to share steps that Neha takes to become successful in her physics class. List their responses.

Activity #2: Writing
Neha worked hard to turn things around and succeed in physics, but she didn’t do it alone. Some students will have identified in the previous activity the role that Mr. Stevens, her teacher, played in her success. Probe further with the students about specific things Mr. Stevens did to help Neha, and how they contributed to her success.

Then, ask students if they have ever misjudged a teacher or other adult who turned out to be supportive and helpful. Direct students to write 2-3 paragraphs describing the person and how they helped, and how their feelings about the person changed over time. Prompt them to pay special attention to the role that trust played in the relationship, and what the adult did to build that trust over time. Direct them to conclude by writing about how those trusting relationships with mentors and other supportive adults can help them reach future goals, such as college, career plans, etc.