"Through the Looking Glass" Unit Offers Students Joyful Respite

In Serra Leroy's Senior AP English Literature course, her students read and study the novel Through the Looking Glass before early college applications are due on November 1. Since this is an especially busy time for 12th graders who are wrapping up their first round of college applications, Serra designed her end-of-October lesson plans with the hopes that students will find joyful learning (and less academic stress) in her class during those weeks. 

To do this, she asks students to read chapters in Through the Looking Glass for homework at night. She then divides her AP classes into small teams, giving them literary and artistic team challenges in class each day. This creates an intersection of creativity, critical thinking, literary analysis, and playful competition. 

For example, each team creates a faux Alice Instagram account to try to prove they are the "real" Alice. On another day, they write news articles about the Looking Glass world. During the final day of the unit, each team spends an hour making a music video that reflects themes from the text. 

In addition, guest judges, such as other faculty members in the Upper School, help score the class challenges as the teams compete. Seeing the students' hard work and collaboration during this often stressful time of year is a gift. We are so grateful to Serra and everyone who supports our students daily!