Speak

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

Is there any point in discussing things that scare us, trigger trauma, or create controversy? What benefits might there be in discussing topics regarded as taboo?

Teaching Suggestion: Consider raising the question in the form of a debate or philosophical discussion. The following essay can then be read and discussed to ground the debate and contextualize the idea of living in a “dangerous time.”

Note: This is the first of several questions or activities that touch on sensitive topics. The resources included with the Short Activity below also provide helpful guidelines for facilitating sensitive discussions responsibly and will prove to be useful with the remainder of this Teaching Guide.

• This essay by James Baldwin eloquently explores what happens when adults do not teach difficult social topics in classrooms.
• This article from Western Michigan University explores the benefits and challenges of teaching taboo topics in college courses.

Short Activity

Conduct research and discuss desired outcomes to draft a set of conduct procedures and discussion agreements for safely exploring difficult topics as a class. Make sure to include plans for maintaining respectful discourse during difficult discussions, supportive procedures for experiencing difficult emotions or trauma, and a procedure for moving forward from an overly heated discussion or disagreement. Your goal is to set up a safe and respectful environment.

Teaching Suggestion: This exercise is meant to give students a voice and choice in how they approach difficult topics as a class. Consider having pairs draft conduct and discussion agreements, find resources, and then negotiate a final draft from these as a class. Students may benefit from reviewing preexisting procedures and SEL supports before beginning. Consider posting crisis lines and resources for mental health support prominently.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Reflect on the following questions in writing: What would you do if your friend showed drastic changes in mood, interests, or behavior? Do you feel equipped to talk with them about serious problems or trauma? What advice would you give to someone else whose friend was showing signs of trauma, abuse, or mental health issues? Alternatively, you may write about an experience you had with a friend or relative who was dealing with difficult events in their life.

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt may double as an early triage to identify and connect students struggling with the topic to appropriate support. Consider allowing students the opportunity to share or discuss their reflections if they choose.

• Teachers may find these guidelines for facilitating difficult discussions from the University of Michigan helpful.
• Students and teachers may find these guidelines for discussing trauma in the general public helpful for supporting friends, peers, and students.