Ghost Boys Jewell Parker-Rhodes novel study lessons, CLICK HERE to find on TpT.
Ghost Boys Jewell Parker Rhodes is a powerful novel about racism, police violence, and the importance of speaking up. The story follows the life of Twelve-year-old Jerome Rogers, a black boy who is shot by a police officer. As he transitions into the afterlife, he meets the ghosts of other black boys who have been killed by police violence. Together, they help Jerome come to terms with what happened to him and encourage him to speak up so that his story can help others. This novel is an important addition to any classroom discussion about race, policing, and social justice. Here are some tips on how to teach Ghost Boys in the classroom:
Establish a Safe and Inclusive Classroom Environment
Before diving into the novel, it’s important to create a safe and inclusive environment in your classroom. This means ensuring that all students feel comfortable participating in discussions about race and racism. One way to do this is to have a class discussion about why these topics can be difficult to talk about, but also why they are important. You can also provide resources for students who might need additional support, such as books or articles on the subject matter. Finally, make sure you emphasize that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to these discussions—everyone’s experiences and perspectives are valid.
Use Text-Based Evidence
When discussing the novel with your students, be sure to use text-based evidence to back up your points. This will not only help students engage with the material on a deeper level, but it will also prepare them for standardized tests and college-level coursework. Throughout the novel, there are many examples of police brutality and racism that can be used as evidence in class discussions. For instance, when Officer Danvers shoots Jerome in the back, this is a clear example of police violence against black boys.
Connect the Novel to Real-world Events
One of the best ways to get students engaged with Ghost Boys Jewell Parker-Rhodes is to connect it to real-world events. There has been an increase in awareness of police violence against black boys in recent years thanks to movements like Black Lives Matter. As a result, there are many news articles, videos, and other resources that you can use to supplement your discussions about the novel. For instance, you could show students video footage of police shootings and discuss how these events relate to what happens in Ghost Boys.
Emphasize the Importance of Speaking Up
Throughout the novel, Jerome and the other ghost boys learn that their stories need to be told in order for change to happen. This is an important lesson for students as well—their voices matter and they have the power to make a difference in their communities. You can emphasize this point by having students write letters or create artwork inspired by Ghost Boys Jewell Parker-Rhodes. These letters could be addressed to local politicians or law enforcement officials demanding change or they could be stories about personal experiences with racism or discrimination. Whatever form they take, these pieces should be created with the intention of starting a conversation about how we can make our world more just and equitable for everyone involved.
Emphasize Empathy One of the most important lessons that can be gleaned from Ghost Boys Jewell Parker-Rhodes is the importance of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Throughout the novel, Jerome and Emmett learn to empathize with each other despite their different experiences. As a result, they are able to form a deep connection and friendship. By reading Ghost Boys, students can develop a greater understanding of how empathy can help us to connect with others, even when we seem different on the surface.
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Look at Perspectives Perspective is another important lesson that can be learned from Ghost Boys. Perspective-taking is the ability to see things from another person’s point of view. In the novel, Jerome and Emmett are able to take each other’s perspectives into account in order to better understand each other’s experiences. This helps them to develop a deeper understanding and respect for each other. Students who read Ghost Boys can learn how important it is to take others’ perspectives into account in order to develop meaningful relationships built on mutual understanding and respect.
Critical Thinking Critical thinking is yet another skill that can be developed by reading Ghost Boys. Throughout the novel, Jerome is forced to grapple with some difficult questions about race, violence, and justice. There is no easy answer to these questions, but Jerome’s journey towards finding his own answers requires him to think critically about complex issues. By reading Ghost Boys, students can learn how to approach difficult questions with an open mind and a willingness to explore different perspectives.
Don’t Forget Before reading the novel, have students brainstorm what they know about racism and police violence. What are some examples of racism? What are some examples of police violence? How do these two things intersect? As you read the novel with your students, stop periodically to discuss what is happening in the story. What does this scene reveal about racism in America? What does this scene reveal about police violence? How do Jerome’s experiences compare to the experiences of other characters in the novel? After finishing the novel, have students write an essay or create a presentation about what they learned. They can discuss their own experiences with racism and/or police violence, or they can focus on what they think needs to be done to address these issues in America.
Ghost Boys is an important novel that can help spark discussion about race, policing, and social justice in any classroom setting. By establishing a safe and inclusive environment from the start, using text-based evidence throughout discussions, connecting the novel to real-world events, and emphasizing the importance of speaking up, educators can ensure that their students get the most out of this powerful story.
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