The seventh grade ELA class has been engrossed in a study of dystopian literature. The students mentioned that reading dystopias helped them realize the importance of individual choice, the necessity of standing up for justic, and the gratitude we should all feel for our freedoms. The students noted the very fine line separating idealist utopias from corrupt dystopias.

Throughout this unit, the students completed writing assignments that built upon the class literary discussions. First, they envisioned themselves as architects of new utopias. They wrote essays laying out the laws, family structures, housing and technological innovations they would include in their ideal societies. Once they concluded these highly creative papers, they reflected on what could go wrong in their utopias to shatter these idyllic communities. As a concluding project, the students wrote dystopian stories set in their utopian communities. As a culminating celebration, the students created their own Writers’ Circle where they shared their stories while sipping hot cocoa and enjoying delicious dessert. It was truly food for thought.