Banned Books Project

Overview

Grade: 6th
Class Size: 16 students
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Other (aligned with Language Arts CCSS)
Unit: Banned Books

---

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Summarize a selected banned book clearly (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2)
• Cite textual and research-based evidence to explain why a book is challenged or banned (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.8)
• Express and support their opinion regarding censorship (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1)
• Define censorship using context clues and personal interpretation (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4)
• Conduct research with credible sources and document references (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8)
• Design a visually organized digital presentation (technology integration in communication)

---

Materials Needed

• Chromebooks/tablets or computers with slideshow software (Google Slides, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Research printouts or approved websites on banned books
• Projector or interactive whiteboard for demonstration
• Graphic organizers for planning slides
• Rubric for assessing slideshow projects (prepared by teacher)

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Teacher's Goal: Engage students and build background.
• Activity:
  • Brief discussion: “Have you ever heard of banned books? Why do you think some books are banned?”
  • Introduce the project: Students will create a 7-slide digital presentation about a banned book of their choice, covering specific required topics (refer to the 7-slide structure).
  • Show a sample slide for one banned book to set expectations.

2. Research and Note-taking (10 minutes)

• Teacher's Goal: Enable students to gather evidence-based information.
• Activity:
  • Provide a handout organized into 7 note-taking sections (each section corresponding to a slide).
  • Students use approved resources to research their selected banned book.
  • Teacher circulates, scaffolds research quality and encourages paraphrasing in their own words to avoid plagiarism.

3. Slide Planning (5 minutes)

• Teacher's Goal: Help students architect their presentation logically and creatively.
• Activity:
  • Students use a graphic organizer divided into 7 parts (one for each slide) to outline what content will go on each slide.
  • Encourage writing 1-2 sentences per slide point to keep slides focused and concise.

4. Slide Creation (20 minutes)

• Teacher's Goal: Guide students in transforming notes into a visual presentation.
• Activity:
  • Students transfer their researched notes into slides.
  • Teacher reminds them to:
    • Include slide titles clearly.
    • Use bullet points for readability.
    • Add images or icons if desired (teacher-approved).
    • Cite sources on the final slide properly (no hyperlinks, just titles/authors).
  • Teacher offers support with technical issues and content clarity.

5. Quick Presentations and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Teacher's Goal: Develop speaking skills and reflect on censorship concepts.
• Activity:
  • Select 3 volunteers to share one key slide from their project orally with the class.
  • Reflect briefly by asking: “What new things did you learn about censorship or banned books today?”
  • Collect all presentations for assessment later.

---

Assessment and Evaluation

• Formative:

  • Observation during research and slide creation phases for engagement and understanding.
  • Graphic organizer completion check.

• Summative:

  • Final digital slideshow project assessed with rubric focused on:
    • Accuracy and completeness of content aligned with slide requirements (7 slides minimum).
    • Use of evidence and research for explanation.
    • Clarity and support of personal opinions on censorship.
    • Proper citation of resources.
    • Presentation neatness and organization.

---

Alignment with Common Core State Standards

Standard Code	Description	Lesson Element
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2	Determine a theme or central idea and summarize the text	Slide 2 summary of selected book
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.8	Trace and evaluate argument and specific claims in a text with supporting evidence	Slide 3 & 6, research-based explanations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1	Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence	Slide 4, expressing own opinion
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.4	Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words or phrases based on context and usage	Slide 5, defining censorship
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8	Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, citing sources	Slide 7, resources cited

---

Extensions and Differentiation

• Advanced learners: Add audiovisual elements or record a narrated version of their presentation.
• Students needing support: Use sentence starters and partner with a peer for research.
• Cross-curricular link: Discuss historical periods when censorship increased (Social Studies).
• Home connection: Encourage students to interview parents/siblings about their experiences with book challenges.

---

Teacher Notes

• Prepare a list of commonly banned books with age-appropriate content aligned for 6th grade (e.g., The Giver, Harry Potter).
• Monitor internet use carefully for reliable and age-appropriate research sources.
• Use projectors or document cameras to demo slide creation live.
• Encourage respectful discussion around differing opinions about banned books and censorship to build critical thinking and empathy.

---

This detailed lesson plan emphasizes evidence-based research, multimedia skill-building, and critical thinking aligned with Common Core standards, offering both structure and creative freedom to empower 6th graders in exploring the important contemporary topic of banned books and censorship.