Inspirational Writing

1. The High Tower	4. John Muir's Ascent of Mount Rainier
2. The Japanese Artistic Tradition and Mount Fuji	5. Settling
3. Mountain of the Rising Sun	Additional Resources

 

 

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The High Tower

Overview:	This is the opening lesson designed to introduce and set up a series of literary analysis selections highlighting the human connection and experience with mountains.
Grade Level:	8 - 12
Objectives:	Students will gain an understanding of the cultural significance of mountains in the human experience by reading and analyzing an ancient Chinese poem.
Lesson Plan:	The High Tower - word, 41KB The High Tower - pdf, 442KB

 

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The Japanese Artistic Tradition and Mount Fuji

Overview:	Introductory lesson on the significance of Mount Fuji to the Japanese cultural and artistic tradition: the teacher may wish to use this lesson as an inspirational introduction or as an anticipatory set for cultural studies of Mount Fuji and Mount Rainier. This lesson gives students the opportunity to appreciate three classics from traditional Japanese literature and art showing Mount Fuji.
Grade Level:	8 - 12
Lesson Plan:	Japanese Artistic Tradition - word, 33KB Japanese Artistic Tradition - pdf, 483KB

 

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Mountain of the Rising Sun

Grade Level:	9 - 12
Objectives:	After completing this activity, students will be able to analyze and interpret the language of Bernbaum's piece. Students will also develop an understanding of the historical importance of Mount Fuji in Japanese society and culture.
Lesson Plan:	Mountain of the Rising Sun - word, 37KB Mountain of the Rising Sun - pdf, 414KB
Materials:	Sacred Mountains of the World: Fuji, Edwin Bernbaum (excerpt)

 

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John Muir's Ascent of Mount Rainier, 1888

Overview:	This activity presents students with a literary analysis task, based upon their reading of an extract from naturalist John Muir's writing. Students will read Muir's account of his climb up Mount Rainier and answer the accompanying questions.
Grade Level:	8 - 12
Objectives:	After completing this activity students will be able to understand and appreciate the challenge faces by early climbers of Mount Rainier. Students will also be able to define key words and identify key places on the map of Mount Rainier and its surrounding region.
Lesson Plan:	John Muir's Ascent - word, 37KB John Muir's Ascent - pdf, 573KB
Materials:	An Ascent of Mount Rainier, John Muir (excerpt)

 

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Settling

Grade Level:	8 - 12
Objectives:	After completing this activity the student will be able to interpret and evaluate the language and conventions of the poem.
Lesson Plan:	Settling - word, 33KB Settling - pdf, 381KB

 

Additional Resources:
Elements of Literature
Creative Writing Rubric
What Makes a Good Story? Tips for Young Authors
Maps of Mount Fuji