Harrison Bergeron Pre-Reading

     "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut is perhaps one of my favorite short stories to get the school year going. Not only is it a story that helps engage the students from the start, it is a great way to introduce argumentative writing.

     I'll be putting together a series of blog posts over teaching this wonderful story.

    Below is a Pre-Reading Activity for teaching "Harrison Bergeron" in the 8th grade on a 45 minute class schedule.  Take it, adapt it, and tweak it for your needs.

 

 

Day 1 (Pre-Reading):

• Teacher dresses in ridiculous items that can later be related back to "handicaps" as those found in the story. The more ridiculous, the better.
• Commit to wearing the items for the extent of the class period. Do not answer or discuss why you are wearing the items until the end of class. Re-direct students to the current task and let them know if they participate they will soon discover the mystery to the attire.

 

• Write the word "EQUAL" on a piece of poster board.
  

  
• Pass out sticky notes and have students write how they would define equal on the sticky note.
• Place Post-It on poster board.

• Have students discuss in groups what they think "Equal" means.
• Walk around and discuss with each group.

• Pass out sticky notes.
• Tell students to write down what their group thinks "EQUAL" means.
• Post sticky note on poster board.

• Bring the class together and have the students discuss what "Equal" means.

• On another poster board write
  

  
  
• Start passing out "handicaps" that can be found in the story to the students. DO NOT call them a "handicap" yet. Some items that you can make to pass out can include a chain out of construction paper to wear around the neck, thick rimmed glasses, a red clown nose, masks and headphones.
• Ask the students who did not receive an item how they feel.
• Ask the students who did receive an item how they feel.
• Then, explain that the items are a "handicap".
• Ask the same question above.
• Explain what your "handicaps" you are wearing mean.
• Refer back to the poster with the question "Does equality truly exist?"
• Pass out a sticky note and have the students write their answer on it and place on the poster as an exit ticket.

• Hang the posters somewhere visible throughout the unit. You will be referencing them again and re-visiting the question "Does equality truly exist?" later in the unit.