TEACHING THE HERO’S JOURNEY: A Fantasy Choice Unit Approach for 11- 12 Grade ELA [Ep 259]

We’re wrapping up our Hero’s Journey series with a fresh twist—this time through the lens of fantasy in eleventh-grade American Literature. Marie shares how she took a bold leap by introducing a fantasy choice novel unit, transforming student engagement and challenging traditional ideas of what counts as “American Lit.” This episode ties together our vertical alignment approach from earlier grades and emphasizes how thoughtfully crafted essential questions and genre expansion can deepen student connection and critical thinking.We also dive into the power of student choice, sharing how Socratic seminars, rhetorical analysis, and multimedia pairings help students explore themes like escape, identity, and morality. You’ll hear our favorite supplemental texts and movies, a suggested summative assessment, and four key features to focus on throughout the unit. And if you’re a Happy Hour member, you’ll get access to this entire unit! Join us next week as we kick off another summer of Camp BNT!Resources:Jib Fowles’ “Advertising’s 15 Basic Appeals”Legendborn, by Tracy DeonnHouse in the Cerulean Sea, by Tj KlunePercy Jackson, by Rick Riordan Throne of Glass, Sarah J. MaasRelated Episodes: Episode 63, Choice Reading 101Episode 96, How to Select Choice Reading + Our 20 Favorite Classroom BooksEpisode 256, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Dos and Don’ts of Unit DesignEpisode 257, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Studying The Hobbit for Middle School ELAEpisode 258, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Studying the Odyssey for 9-10 Grade ELASHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode259 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻Join Happy Hour!Curriculum RehabDown with the Reading QuizShop the BNT Resource LibraryConnect with us on Instagram @bravenewteachingSubscribe to our YouTube Channel