In an exciting literary journey, English 3 and 3H students have recently been working through their reading of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, taking a deeper look into the novel’s place within the American Modernism movement. As they explored the glittering yet hollow world of Jay Gatsby and the Jazz Age elite, students also examined the cultural and historical contexts that shaped Modernist literature—grappling with themes like disillusionment, the American Dream, and the shifting identity of a post WWI generation.

This unit has challenged students not just to read, but to think critically and annotate meaningfully. Each student developed a personal annotation key to categorize their thoughts and deepen their engagement with the text. Symbols and color codes helped them identify unknown vocabulary, new information, and wonderings—questions and reflections sparked by the novel’s rich language and layered themes. These personalized systems empowered students to take ownership of their reading, transforming their margins into places of dialogue and discovery.

A key highlight of the unit has been student-led Text Talks, where learners step into the role of discussion leader. With the teacher stepping aside, students facilitate thoughtful conversations about each chapter, using a structured format of First, Then, Next, and Last to summarize events, track character development, and explore literary devices. This approach not only helps students build public speaking and leadership skills, but also reinforces their comprehension by encouraging them to become the experts in the room.

By weaving together literary analysis, historical context, and collaborative discussion, students are building a deep and lasting understanding of both The Great Gatsby and the era it represents. Their insights and curiosity continue to drive meaningful conversations that echo well beyond the classroom.