The document discusses an activity called the Freedom Writers Line that teaches lessons about identity, expectations, and stereotyping. It prompts students to reflect on their experience in the activity through writing, including how they felt standing alone on the line and what they learned about themselves and others. Students are then asked discussion questions about expectations and pressures faced by teenagers, as well as stereotyping and inequalities experienced as teens.

1. The American Teenager
Twisted Unit

2. Part I: Freedom Writers Line
Game Written Reflection






What did you notice?
How did you feel standing on the line?
How did you feel when there were only a few
people on the line?
Were you ever the only person on the line?
What did you learn about yourself from
participating in this activity?
What did you learn about others?

3. Part II: Text Connection
- Class Discussion
Answer all questions in
writing. Be prepared to
share your answers
with the rest of the
class.

4. Expectations & Pressure





Willy Loman, an adult, experienced an identity crisis in a
country that values extraordinary success.
As a teen, Biff Loman experienced his own identity
crisis when his father did not live up to his own
expectations.
What is expected of teens today?
Are these expectations reasonable? Are they ever
hypocritical?
What are the greatest pressures that teens experience?

5. Stereotyping

As a teen, what inequalities do you see
and experience? How are teenagers
treated "differently" because they are not
considered adults?

6. Part III: Exploring Identity
- Written Response

7. Quick Write

Are you a typical American teenager?
Explain.