Sarah Wells

Dr. Parlier
READ 520
September 11, 2015
Text Set: Syria for 8th Grade English
1. Professional Development Text: Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan by Laura S. Etheredge
This text focuses on the countries of Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, which are all located in the
Middle East and their history and culture has come in contact with one another at some point. It
breaks down the history, government, social customs, religion and their current position in
todays world. Because these countries have been involved in recent civil war, it is important that
teachers are familiar with the customs of each of these countries when having students come into
their classrooms who may be recent refugees. For examples, thousands of Syrians have recently
been moving into Germany, where children will be adjusting to their new school and customs.
Teachers can also use this resource to provide information to current students to help make the
adjustment easier on everyone. [SOL 8.6]
2. SOL-Supported Text: Come, Tell Me How You Live by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christies Come, Tell Me How You Live is a nonfiction, archeological memoir of a trip
she and her husband went on to Syria and Iraq, investigating the buried ruins and ancient
wonders. This correlates with the SOL strands 8.5 (The student will read and analyze a variety of
fictional text, narrative nonfiction, and poetry) and 8.6 (The student will read, comprehend and
analyze a variety of nonfiction texts). The descriptions of their journey in these countries provide
a real account of what they were like and the importance of these countries histories. It
highlights the beauty of these countries that is since been lost due to the mask of the civil wars.
This text could be used as a silent read for the class, but I think the benefits and uniqueness of
this book would be best as a read aloud. [SOL 8.5 and 8.6]
3. Read-Aloud: Dreams and Shadows: The Future of the Middle East
Dreams and Shadows: The Future of the Middle East is a book that helps to understand the
sweeping political and cultural changes that have occurred in recent decades in certain countries
in the Middle East. This book highlights the various numbers of wars, rebellions, and uprising in
these countries over the past thirty-five years. It would help provide background knowledge for
students along with a grasp at understanding how the countries got to where they are today. This
could be a read-aloud that is done in a Jigsaw format. Students would be divided into groups and
asked to read about a certain country. When they have completed their section, they will share

their information with the class. The material could be hard for certain tenth grade students, so
having them participate in groups for read-aloud could help them work as a team. [SOL 8.6]
4. Leveled Student Text: Syria by Coleman South
Syria is from the Cultures of the World series, which provides insight on the countrys culture,
history, economy, lifestyle, arts, and many other aspects. It has pictures and is written on a level
of 6-7th grade, but what would work for 8th grade students in this text is that is provides quick
answers and references for research. It is still a mature read for students because the historical
background is extremely important in understanding the countrys current situation today. This
book corresponds with SOL standard: 8.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of fictional
texts, narrative nonfiction, and poetry. The visuals and information provided in this text is not
only a good resource for research, but a good book with general knowledge about Syria that
could help the classroom learn more the country. [SOL 8.5]
5. The Space Between Our Footsteps: Poems and Paintings from the Middle East by Naomi
Shihab Nye
This is an excellent resource for students to explore the Middle Eastern culture with poems and
paintings that provide another way to look at their lifestyle. Because poems and paintings have
fewer words and more visuals that stick with the viewer and reader, it might allow for the
younger students to have pictures created in their minds from reading and viewing the mediums.
Over 120 pieces of work and 19 countries represented fill this anthology which allow for
students to pick and choose the work they want to look at. Students at this grade level are
looking for experiences that are similar to their own and using this as a resource would enable
students the freedom of choice as well. It gives students who prefer visuals over written word the
chance to explore the artwork of the Middle East and learn their culture through that experience.
[SOL 8.5]
6. Islam: A Thousand Years of Faith and Power by Jonathan Bloom and Sheila Blair
Teachers only have small glimpses into their students lives, but it is important that teachers do
make the effort to be understanding and sympathetic that they wont know everything about each
child, which means everyone is on an equal playing field. Islam: A Thousand Years of Faith and
Power would be an excellent professional development tool for educators to read because it
provides over a thousand year synopsis of the Islamic religion in the Middle East. Religion is a
important and enormous aspect of life for Syria and surrounding countries. By acquainting
oneself with religion that is prevalent in the country that a student is coming from, it would allow
for more light to be shed on their personal beliefs and culture. This narrative includes excerpts of
the Koran, poetry, biographies, inscriptions, travel guides, and a 13th-century recipe. Making
sure that teachers are prepared to help make new students, especially ELs, feel comfortable in the
classroom is extremely important to creating a safe environment for all students. [SOL 8.6]